Bridge-builder Leufkens strengthens Lygature
Starting February 1, 2018, Professor Bert Leufkens will further strengthen the scientific leadership team at Lygature. For the last ten years, Professor Leufkens has been chairman of the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen). He has also played several leading roles at the European Medicines Agency, which will move to Amsterdam in 2019.
“Just like Lygature, I believe in public-private partnerships,” said Leufkens. “Those partnerships are needed but are not always easy to realise. Building trust plays a pivotal role here. As a not-for-profit organisation, Lygature can act as an independent broker, standing between the different parties involved to make a difference for patients worldwide. While staying connected to Utrecht University, I hope to use this new position to make a strong contribution to Lygature’s ambitions.”
Lygature Managing Director, Jorg Janssen, is particularly pleased with Leufkens’ arrival. “As chairman of the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Bert has proved to be a real bridge-builder. With his inclusion in the team, Lygature has ensured further strengthening of its scientific knowledge on medicine development in general, and admission and registration in particular. His qualities, knowledge and network are extremely valuable in delivering on Lygature’s mission to develop and foster partnerships that bring medical solutions faster to the patient.”
Professor Leufkens joins Professor Peter Luijten on Lygature’s scientific leadership team. Former member, Dr. Ton Rijnders, started as General Director of Oncode Institute on November 1, 2017. Dr. Rijnders will remain involved with Lygature on several large partnerships, such as the European Lead Factory.
Lygature: Pioneering Medicine. Together.
Lygature is a not-for-profit organization based in the Netherlands. It drives the development of new medical solutions for patients by managing public-private partnerships involving academia, industry and society. Every day, Lygature brings together people in many different disciplines and organizations – to pioneer solutions in medical technology and pharmacotherapy, and to serve patients worldwide. As a partnership manager and independent third party, Lygature can balance all interests and create a safe space for collaboration and innovation.
Read more at: www.lygature.org/about-us/governance
