Interview
Inside BIOQUAL’s vision
3 Questions with Our New President Hanne Andersen Elyard
We had the pleasure of having an informal talk in Rockville at the office of our newly appointed President, Dr. Hanne Andersen Elyard. Together, we discussed the exciting future of BIOQUAL and the opportunities that lie ahead.
How are these first weeks at the head of BIOQUAL? And what would be the long-term vision?
The initial 50 days have focused on identifying areas for improvement, meeting various managers, and implementing new procedures. My 19+ years as a scientist at BIOQUAL have facilitated an easier transition, as I’m already familiar with the daily operations, our client base, and the diverse scientific projects we undertake. During this period, I have primarily concentrated on exploring new funding opportunities and collaborating with managers to enhance efficiency throughout the company. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our research services to attract more clients and grow our business with existing ones. Additionally, we’re keen on developing in-vitro testing capabilities and GLP services for both small and large animal models as part of our long-term vision.
To better know BIOQUAL, can you share a breakthrough or discovery your company is most proud of?
BIOQUAL has played a pivotal role in IND-enabling preclinical testing for numerous vaccines and therapeutics. Notably, Gilead’s Lenacapavir treatment for HIV prevention has advanced to clinical trials and received licensure. Yet, our most significant achievement lies in our contribution to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. BIOQUAL’s dedicated staff collaborated tirelessly with both NIH and commercial clients, conducting preclinical testing for vaccines like Moderna and J&J, as well as monoclonal antibody treatments from Eli Lilly and Regeneron. These efforts led to FDA approvals, significantly aiding in saving millions of lives worldwide. It was so gratifying getting vaccinated with a vaccine we had hands-on experience in testing.
BIOQUAL is a trusted partner for infectious disease research; from that view, what are the challenges the world faces today?
Climate change is significantly affecting pathogens, especially those spread by mosquitoes or ticks, known as vector-borne pathogens. This leads to an increase in both the number and distribution of these pathogens. Additionally, the rise in global travel is contributing to their spread. We must intensify our monitoring for new infectious agents and expand preclinical testing in the U.S. to address neglected pathogens, as they may become more prevalent.
