Exothera appoints new CEO to lead viral vector and nucleic acid production
Exothera, a GMP-certified contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) specialising in viral vectors, RNA therapeutics, and vaccines, has announced the appointment of Cédric Volanti as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, effective 8 October 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Belgian company as it seeks to strengthen its position in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Volanti’s background and expertise
Volanti brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Exothera. Holding a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Liège, Volanti’s academic background includes two postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School, focusing on virology and immunology. His scientific expertise is complemented by a master’s degree in management, which he obtained in the late 2000s.
Volanti’s professional trajectory spans several executive positions in the cell and gene therapy sector across Europe and North America. His previous roles include leadership positions at SGS in Switzerland and Belgium, PharmaCell in the Netherlands, Delphi Genetics in Belgium, and Novasep in France. Most recently, Volanti served as Vice President & General Manager of Viral Vector Services at Thermo Fisher Scientific in the United States.
Strategic vision for Exothera
As the newly appointed CEO, Volanti is tasked with defining and implementing Exothera’s global strategy. This comes at a crucial juncture for the company, which was founded just four years ago. The focus of this strategic direction will be threefold: driving innovation, expanding international presence, and developing new products and services.
Volanti’s appointment aligns with Exothera’s objectives to capitalise on emerging technologies and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of advanced therapies. His international experience and dynamic approach are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future trajectory.
Exothera’s capabilities and market position
Founded in 2020, Exothera has quickly established itself as a key player in the CDMO landscape, particularly in the realm of viral vector and nucleic acid production. The company offers a comprehensive range of services spanning from early discovery to commercial cGMP manufacturing, catering to the pharmaceutical industry’s needs in developing advanced therapies.
Exothera’s expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies to optimise the production of vaccines, viral vectors, oncolytic viruses, and nucleic acids. This technological prowess, combined with the company’s GMP-certified status, positions Exothera as a valuable partner for biopharmaceutical companies seeking to advance their pipeline of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
Challenges and opportunities in the CDMO sector
The appointment of Volanti comes at a time when the CDMO sector, particularly in the field of cell and gene therapies, is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The increasing pipeline of advanced therapy candidates has created a surge in demand for specialised manufacturing capabilities, presenting both challenges and opportunities for companies like Exothera.
One of the key challenges facing CDMOs in this space is the need to continually innovate and adapt to new technologies while maintaining regulatory compliance and cost-effectiveness. Volanti’s experience across multiple organisations in the sector is likely to prove valuable in navigating these complex demands.