STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 15 November 2024. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) has today made a significant announcement regarding its portfolio company SVF Vaccines. The board of SVF Vaccines has appointed Dr. Gaston Picchio as the acting CEO, effective immediately, as of Friday, November 15th. This leadership change follows Dr. Richard Bethell’s decision to step down from his role as CEO to pursue other professional interests. However, Dr. Bethell will continue to maintain a connection with the company, serving in an advisory capacity.
SVF Vaccines is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of vaccines aimed at preventing and treating serious infectious diseases that increasingly challenge global health.
As a dominant player in the biomedical investment sector, Karolinska Development holds a 34% ownership stake in SVF Vaccines.
For further information, please contact:
Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com
Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com
TO THE EDITORS
About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) operates as a leading Nordic life sciences investment company. The organization is committed to identifying and nurturing groundbreaking medical innovations emerging from the Nordic region, which are cultivated by exceptional entrepreneurs and dedicated leadership teams. The company actively invests in the foundation and expansion of businesses that advance these innovative assets into commercial products targeted to positively impact patients’ lives, while also delivering lucrative returns for investors.
With robust connections to world-class medical research at the renowned Karolinska Institutet and other eminent universities and research institutions across the Nordic region, Karolinska Development is poised for success. The company’s strategy is to build enterprises around scientific leaders in their respective fields, who are supported by adept management teams and seasoned advisers. These efforts are often co-funded by specialized international investors to maximize the potential for success.
The overall portfolio of Karolinska Development consists of eleven promising companies that focus on addressing significant challenges presented by life-threatening or debilitating diseases through innovative treatments.
Karolinska Development is guided by a visionary team of investment professionals, each with a demonstrated history of successfully building companies, and each possessing access to an expansive global network.
For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com
What inspired Dr. Gaston Picchio to take on the role of acting CEO at SVF Vaccines during this critical time for the company?
**Interview with Dr. Gaston Picchio, New Acting CEO of SVF Vaccines**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Picchio, and thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on your new role as acting CEO of SVF Vaccines. How does it feel to step into this position, especially during such a pivotal time for the company?
**Dr. Picchio:** Thank you for having me! It’s a tremendous honor to take on this role. SVF Vaccines is at a critical juncture, and I’m excited to lead the team as we continue our mission to develop next-generation vaccines against serious infectious diseases. The need for innovation in this field has never been greater, and I’m fully committed to steering our efforts in the right direction.
**Editor:** As you take the helm, can you share what your immediate priorities will be for SVF Vaccines?
**Dr. Picchio:** Certainly. My immediate priorities will include ensuring a seamless transition following Dr. Bethell’s departure, while also focusing on our ongoing research and development projects. We’re working on several promising vaccine candidates, and maintaining momentum is essential. Additionally, I’ll be dedicating time to strengthen partnerships and collaborations that can expedite our progress.
**Editor:** Speaking of Dr. Richard Bethell, he will remain with SVF Vaccines in an advisory role. How do you envision this relationship benefiting the company moving forward?
**Dr. Picchio:** Dr. Bethell has been instrumental in shaping SVF Vaccines. His expertise and insights will continue to be invaluable to our team and strategic vision. I see our collaboration as a bridge that can help us leverage his experience while we implement fresh ideas to drive our initiatives forward.
**Editor:** SVF Vaccines forms part of Karolinska Development’s portfolio, which holds a 34% stake. How does this relationship influence your strategy and operational focus?
**Dr. Picchio:** Being part of Karolinska Development offers us significant advantages, particularly in terms of funding and access to resources. Their strong network and commitment to advancing life sciences provide a solid foundation for our work. This relationship will definitely guide our strategic planning and help us navigate the complex landscape of vaccine development.
**Editor:** The vaccine landscape has been evolving rapidly, particularly since the global pandemic. What role do you believe SVF Vaccines can play in addressing future health challenges?
**Dr. Picchio:** SVF Vaccines is dedicated to being at the forefront of vaccine innovation. Our goal is not only to respond to current threats but also to anticipate and prepare for potential future outbreaks. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and research methodologies, we aim to create effective, safe, and accessible vaccines that can make a lasting impact on global health.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Picchio. We wish you the best of luck in your new role and look forward to seeing great advancements from SVF Vaccines under your leadership.
**Dr. Picchio:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and interest in our work.
