Leadership Strengthening for European Biotechnology’s FDA Licensing Journey

Read how Barrington James partnered with a European biotech startup to fill critical regulatory and financial leadership roles, enabling the company to advance their global licensing ambitions and focus on scientific innovation.

The Challenge

A pioneering start-up in the cell and gene therapy space, focused on curing blindness through stem-cell biologics. With a team of just 15 people, all their products are in pre-clinical stages, with trials projected for 2027. The company is based in Europe but has ambitions to license its products globally, beginning with the FDA in the United States.

As a small start-up with limited internal resources, the client faced a critical need for expertise in regulatory trial design to support their global ambitions. Having relied solely on their personal networks for recruitment, they reached a point where their connections were no longer sufficient to meet their needs. They required a recruitment partner with the experience and reach to identify specialized talent, allowing them to focus on their scientific and business priorities.

Our Approach

Barrington James initiated the partnership by engaging closely with the CEO, meeting in person to fully understand the company’s vision and growth trajectory. Our initial discussions revolved around their optimism for the product pipeline and their need for funding. As part of our standard service, we facilitated introductions to potential investors to further their funding efforts.

Leveraging our extensive network and expertise in supporting companies expanding into new territories, we quickly identified candidates who could navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By managing the recruitment process end-to-end, we freed the client to focus on their core business while presenting them with a diverse and well-vetted pool of candidates.

Results

• Strategic Regulatory Support: Within just one week, we identified an interim strategic regulatory consultant who began work within a few weeks. This hire provided immediate expertise for trial design and regulatory strategy, a critical foundation for their FDA-focused ambitions.
• Expanded Leadership Capabilities: We were subsequently appointed to identify an interim CFO, enabling the company to better plan for clinical trials and financial strategy.
• Streamlined Process: The client praised the process as hassle-free, highlighting the quality and variety of CVs we presented, with options suited to their budget and strategic needs.

By securing these key interim hires, Barrington James has unlocked the company’s pathway to developing successful products and preparing for clinical trials with confidence. The combination of regulatory expertise and financial leadership ensures they are positioned to achieve their ambitious goals of curing blindness and establishing a global presence in cell and gene therapy.