
ABOUT US
Vector BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company aiming to transform the safety, efficacy, and specificity of drug delivery, to improve treatments for patients. Incorporating cutting-edge platform technologies, from world-class academic research at the University of Zürich, Vector BioPharma uses engineered virus-like particles to achieve cell- and tissue-specific delivery, and tunable expression of genes and regulators with unprecedented precision.
Our Mission
We develop next-generation therapeutics using our proprietary platform that delivers the right gene to the right place at the right time with unparalleled precision and versatility.

Markus Enzelberger
Markus Enzelberger, Ph.D., Interim CEO. Markus is a seasoned executive with deep domain knowledge of drug discovery and development, especially in the protein field. Alongside his role in guiding the development and growth of Vector BioPharma, Markus is a Partner with Versant Ventures, where he plays a central role in the launch of life science startups from Versant’s Ridgeline Discovery Engine. He joined Versant in 2002 and is recognized as a leading authority in the field of protein engineering. Prior to his role at Versant, Markus was CSO and a member of the management board at MorphoSys. Markus holds a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Stuttgart, Germany.

Kurt Stöckli
Kurt Stoeckli, Ph.D., Head of Strategy. An entrepreneurial scientist and seasoned C-level executive, Kurt has had an extensive career in R&D and supporting biotherapeutics scale-up operations. He has held several senior positions at large pharma companies, including Novartis, Sanofi and Glenmark. As Therapeutic Area Head with Sanofi, Kurt oversaw the development of three products through to market, including Dupixent (duplilumab). He has also been responsible for leading multiple, high-profile partnerships between biotech and pharma companies. Kurt is a strategic advisor and member of the NDA advisory board. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Basel.

Sheena N. Smith
Sheena N. Smith, Ph.D., Head of Program Management. Sheena led the pioneering research and development of Vector’s SHREAD technology at the University of Zurich. With over 15 years’ experience in biomedical research, Sheena has provided critical leadership in the development of new technologies, including the invention of platform technologies in the fields of T cell receptor engineering and adenoviral gene therapy. Sheena holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, and a Postdoc from the University of Zurich. During her postdoctoral studies, Sheena led the transitional development of SHREAD technology from academia to industry.

Lawrence Klein
Lawrence Klein, Ph.D., Advisor. An experienced biotech executive and venture investor, Lawrence is a Partner at Versant Ventures and was previously a partner at McKinsey & Company. Prior to working in investment, he was COO and CBO of CRISPR Therapeutics where he helped to grow the company from preclinical stage into a multi-billion dollar company with several clinical programs, including Exa-cel, which is nearing regulatory approval for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. He has a scientific background in immunology and holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Stanford University.

Nigel Sheail
Nigel Sheail, Advisor. Nigel is a Venture Partner with Versant Ventures.He brings exceptional business development capabilities and deep insights into the industry from over two decades of leadership roles within the pharmaceutical sector. Prior to joining Versant, Nigel was Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development & Licensing at Novartis, where he served as a member of the senior leadership team. At Novartis he was responsible for the execution of a broad range of healthcare deals, spanning research and technology collaborations through to large M&A transactions. Nigel was also previously Head of Business Development and Licensing for Bayer Healthcare, and before that served as Head of Group M&A at Roche, and Head of Licensing for its Pharma division.

Cornelia Maurer
Cornelia Maurer, Finance Director. Cornelia has over 15 years of experience as a finance business partner, spanning retail, distribution and pharmaceuticals. She has held several senior financial roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and Actelion Pharmaceuticals. During this time, she provided support and leadership in local, regional and global financial environments, including divestitures and acquisition deals. Cornelia holds an EMBA from Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz in Basel.

Kerry Thornton
Kerry Thornton, Head of Program Management. Kerry has extensive experience in administrative and managerial roles, with a career spanning both pharma and airline industries. Kerry joined Vector BioPharma from F. Hoffmann La Roche in Basel, where she was an administrative professional and business manager to the Global Head of Program Management in Product Development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages from the University of Liverpool.

Nadine Seiler
Nadine Seiler, HR Associate. An experienced HR manager, Nadine has worked across various areas, including benefits administration, staffing/recruitment, employee development, employee relations and compensation. Prior to joining Vector BioPharma, Nadine held roles at Deloitte and Direct Mail Company. Nadine holds a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Business FHNW in Basel, Majoring in Human Resource Management & Financial Planning.

Alexander Mayweg
Alexander Mayweg, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board. Alex is Managing Director and head of Ridgeline Therapeutics, Versant Ventures’ Basel-based Discovery Engine. He is an accomplished leader in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry and has worked across Europe, the U.S. and Asia, including leading successful therapeutics portfolios, programs and teams within Roche Pharma Research and Early Development. Alex held several high-profile leadership positions at Roche, spanning over 14 years, ultimately serving as Global Head of Chemistry. During his career at Versant Alex has been pivotal in the launch and successful funding rounds of several portfolio companies, including Black Diamond (BDTX), Monte Rosa (GLUE), Bright Peak, Enterprise (acquired), T-knife and Matterhorn. Alex holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Oxford University, followed by post-doctorate training at Stanford University.

Markus Enzelberger
Markus Enzelberger, Ph.D., Interim CEO. Markus is a seasoned executive with deep domain knowledge of drug discovery and development, especially in the protein field. Alongside his role in guiding the development and growth of Vector Biopharma, Markus is a Partner with Versant Ventures, where he plays a central role in the launch of life science startups from Versant’s Ridgeline Discovery Engine. He joined Versant in 2002 and is recognized as a leading authority in the field of protein engineering. Prior to his role at Versant, Markus was CSO and a member of the management board at MorphoSys. Markus holds a from the Technical University of Stuttgart, Germany.

Andreas Plückthun
Andreas Plückthun, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CSO. Andreas is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Zürich. He is an established expert and internationally recognized pioneer in protein engineering, having authored more than 500 publications and been recognized by numerous international , including the Christian B. Anfinsen award of the Protein Society, cited as a ‹Pioneer of Protein Engineering› and the Wilhelm-Exner Medal (Vienna, Austria). Andreas is an experienced life sciences entrepreneur. He was co-founder of Morphosys AG (Munich, Germany), Molecular Partners AG (Zürich, Switzerland) and G7 Therapeutics (acquired by Heptares). Andreas holds a Ph.D. from the University of California and a Postdoc from Harvard University

Andreas Plückthun
Andreas Plückthun, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CSO. Andreas is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Zürich. He is an established expert and internationally recognized pioneer in protein engineering, having authored more than 500 publications and been recognized by numerous international , including the Christian B. Anfinsen award of the Protein Society, cited as a ‹Pioneer of Protein Engineering› and the Wilhelm-Exner Medal (Vienna, Austria). Andreas is an experienced life sciences entrepreneur. He was co-founder of Morphosys AG (Munich, Germany), Molecular Partners AG (Zürich, Switzerland) and G7 Therapeutics (acquired by Heptares). Andreas holds a Ph.D. from the University of California and a Postdoc from Harvard University

Lorenz Mayr
Lorenz Mayr, Ph.D., Co-Founder. Lorenz is a biochemist, biophysicist and molecular biologist by training, and his career in industry has included global leadership roles such as Project Manager at Bayer, Executive Director at Novartis, VP, Global Head of Reagents and Assay Development at AstraZeneca, Chief Technology Officer and Head of R&D at GE Healthcare, and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Syncona. He holds Board positions at Phoremost, Mogrify, and Fraunhofer IGB, IPA and IZI, and is Chief Scientific Advisor to EQT Investments AB. Lorenz also holds a position as Guest Professor, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences at the ETH in Zürich. He trained at the University of Tübingen (Germany), University of Bayreuth (Germany), University of Colorado at Boulder (USA), and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Mass, USA)
TECHNOLOGY
Vector BioPharma’s cutting-edge gene precision delivery technology will transform the safety, efficacy, and specificity of biologics and cell therapies.
Our Shielded, Retargeted Adenovirus-based virus-like particle (SHREAD) platform utilizes a high capacity non-viral particle combined with exogenous, high-avidity adapter proteins to redirect delivery of DNA encoding therapeutics to defined biomarkers on the target cell or tissue, in a highly controlled manner.
This allows for the local production of highly potent drugs with greatly reduced risk of systemic toxicities and opens the door for multiple applications in gene-based medicines.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Freitag et al. Modular Adapters Utilizing Binders of Different Molecular Types Expand Cell-Targeting Options for Adenovirus Gene Delivery Bioconj Chem (2022)
Kirchhammer et al. NK cells with tissue-resident traits shape response to immunotherapy by inducing adaptive antitumor immunity. Sci Transl Med (2022)
Smith SN et al. The SHREAD gene therapy platform for paracrine delivery improves tumor localization and intratumoral effects of a clinical antibody. Proc National Acad Sci USA (2021)
Brücher D et al. iMATCH: an integrated modular assembly system for therapeutic combination high-capacity adenovirus gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev (2021)
Schmid M et al. Adenoviral vector with shield and adapter increases tumor specificity and escapes liver and immune control. Nat Comm (2018)
Dreier B et al. Development of a generic adenovirus delivery system based on structure-guided design of bispecific trimeric DARPin adapters. Proc National Acad Sci USA (2013)

PARTNERING
Vector BioPharma is a pharmaceutical company developing its own therapeutic products. The Company’s proprietary delivery technology is available to license by innovative companies with new modalities.
We are looking to partner with pioneers in the fields of immuno-oncology, cell therapies, precision medicine, and academic researchers to revolutionize gene delivery.
CURRENT PARTNERS
INVESTORS
Vector BioPharma will commercialize its technology via the development of therapeutics and is initially focused on immuno-oncology. The company’s SHREAD technology can be used to deliver genes and gene regulators to facilitate the use of next-generation treatment modalities working with DNA, including in-situ expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T cell therapies.
Following a successful Series A round in 2021, Vector Biopharma will continue to invest in technology development. We welcome inquiries from investors for series A extension as well as a future Series B investment round.
CURRENT INVESTORS
LOCATION
Founded in 2021, Vector BioPharma is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Situated at the very heart of Europe, bordering France and Germany, Basel boasts diversity, great quality of life and one of the largest pools of pharma talent.
CONTACT
Vector BioPharma AG
Aeschenvorstadt 36
4051 Basel, Switzerland
Email: info@vectorbiopharma.com