From Platform to Product Development: Integra Therapeutics’ CEO on Scaling Gene Editing
Description
Dr. Avencia Sánchez-Mejías is CEO and co-founder of Integra Therapeutics, a Barcelona-based biotech company developing next-generation gene-editing tools. With a background in molecular biology and clinical genetics, she brings over 15 years of experience in genetic therapy research across Europe, the US, and Asia.
In this exclusive interview, Avencia shares insights on transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, building a sustainable biotech company, and leveraging strategic partnerships to bring innovative gene therapy solutions to market.
“Having a technology that can address genetic conditions and new diseases that today are not treatable, can have a huge impact. Not only for the patient but also for the cost of the health system.”, she says.
One of Integra’s most significant strategic decisions was expanding beyond being purely a platform technology company to developing their own therapeutic products. This transition required careful consideration of sustainable growth and market validation strategies.
“This is probably one of the most strategic decisions that we had to take,” Avencia explains. “We think hard and long on which first indication should be to be successful. It also changed the type of company that we were. We were very technological, and now we are building therapeutic products. So the kind of talent that you need also changes.”
United States
