Oncology vaccines are becoming increasingly important in the fight against cancer, with the potential to revolutionize treatment options. However, one of the main challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in this field is the manufacturing process.
Simone Steiner, a seasoned executive with a background in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, recently took on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Transgene in France. Her primary focus is on leading the complex manufacturing process for the company’s personalized neoantigen therapeutic vaccines. With over a decade of experience at Novartis, Steiner brings a wealth of knowledge in large-scale production strategies and manufacturing expertise to Transgene.
Steiner joined Transgene at a critical juncture, following the setback of one of the company’s early-stage assets in a clinical trial. Despite the disappointment, she was drawn to Transgene’s pragmatic approach to failure and the company’s ability to pivot quickly to a new lead asset. This agility is essential in the biopharmaceutical industry, where rapid decision-making can make or break a company’s success.
Transgene’s focus is on developing virus-based therapies that target neoantigens on tumors, with the goal of creating individualized immunotherapies for cancer patients. The company’s myvac platform utilizes artificial intelligence to identify specific tumor mutations and incorporate them into a viral vector, stimulating the patient’s immune system to attack the cancer cells. The promising results of phase 1 trials for TG4050 in head and neck cancers demonstrate the potential of this approach in treating early-stage cancers.
In addition to advancing its lead assets, Transgene is also investing in enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. Steiner is spearheading efforts to optimize and automate the manufacturing process, leveraging machine learning technology to monitor production in real time. By streamlining quality control and batch release processes, the company aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs associated with individualized medicines.
Looking ahead, Steiner’s focus for the remainder of 2025 includes completing the phase 2 trial for TG4050 and developing commercial strategies for future product launches. As Transgene transitions from early- to late-phase development, the company is preparing for pivotal trials and laying the groundwork for commercialization. This includes implementing a process simplification program to streamline manufacturing processes and ensure a successful market launch.
Overall, Simone Steiner’s leadership at Transgene highlights the importance of innovation and adaptability in the field of oncology vaccines. By combining cutting-edge research with efficient manufacturing practices, Transgene is poised to make significant strides in the fight against cancer.
