Expansion of a US-headquartered gene therapy biotech into Europe.

Here’s how we strategically propelled AveXis’ expansion into Europe, helping them transition from clinical development into commercialization through the appointment of several senior hires across 7 European countries.

Permanent and contract placements

Director and associate director appointments

Days average time to hire

European territories covered

AveXis, a pioneering biotech company specializing in gene therapy and rare diseases, was on a mission to expand its clinical program throughout Europe with the end-goal of product commercialization. Under strict time constraints and with high stakes, they required candidates with niche skills to propel their growth and prepare for the commercialization of their lead product.

Problems identified

AveXis needed to quickly and strategically expand into Europe, a task complicated by the fast-tracked product designation, and the need for highly specific expertise in neuroscience, orphan disease drug development, and advanced therapy medicinal products for all their senior hires. With operations in the US and Switzerland, the firm looked to us to provide support for engaging and onboarding talent for their EU trials and commercial efforts.

What was at stake

The fast-tracked FDA and EMA applications meant strict time pressures applied to the project. Failure to establish their presence and recruit the right talent within the deadline could have severely hampered their growth and delayed their crucial clinical programme and subsequent commercial efforts.

Strategy and approach

Understanding the project

Our first step was a thorough assessment of AveXis’ specific needs, understanding the unique competencies required for their expansion, such as knowledge in neuroscience, orphan disease drug development, and advanced therapy medicinal products.

Position mapping

We then conducted detailed market mapping to identify potential talent pools to recruit within the clinical and commercial sectors. Requirements spanned multiple geographies, including Switzerland, The UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Ireland and Portugal.

Engagement and evaluation

We actively engaged with potential candidates, communicating AveXis’ vision, their clinical programme, and the potential for growth within the company. We then evaluated candidates based on their experience, skills, and alignment with AveXis’ requirements.

Process management

We handled an initial round of screening of the candidates, before arranging interviews with stakeholders at AveXis. We continually nurtured the candidates on AveXis' behalf, providing guidance, addressing concerns, and keeping candidates motivated throughout the process.

Onboarding and implementation

The final step was to facilitate the placement of candidates. We carried out the necessary right-to-work checks in the relevant candidate geographies, assisted contractors in setting up limited companies and engaging umbrella firms where relevant, and ensured a smooth transition for the new permanent hires too.

Delivery

During a two year partnership, we made 36 crucial hires, including 8 director-level placements, 8 associate director-level placements, and several senior manager and manager-level placements. This strengthened AveXis' presence throughout the EMEA region, leaving to successful trial activities and eventual commercialization.

Results

Our partnership resulted in the successful expansion of AveXis into Europe, and FDA and EMA approval of their lead product. Following the expansion, AveXis was acquired by Novartis, a testament to the success and value of their clinical and commercial program and acumen of the appointed senior leadership team.

Placement details.

During our partnership, we appointed 32 permanent members of the AveXis team, as well as four freelancers to support shorter-term projects and operations.

Clinical and Medical

Senior Director, Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Director, Clinical Development
Medical Director, BeNeLux
Medical Director, France
Medical Director, Italy
Medical Director, Netherlands
Associate Director, Clinical Operations
Associate Director, Diagnostic Operations
Associate Director, Medical Information
Associate Director, Medical Information
Associate Director, Medical Information
Associate Director, Medical Information
Senior Manager, Clinical Trial Operations
Senior Manager, Clinical Trial Operations
Senior Manager, Medical Information
Senior Medical Manager, Gene Therapy
Manager, Clinical Operations
Regional Manager, Gene Therapy
Consultant, Clinical Development

Commercial and Tech Ops

Director, Business Operations
Director, Marketing and Market Research
Associate Director, Compliance
Associate Director, Regional Training
Senior Manager, Customer Services
Senior Manager, Procurement
Senior Manager, Sales Analytics
Manager, Customer Service
Manager, Marketing Operations
Manager, Marketing Operations
Manager, Marketing Operations
Manager, Pharmacovigilance Operations
Manager, Supply Chain and Distribution
Manager, Supply Chain, Artwork and Packaging
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant

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