Earlier this spring, Servier hosted the Golden Ticket Awards at Lab Central, Cambridge, MA – an event designed to highlight innovation in life sciences and support emerging biotech companies. This year, the award went to Viska Bio for its innovative approach to immunotherapy.
The event also featured an insightful fireside chat which highlighted Servier’s commitment to innovation and patient care in the fields of neurology and oncology. To address this topic, Chloé Leprêtre, Head of Global R&D Search and Evaluation at Servier, Dale Porter, Head of Oncology Research in the U.S. at Servier, and Hélène Tran, Head of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Program, Neurology at Servier, explored emerging trends, shared their strategic vision, and discussed the next challenges facing the industry. 

Setting strategic priorities to advance patient care 

Our panelists walked through Servier’s strategic priorities and how their teams are addressing them. In this competitive industry, a targeted approach is a strategy that has the best potential to pay off. It’s efficient and can provide direct patient benefit; targeting disease areas with strong medical needs allows for increased efficiency in developing the right treatment for the right patient and designing the right therapeutic modality.
In neurology for instance, where Servier is aiming to grow in the coming years, teams have identified key focus areas with high unmet needs: refractory epilepsies, rare movement disorders and neuromuscular disorders. “Focusing on areas where we can make the most meaningful impact is crucial” added Hélène Tran.
The conversation also touched on the critical role of precision medicine. While it offers great potential – particularly in neurology – there are still scientific challenges, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier, that requires sustained focus and collaboration to overcome.

Keep meeting challenges head on by adopting a long-term strategy 

Strategic partnerships play an important role in Servier’s broader goals. Panelists highlighted the recent licensing agreement with Black Diamond Therapeutics, which gives Servier the opportunity to develop and potentially commercialize BDTX-4933, a small molecule therapy targeting RAF/RAS-mutant solid tumors. The Golden Ticket event is also a reminder of the value of supporting early-stage companies, like Viska Bio. Helping startups navigate the challenges of the biotech landscape is one way Servier aims to contribute to a more robust and collaborative innovation ecosystem.
When asked about what’s next, the panelists expressed confidence in Servier’s ability to meet future challenges. With experienced teams, a focused strategy, and a willingness to partner where it counts, our company remains committed to finding new ways to improve patient care.