Francois Martelet

Chief Executive Officer

Special competences

Seasoned senior executive in general management with a track record of shaping business units and associates of pharma and biotech companies towards goals that deliver tangible, sustainable returns. Strong general P&L management and late-stage clinical development oncology experience.

Has a proven track record of launching successful multiple oncology drugs and specialty medicine products globally. In-depth knowledge of HDACi drug class and cancer vaccines therapy. Master's Degree in Business and a Medical Degree.

Chief responsibility

Transforming Topotarget into a best-in-class European biopharmaceutical Oncology company and be recognized as such by key stakeholders (investors, medical community, patients, and employees).

Experience

Dr Martelet has solid late-stage clinical development and commercialization experience from big pharma at the corporate level, including Merck & Co, Novartis, Eli Lilly, and F. Hoffman La Roche. He was instrumental in the launches of the Novartis Oncology products in Central & Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America (2001-2003).

Later on (2003-2005), he became SVP & Region Head of Novartis in Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa with full P&L responsibility for all Novartis pharma products.

During his time with Merck & Co (2005-2007), Dr Martelet was Vice President & Worldwide Franchise Head, Oncology, from which position he has gained in-depth knowledge of the HDACi drug class via his role in the global launch of Zolinza.

More recently (2007-2009), he was President & CEO of AVAX Technologies, Inc, a US biotech company which is specialized in cancer vaccines therapy.

Awards

Medal of the Pasteur Institute, France
Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite, France

One of my favorite quotes

"In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing" (Theodore Roosevelt)

In my own words

At Topotarget
My short-term goal for Topotarget is to achieve a successful registration of belinostat in multiple indications in Europe and in the US (through Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc), and with additional partners in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

I strongly believe that belinostat has a blockbuster potential that needs to be unlocked like a diamond in the rough. This goal can only be reached together with our talented people who have the drive towards dedication and sense of urgency to bring new medicines to cancer patients.

The main reason I chose my field
I lost my father who had leukemia when I was fairly young and that was a dramatic event. In five or ten years from now, I really would like to look positively at myself and say that "we - at Topotarget A/S - have significantly improved the lives of cancer patients by bringing to the market place more oncology drugs that did make a difference".

The other side of me
Outside of work I like riding and competing with my horse (jumping) and do hope to continue being able to be on the national circuit as a "pro-amateur"!