Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm
based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering,
alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in
the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record
comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs,
academia, and start-ups.
Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial
biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research,
manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals
(Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research
(Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute).
Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal
making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies.
For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigmchanging therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and
business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007-
2010.
Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from
the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School
(MBA/M.Sc.).
Relevant publications:
Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in
Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley &
SonsVertès,
A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the
development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science,
Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692..
Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the
development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science,
Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.
Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in
the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging
Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.
Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … &
Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into
Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.
Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P.
(2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products:
challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.
Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize
pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495.
Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B.
(2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership.
Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.
Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into
commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.
Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large
Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact
on Healthcare, 153-175.
