#Spain #San Sebastián #Viralgen #Angela Ochoa #Jimmy Vanhove

Viralgen's Planned CEO Transition: A New Vision for the Future

In a significant announcement, Viralgen, a top contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in AAV-based gene therapies, revealed that CEO Jimmy Vanhove will be stepping into a new role. As of January 1, 2027, Vanhove will transition to oversee the expansion of Bayer's pharmaceutical product supply chain in New Albany, Ohio. This change is part of a strategic move to strengthen Viralgen's position within the rapidly evolving gene therapy industry.

With nearly four years at the helm, Vanhove has steered Viralgen from a budding CDMO to one of the leading specialists in AAV gene therapies. During his leadership, the company strengthened its infrastructure and operational capacities, achieving a solid reputation for delivering end-to-end support from early development stages to commercial manufacturing. The result is a client base featuring over 70 partnerships globally, reflecting a deep commitment to producing transformative therapies.

In this pivotal role, Vanhove expressed pride in Viralgen's achievements, stating, "Leading Viralgen through such a transformative phase was an honor. We have maintained our focus on providing support for both common and rare diseases, alongside the patient foundations that advocate for them." His confidence in his successor underscores the potential for continued growth.

Angela Ochoa Chico, a seasoned leader with nearly two decades of international experience in pharmaceutical operations, will take on the responsibilities of CEO. Ochoa Chico brings a wealth of knowledge from her recent role at Bayer, where she focused on product supply strategy and excellence. Her track record includes shaping global manufacturing strategies and enhancing organizational capabilities, positioning her as a fitting leader for Viralgen as it enters the next chapter of its journey.

In her own words, Ochoa Chico conveyed excitement about leading Viralgen during such a critical time, highlighting the company’s strong reputation for scientific excellence and innovation. She emphasized her commitment to building upon the existing foundations, developing manufacturing capabilities, and reinforcing Viralgen’s standing as a trusted partner in the production of gene therapies.

Under her leadership, Viralgen aims to further streamline processes and meet the growing demands for gene therapy solutions, thereby accelerating patient access to life-changing treatments. Ochoa Chico stated her intention to work closely with Vanhove and the existing team to ensure a smooth transition, emphasizing her belief in the significant potential that lies ahead.

Viralgen, established in 2017 as a subsidiary of AskBio within Bayer AG, focuses exclusively on AAV-based gene and cell therapies. The organization offers comprehensive support that ranges from initial development to large-scale manufacturing, employing proprietary technologies like the Pro10™ suspension cell line and the Aava™ manufacturing platform. This technology enables Viralgen to deliver industry-leading, high-yield production tailored to all AAV serotypes, serving over 2,000 produced batches that support patients in need.

Celebrating over 450 professionals working at its state-of-the-art facility in San Sebastián, Spain, Viralgen operates one of the largest AAV manufacturing plants globally, integrating services such as plasmid production and quality control. Their commitment to sustainability also plays an essential role in their growth strategy, aligning with the company’s mission to make significant advancements in health care accessible for patients worldwide.

As Viralgen prepares for a new era under Angela Ochoa Chico, the organization stands poised to build on its successes, ensuring that it not only meets the demands of the market but also remains steadfast in its dedication to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge gene therapy solutions.

For more information about Viralgen's services and innovations, visit viralgen.com or follow them on LinkedIn for the latest updates.