From Candidate to Clinic 

How Smart Startups De-Risk Their Molecules and Accelerate Clinical Entry  

The Swiss biotech ecosystem excels at scientific discovery: how to best transition from a promising molecule to a clinical-stage asset? Startups need a fast, smooth and robust path to de-risk their programs before entering the clinic. This panel brings together an early drug development expert, a biotech founder, a life science consultant, and an ecosystem partner to explore the critical steps between lead selection and first-in-human studies.  

The discussion will focus on how early technical and strategic decisions, from development planning and CMC strategy to outsourcing and partner selection, can accelerate timelines, reduce risk, and prevent rework. Attendees will gain practical insights into when it makes sense to build capabilities internally and when relying on experienced partners creates greater long-term value.  

• 12:00 - Nametag Delivery / Networking
• 12:15 - Welcome by EPFL Innovation Park
• 12:20 - Welcome Note and Introduction to the Panel by Martina De Gennaro, Business Development Manager, Lonza Integrated Biologics 
• 12:25 - Panel Discussion
• 13.00 - Audience Q&A
• 13:15 - Closing Remarks from Jeffry Grunkemeyer, Associate Director Business Development, Lonza Advanced Synthesis / 1:1s and Networking Opportunity 

Finger food lunch will be served at the end of the session to network and continue the discussion in a more informal setting. 

• Dr. Daniel Rasmussen, CMC Expert to IND/BLA
• Dr. Emmajayne Kingham, Technical Sales & Proposal Senior Manager, Lonza Integrated Biologics
• Dr. Magali Bischof, Secretary General at BioAlps Association
• Odile Rundquist, Partner at BioQube Ventures

Moderator: Dr. Raphael Frey, Director of Commercial Development, Lonza Bioconjugation