Flot.bio x Philip Hemme

We dive into BIAL’s meteoric journey from a small pharmacy in Porto to Portugal’s biggest biopharma company, all while still being 100% family owned.
We cover BIAL’s pipeline, including treatments for epilepsy and Parkinson’s, and why BIAL’s multigenerational leadership story is nowhere as dramatic as HBO’s “Succession.”
---Avance is where European biotech turns for trusted financial advice. Learn more at https://bit.ly/flot-avance.---
⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Prior to leading BIAL, António worked at Roche in the UK as a Medical Sales Representative and a Market Analyst. While he worked at Roche, he also launched a Hepatitis C drug.António holds a degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto and an Executive MBA from the Porto Business School.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
BIAL’s website — https://www.bial.com/en
BIAL 2024 financials — https://downloads.ctfassets.net/oyx9uzi3vj2y/XTmSUhXd7ggVEnpJLx0Ch/7a22a851246d910c517e064fca4b6968/Consolidated_Management_Report_BIAL_Holding_2024.pdf
BIAL launches KYNMOBI in Portugal and Spain — https://bial.com/en/media/news/bial-launches-kynmobi-in-portugal-and-spain
Succession TV show — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660850/
BIO-Europe Spring — https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring/

📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/António-Portela-BIAL-parkinsons-biopharma/
💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme
⭐️ SPONSORSHIP
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🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW
Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO
Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:31] BIAL’s humble beginnings
[00:05:59] Behind the scenes of the Portela family
[00:12:45] A CNS innovator pipeline
[00:18:42] From small molecules to biologics
[00:21:17] Sourcing Portuguese talent from overseas
[00:24:14] Manufacturing critical for gene therapy
[00:26:21] António Portela’s dynamic leadership
[00:27:38] Quick-fire questions

Novonesis arose from a 2023 merger of Novozymes and Chr Hansen, and is a highly profitable powerhouse. CSO Claus talks about the applications of Novonesis’ technology, its low profile among consumers, and how hard it is for biosolutions startups to scale up.
⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Claus first joined Novozymes in 1993 and led its R&D both in Denmark and the US, with six years as CSO. He has a Master’s degree in biochemistry and an MBA.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Novonesis’ website — https://www.novonesis.com/en
Merger of Novozymes and Chr Hansen — https://www.novonesis.com/en/news/novozymes-and-chr-hansen-announce-name-future-combined-company-novonesis
Novonesis’ nine-month results in 2025 — https://backend.novonesis.com/sites/default/files/document/2025-11/2025_46_9M_Interim_report.pdf
Novonesis and Benchling partnership in 2024 — https://www.benchling.com/news/novonesis-and-benchling-long-term-partnership-to-power-rd
EU biosolutions — https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/bioeconomy/bio-based-products-and-processes_en

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/claus-crone-fuglsang-novonesis-biosolutions/
💸 DONATE
We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme
⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!
🫶 FOLLOW US
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:19] Novonesis: the Novozymes and Chr Hansen merger
[00:09:51] Under the consumer radar
[00:12:52] Business divisions and myriad applications
[00:20:46] The scaling challenge in biosolutions
[00:27:39] Novonesis’ profitability and growth
[00:36:34] Genetic engineering and cool patents
[00:47:57] Novonesis’ growing AI use
[00:56:34] Claus Crone Fuglsang’s enthusiasm for his work
[01:00:09] Industrial biotech globally
[01:04:15] Quick-fire questions

At the beginning of 2025, Sten R. Sörensen announced Cereno Scientific’s positive Phase 2a results in PAH for lead asset CS1. He’s now moving forward with a global Phase 2b trial starting in Q2 2026. The company also progresses its second HDACi asset, CS014, toward Phase 2. Cereno's developing pioneering treatments with disease-modification potential for rare cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.---Learn more about Cereno: https://bit.ly/cereno-e52---
⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Sten joined Cereno as CEO in 2015, with decades of experience in pharma, ranging from Monsanto Pharma to AstraZeneca.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Cereno’s website - https://cerenoscientific.com/
Cereno Scientific | BioStock Life Science Summit 2024 - [https://www.youtu.be/A5b3Ud_PSas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5b3Ud_PSas)
Cereno Scientific announces positive topline results of Phase IIa trial with lead candidate CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension **-** https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=2D7F159764FDB891
Cereno's HDAC inhibitor reduces risks from pulmonary arterial hypertension in phase 2 trial **-** https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/cerenos-hdac-inhibitor-reduces-risks-pulmonary-arterial-hypertension-phase-2-trial
Cereno Scientific Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Global Phase IIb Trial of CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) - https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=008944355F62DA91
Competing drug Winrevair / sotatercept by US Merck - https://www.drugs.com/winrevair.html

📜 TRANSCRIPT
Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sten-sorensen-cereno-drug-repurposing/
💸 DONATE
We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme
⭐️ SPONSORSHIP
Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!
🫶 FOLLOW US
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW
Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO
Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:04] Cereno's Phase2A results
[00:21:59] Phase2B
[00:32:41] Cereno's pipeline
[00:40:56] The finances of running a Phase2B
[00:45:07] Investor base of Cereno
[00:50:42] A strong team is crucial for Cereno
[00:55:41] The Swedish biotech ecosystem
[01:02:54] Sten Sörensen's background
[01:10:39] Success in drug repurposing
[01:16:03] Quickfire

Founded in 1991, Camurus has grown into a $4B biotech with two products in the market, a rich pipeline, and 290 employees.Fredrik explains how Camurus’ long-acting injections — part of its FluidCrystal technology — breathe new life into generic drugs, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment regimen. This has applications in many diseases, including hormonal disorders and obesity, with new formulations of GLP-1 agonists.He also discusses how long-acting versions of buprenorphine can help patients to overcome opioid addiction and tackle the global opioid crisis.
---
Learn how YSDS helps move your most sensitive life sciences shipments worldwide, safely, on time, with full visibility at https://bit.ly/ysds-flotbio.
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⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Fredrik joined Camurus in 2002 as a member of the board and CEO in 2003. Before this, he was CEO of Heptahelix AB and a leading academic at Lund University and the University of Oxford.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Camurus’ website - https://www.camurus.com/
Oczyesa’s approval - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-oczyesa-receives-marketing-authorization-for-treatment-of-acromegaly-in-the-eu/
Brixadi’s approval - https://braeburnrx.com/media/press-releases/braeburns-brixadi-buprenorphine-extended-release-subcutaneous-injection-ciii-receives-fda-approval-for-moderate-to-severe-opioid-use-disorder
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty - https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pain-History-Sackler-Dynasty/dp/0385545681
Camurus regains worldwide development and commercialization rights to CAM2029 from Novartis - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2018/camurus-regains-worldwide-development-and-commercialization-rights-to-cam2029-and-related-product-candidates/
Camurus and Lilly enter collaboration and license agreement - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-and-lilly-enter-collaboration-and-license-agreement-for-long-acting-fluidcrystal-incretins/
Nitazenes: Super-strength opioids spreading across Europe and North America - UN - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgge1ez0r2o

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/fredrik-tiberg-camurus-opioid-crisis/

💸 DONATE
We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!
🫶 FOLLOW US

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:47] Camurus: the $4-billion powerhouse
[00:08:25] The FluidCrystal technology
[00:15:24] Buvidal tackles opioid addiction
[00:26:05] Oczyesa’s commercial challenges
[00:31:03] Metabolic programmes in progress
[00:34:45] 4 years of profits
[00:37:00] Solving the opioid crisis
[00:46:44] Europe’s long-acting drugs scene
[00:51:05] Fredrik Tiberg’s background
[00:55:15] Quick-fire questions

Founded in 1979, Transgene has transformed itself into a leading personalized cancer vaccine player. Alessandro talks about the transformation, his history in cell therapy and how Europe’s biotech space can rival those of the US and China.

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Learn more about Transgene: https://bit.ly/tg_flotbio
---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Alessandro became Transgene’s CEO in 2023 after joining in 2022 as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also played a key role in Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma and the regulatory approval of the CAR-T therapy Yescarta.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Transgene’s website - https://www.transgene.fr/
Transgene’s €105 million fundraising - https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/26/3195422/0/en/Transgene-Successfully-Completes-a-Fundraising-of-c-105-Million.html
FDA approves neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-neoadjuvant-and-adjuvant-pembrolizumab-resectable-locally-advanced-head-and-neck
Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma for $11.9 billion - https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2017/gilead-sciences-to-acquire-kite-pharma-for-119-billion
Johnson & Johnson’s collaboration and license deal withLegend Biotech - https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/janssen-enters-worldwide-collaboration-and-license-agreement-with-chinese-company-legend-biotech-to-develop-investigational-car-t-anti-cancer-therapy

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/alessandro-riva-transgene-cancer-vaccines/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:02] Transgene, the French biotech heavyweight
[00:04:55] Standout personalized cancer vaccine
[00:25:33] Transgene’s €105 million fundraising
[00:32:05] Catalysts and oncolytic viruses