Ziphius Vaccines appoints former head of Janssen Vaccines R&D as Chief Scientific Advisor
Ziphius Vaccines (the “Company” or “Ziphius”), a biopharmaceutical company developing self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines and therapeutics, today announced the appointment of Johan Van Hoof, M.D. as Chief Scientific Advisor. Mr. Van Hoof brings an impressive track record utilizing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaborations to drive vaccines research and development forward.
“We are very pleased to welcome Johan to the team and know that his extensive experience in the vaccines industry will offer invaluable insights to Ziphius as we continue to execute on our development strategy”, said Chris Cardon, CEO of Ziphius Vaccines. “His input will help accelerate the realization of the potential of our self-amplifying RNA and carrier technology platform as the next generation of RNA vaccines with the ultimate goal to improve patients’ lives.”
Mr. Johan Van Hoof, M.D., commenting on today’s announcement, stated: “I am excited to be joining Ziphius and look forward to working with such a dedicated team to progress its saRNA platform which has the potential for a higher and prolonged protein expression at a lower dose than conventional mRNA vaccines and this for different diseases at the same time.”
Mr. Van Hoof, M.D. recently retired from his role as Global Therapeutic Area Head for Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen R&D and Managing Director Janssen Vaccines & Prevention, B.V. He was a member of the Janssen R&D Leadership Team, leading Research & Development at Janssen Vaccines, drawing on his extensive experience with Johnson & Johnson and the broader vaccine industry.
Prior to joining the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, Johan acquired more than 20 years of experience in the vaccine industry, having worked with Pasteur Mérieux Connaught, Chiron Vaccines and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals. During this period, he held leadership roles with increasing responsibilities, including Head at GSK Biologicals, New Product Development.
Johan received his medical degree (cum laude) from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He studied business management at Krauthammer International School and the International Executive Programme INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.