What I do at MMV:

As Director, Drug Discovery, I provide scientific advice and leadership to a portfolio of drug discovery projects and pharmacology platforms. I work with partners from both academia and industry in order to deliver pertinent and optimal biological test cascades as well as well tolerated and efficacious preclinical candidates which will be part of the next generation of antimalarials. I have a particular interest in molecules and biological assays that tackle the liver stage of the parasite and more precisely the hypnozoites reservoir, in order to find new drugs that will help eradicate malaria.

Why I work at MMV:

Being a father of three, it really struck me to hear that a child dies from malaria every 2 minutes. I joined MMV to apply my knowledge in drug development and scientific skills to develop the next generation of drugs that will help eradicate this devastating disease and help save the lives of many children. This is a real driver that keeps me motivated every day. Working with highly motivated and enthusiastic MMV colleagues and external experts across continents is an opportunity that is exciting and which keeps us focused on achieving our goals.

More about me:

I joined MMV in 2011. Before that, I worked with the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Foundation (GNF) in San Diego (USA) and Addex Pharmaceuticals S.A in Geneva (CH). Having worked in drug discovery for about 15 years, I have broad experience in molecular pharmacology as well as drug discovery in several disease areas such as Neuroscience, Metabolic Disease and Inflammation, working with teams that have successfully delivered clinical candidates. I have a PhD in Neuroscience and Immunology from the University of Sheffield (UK).

Ask me about:

Biology and parasitology, drug discovery and anything related to hypnozoites. My goal in life: getting rid of those small dormant forms! Aside from MMV, you can also ask me about the best places to go skiing in the Geneva area, the best tennis player in history (Roger of course!) and if you need a drummer to play music with, I’m your guy.