Best Communication Award

sponsored by ICR Healthcare 

 
The 2025 shortlist:

Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc

London-based Hikma helps put better health within reach every day for millions of people around the world. The group uses its unique insight and expertise to transform cutting-edge science into innovative solutions through its broad range of branded and non-branded generic medicines.

During the period under review, Hikma participated in ten investor conferences and a series of roadshows across North America, Europe and the UK, providing investors with opportunities to interact directly with IR and management. The group hosted a Meet the Management event for sell-side analysts and investors at its offices and manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco, which included a tour of the facility, and presentations from senior members of the MENA team. Hikma’s website was updated in February 2024 with a new look and feel focusing on its purpose, financial results, and strategic direction, which resulted in an increase in views of nearly 200%. 

hVIVO plc

London-based hVIVO is a rapidly growing specialist contract research organisation (CRO) and the world leader in testing infectious and respiratory disease vaccines and therapeutics using human challenge clinical trials, providing end-to-end early clinical development services for its global client base of biopharma companies.

In July 2024, hVIVO hosted two large scale events to showcase the opening of its new facility in Canary Wharf, the world’s largest quarantine facility for human challenge trials. The first event was customer focussed, whilst the second event hosted institutional investors, sell-side analysts and lifesciences media. The positive feedback received led to hVIVO giving ten group tours to investors in the period. In addition, hVIVO delivered three live presentations following the release of its financial results with the group CEO and CFO answering live questions. hVIVO recently updated its investor website to ensure it is a destination for investors seeking more information. 

Ondine Biomedical Inc.

Ondine Biomedical is a Canadian life sciences company, based in Vancouver, that is quoted on AIM. Ondine has become a global leader in photodisinfection-based therapies to prevent and treat a broad spectrum of infections, including those caused by drug-resistant pathogens. 

Ondine Biomedical places a strong emphasis on transparent, consistent communication to deepen investor understanding of its clinical achievements, commercial momentum, and long-term growth potential. The group leverages its Investor Meet Company platform for interactive webcasts, providing shareholders and prospective investors with direct access to its leadership team through real-time Q&A sessions. In addition, Ondine Biomedical conducts in-person meetings between its CEO, President & CTO, and institutional investors. The group maintains high engagement through regular CEO email updates, which average a unique open rate of 44%. 

Oxford Biomedica plc

Oxford Biomedica is one of the original pioneers in gene and cell therapy. Based in Oxford, the group collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical and biotech companies towards a shared mission: to make cell and gene therapy a universally accessible clinical option.

Since the unveiling of OXB’s new strategy as a pure-play CDMO in September 2023, the group has proactively presented its new equity story to the market through a dynamic and transparent communications programme, consistently keeping stakeholders informed and engaged during a period of strategic change. In order to provide clarity to the market, OXB released business and trading updates, including operational and financial updates as well as key commercial KPIs. This newsflow was also supported by active participation at key investor events such as the Leerink Healthcare Conference and Jefferies London Healthcare Conference. OXB’s digital channels played a critical role in this communication, with social media used actively to share corporate updates, operational milestones, and thought leadership content. 

Pharming Group NV

Pharming is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, with a US presence located in New Jersey.  The group is commercialising and developing an innovative portfolio of protein replacement therapies and precision medicines to help transform the lives of patients with rare, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases.

Pharming’s two-person Comms and IR team over-performed during the period, delivering impactful and wide-ranging collateral. The group’s messaging supported the ongoing launch of its second product, Joenja, which represents a significant milestone for Pharming. The IR team also generated significant communications regarding the successful acquisition of Abliva AB, which added a second potential blockbuster to its pipeline. Pharming attended thirteen investor conferences during the period, along with holding four stand-alone roadshows for investors, in addition to handling the transition of its long-term CEO, Sijmen de Vries, who was replaced by Fabrice Chouraqui, formerly of Novartis. 

Verona Pharma plc

London-based Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising innovative therapies for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. The group’s first commercial product is the first inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of COPD that combines bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activities in one molecule.

2024 was a milestone year for Verona Pharma, during which the group prioritised clear and effective communication with the goal of continued transparency among its shareholders. Following major announcements, Verona hosts webcasts led by its CEO and management team to provide additional context to investors. During the period, the group held 550 investor meetings, and hosted fireside chats at prominent investor conferences, including the Canaccord Annual Growth Conference, Jefferies London Healthcare Conference and the Leerink Global Healthcare Conference. The group uses its corporate social media channels, investor website, and press releases to communicate key clinical and product updates, in addition to sending direct updates to individuals subscribed to email alerts. 

Breakthrough of the Year Award

sponsored by FTI Consulting

The 2025 shortlist:

Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc

Oxfordshire-based Adaptimmune is a fully integrated cell therapy company working to redefine how cancer is treated. The group has developed a unique engineered T cell receptor (TCR) platform to personalise medicines designed to target and destroy difficult-to-treat solid tumour cancers.

In August 2024, Adaptimmune received FDA accelerated approval for its T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy, TECELRA, for treating patients with unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma who have received prior chemotherapy and have specific HLA types and tumour MAGE-A4 expression. The approval of TECELRA is a momentous step in Adaptimmune’s journey to redefine the way cancer is treated and is the culmination of a decade of groundbreaking R&D. In addition, the approval marks the first FDA-approved engineered cell therapy for a solid tumour.  

Autolus Therapeutics plc

London-based Autolus is a CAR T cell therapy company. The group is applying its extensive programming capabilities to develop advanced autologous T cell therapies that have the potential to deliver life-changing therapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. 

In November 2024, Autolus received FDA approval for AUCATZYL® (obe-cel). Obe-cel is a CAR T-cell therapy used to treat adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). Adult B-ALL is an extremely aggressive cancer with a high unmet medical need that exists in the treatment of patients with this disease once they relapse. The approval is a breakthrough for Autolus as it not only brings new hope for adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL it is also the group’s first FDA-approved product. 

Merus NV

Merus is a clinical-stage oncology company, based in the Netherlands, that is developing innovative full-length human bispecific and trispecific antibody therapeutics, referred to as Multiclonics®. The group’s Multiclonic® antibody therapeutics are engineered to work against the complex mechanisms that drive cancer.

In December last year, Merus announced FDA Approval of BIZENGRI® (zenocutuzumab-zbco) for NRG1+ Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and NRG1+ Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer.  BIZENGRI® is the first and only treatment indicated for adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma or non–small cell lung cancer that are advanced, unresectable or metastatic and harbor the NRG1 gene fusion. The approval of BIZENGRI® was a significant breakthrough for Merus’, being the group’s first approved medicine from its highly innovative and proprietary Biclonics® technology platform. 

Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA

Italy-based Newron Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with central and peripheral nervous system disorders. The group has a proven track record in bringing CNS therapies to market, such as its treatment for Parkinson’s disease which is approved in over 20 markets.

In April last year, Newron announced positive top-line results from a potentially pivotal study evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of evenamide in patients with chronic schizophrenia currently being treated with a second-generation antipsychotic, but demonstrating an inadequate response to that treatment. The results of the study of evenamide were regarded as ground-breaking because it was the first major international study to demonstrate the significant benefit of adding a new chemical entity to poorly responding, compliant schizophrenia patients, in addition to being the first demonstration of efficacy in a placebo-controlled trial of a NCE acting exclusively through glutamatergic inhibition. This month, just outside the period under review, Newron announced approval for its pivotal ENIGMA-TRS Phase III development program evaluating evenamide as an add-on therapy to current antipsychotics. 

Optima Health plc

Sheffield-based Optima Health is the UK's leading provider of occupational health and wellbeing services. The group’s team of professionals quickly and effectively encapsulate client's needs, and support organisations of all shapes and sizes through its tailored solutions and innovative systems.

In February this year, Optima Health secured a landmark contract to provide medical services to the UK’s Armed Forces, in a deal valued at approximately £210m. Following this breakthrough, Optima will be the exclusive provider of medical assessments for candidates enlisting in the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force under the Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS). This milestone partnership underscores the group’s expertise and ability to deliver high-quality, technology-enabled medical services at a national level. In addition, Optima successfully secured its first NHS license for its proprietary Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART). This breakthrough technology reinforces Optima as a pioneer in occupational health technology. 

Verona Pharma plc

London-based Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising innovative therapies for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. The group’s lead product is the first inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of COPD.

In June last year, Verona Pharma announced it had gained US FDA approval of Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), the group’s first-in-class therapy combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects. Ohtuvayre is delivered directly to the lungs through a standard jet nebulizer without the need for high inspiratory flow rates or complex hand-breath coordination. The approval of Ohtuvayre is a significant advance and is the first inhaled product with a novel mechanism of action available for the maintenance treatment of COPD in over 20 years. Since its launch, healthcare providers in the US have widely prescribed Ohtuvayre to patients in their practices, as well as to a broad range of COPD patients. 

Best Technology Award

sponsored by RBC Capital Markets

The 2025 shortlist:

Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc

Headquartered in Oxfordshire, Adaptimmune is a fully integrated cell therapy company working to redefine how cancer is treated. With its unique engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) platform, the group is developing personalised medicines designed to target and destroy difficult-to-treat solid tumour cancers.

Adaptimmune has an industry-leading technology platform which enables identification of targets, engineering and selection of T-cell receptors to targets, and the preclinical screening of its end T-cell therapies. The group’s technology platform provides a unique ability to drive T-cell therapies forward to the clinic whilst minimising the risk of cross-reactivity to healthy and non-target tissue. The platform has been developed over 15 years by leading experts in immune-oncology and T-cell receptors and is redefining how some of the most challenging solid tumours are treated. 

Allergy Therapeutics plc

Sussex-based Allergy Therapeutics is a market leading, pioneering immunology business with specialist experience in the research and development of allergy treatments. The group’s adjuvant technologies advance the results of allergy immunotherapy and drive beneficial immune responses in cancer and infectious disease.

Allergy Therapeutics is a global pioneer of convenient treatment for allergy and immune related disorders. The group’s innovative VLP Peanut vaccine potentially allows patients who once faced anaphylaxis to safely consume peanuts. The vaccine approach uses virus-like particles derived from cucumber mosaic virus displaying the key peanut allergen Ara h 2. This design aims to retrain the immune system to tolerate peanut protein rather than mount a dangerous allergic response. Early results from the ongoing Phase I/IIa PROTECT clinical trial, currently underway in the US, are promising and if successful in later trials, VLP Peanut could transform treatment for millions worldwide. 

ANGLE plc

Surrey-based Angle is a world leader in liquid biopsy, dedicated to advancing cancer care. The group’s Parsortix technology has the potential to deliver profound improvements in clinical and health economic outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

ANGLE’s Parsortix technology is a unique CTC harvesting method using patented microfluidics in the form of a single use cassette, housed within an automated system. Its patented Parsortix PC1 system is the first FDA cleared medical device for the capture and harvest of intact CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient blood for subsequent, user-validated analysis. Having the ability to monitor and analyse CTCs could transform the treatment of MBC by providing patients with personalised cancer care through a non-invasive, repeatable liquid biopsy. ANGLE has made excellent progress to commercialise Parsortix in the last year, including entering into a supplier agreement with AstraZeneca. 

Avacta Group plc

London-based Avacta Group is a life sciences company developing next generation peptide drug conjugates. The group is challenging current drug delivery methods to expand the reach of highly potent therapeutics with an unwavering commitment to eliminate cancer.

Avacta’s proprietary pre|CISION® platform leverages tumour-specific activation to precisely release potent therapeutic agents in the tumour microenvironment through activation by tumour-associated proteases, enabling systemic administration of otherwise toxic payloads only in the tumour while sparing healthy tissue. This addresses one of the key limitations of conventional chemotherapy and other powerful anticancer agents, minimising the debilitating side effects they can cause. With promising clinical data and a diversified preclinical pipeline, Avacta’s pre|CISION® platform is now positioned as a next-generation therapeutic engine capable of generating a broad portfolio of tumour-activated therapies. 

Creo Medical Group plc

Chepstow-based Creo Medical is a commercial-stage company developing cutting-edge, electrosurgical devices for minimally invasive procedures. The group has successfully brought to market the CROMA Advanced Energy platform, which is powered by Kamaptive Technology and includes a comprehensive suite of multi and single modality devices.

Creo’s platform is a full-spectrum adaptive technology that combines radiofrequency energy with microwaves. These can be harnessed with Creo's flexible, accurate, and highly controllable surgical tools, which enable physicians to make precise, localised cuts (bipolar radiofrequency), and controlled coagulation (microwaves), delivered through a standard flexible endoscope. The group’s SpeedboatTM device has been used by clinicians in the UK, EU, US, Africa and APAC to treat cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Creo currently has an ongoing collaboration with NASDAQ-listed robotic surgery giant Intuitive, to combine aspects of its technology with Intuitive’s robotics programme, establishing the group as a key innovation driver in the medtech space. 

Scancell Holdings plc

Oxford-based Scancell is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immuno-oncology therapies. The group’s objective is to give patients who have unresponsive tumours an increased chance of survival through durable and potent immune responses.

Scancell has built a pipeline of next generation DNA cancer vaccines, designed to generate lasting immune responses in patients with hard-to-treat cancers, without compromising safety. Through targeting modifications of proteins and lipids prevalent in cancer, the group can generate potent anti-tumour responses by harnessing the adaptive immune response. The group has consistently produced exemplary data from its two lead programmes, SCOPE and ModiFY, validating Scancell’s technology and its underlying platform. 

The Emerging Star Award

sponsored by HSBC Innovation Banking

The 2025 shortlist:

Apollo Therapeutics Limited

Headquartered in Cambridge, Apollo Therapeutics is portfolio biopharmaceutical company with presence in both the UK and US. The group translates breakthroughs in biology and basic medical research into innovative new medicines and has over 20 active therapeutic programs.

Apollo’s portfolio-based model allows the group to focus on scaling a robust and potentially transformative pipeline. The group has over 15 therapeutic programs in development across oncology, major inflammatory disorders and rare disease and has core innovation sourcing and drug discovery collaborations with six of the world’s leading universities. In November 2024, Apollo signed an exclusive license agreement with Sunshine Lake Pharma for the development of its most clinically advanced FGF21/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist, which has potential to deliver enhanced efficacy in a range of conditions. 

Beacon Therapeutics Limited

Headquartered in the US with offices in London, Beacon Therapeutics is an ophthalmic gene therapy company focused on rare genetic eye disease. The group was founded in 2023 to save and restore the vision of patients with a range of prevalent and rare retinal diseases that result in blindness.

Beacon Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes for individuals living with X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), a condition impacting younger people and men that can often lead to legal blindness by age 40. The group has access to a target generation technology platform that will identify, screen and search secreted proteins in the ophthalmology space. In July last year, Beacon raised $170m in Series B funding led by life sciences venture capital firm, Forbion, alongside existing investors Syncona and Oxford Science Enterprises, in addition to new investors TCGX and Advent Life Sciences. 

Bioptimus

Paris-based Bioptimus is an AI startup group building the world’s first multi-modal foundation model for biology. The group’s mission is to fuel breakthrough discoveries and accelerate innovations in biomedicine and beyond.

Bioptimus unites a world-class team of scientists from Owkin and Google DeepMind alumni to transform biology with cutting-edge AI foundation model technologies that capture the various scales of biology. In March this year, the group released its state-of-the-art AI model for histopathology, H-optimus-1, which is trained on millions of whole-slide pathology images and delivers best-in-class performance across essential diagnostic and research tasks—such as cancer subtype classification, tumor grading, biomarker detection, and quality control of digital slides. The AI model launched on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace last month, providing healthcare and life sciences organisations with immediate access to deploy Bioptimus’s cutting-edge pathology model in their own secure cloud environments. 

Myricx Bio

London-based Myricx Bio is a biotech focused on the discovery and development of a completely novel class of selective cytotoxic payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), based on inhibitors of N-myristoyltransferases (NMT) for the treatment of cancer. 

Originating from groundbreaking research at Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute, Myricx Bio has rapidly transitioned from an academic discovery into a scaling biotech. The group secured a historic £90m Series A financing round in July last year, which was the largest ever for a UK academic spinout, reflecting the confidence that the top-tier investor syndicate has in the group. Myricx has assembled an experienced leadership team with deep knowledge and proven track records in biologics and pharmaceuticals and is utilising its fundraise to support the development of the group’s pioneering N-myristoyl transferase inhibitor platform. 

Nuclera Ltd

Headquartered in Cambridge, with offices in Boston, Nuclera is a pioneer in bringing rapid protein prototyping to the benchtop. The group’s technology accelerates breakthrough improvements in human health and empowers life science researchers with easy access to target proteins. 

Nuclera is a disruptor in the life science sector, thanks to its eProtein Discovery™ benchtop system, which is revolutionising drug discovery by enabling faster and more efficient identification of potential drug candidates. The group secured a major fundraise last year, a $75m Series C, to accelerate the commercialisation of its system, highlighting the strong market confidence in Nuclera’s technology. The system has gained traction among world-class academic institutions and industry leaders and in May last year was installed at top institutions, including the University of Cambridge, The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) in Belgium, and the CRUK Cambridge Institute. 

Purespring Therapeutics Limited

London-based Purespring Therapeutics is developing gene therapies to halt or prevent kidney disease. The group is the first company to successfully treat kidney disease by targeting the podocyte, a specialised cell that is implicated in the majority of renal disease.

Purespring is powered by its leading gene therapy platform, which enables streamlined gene therapy development for both monogenic and non-monogenic renal diseases. Previously, the ability to target the podocyte has been a major barrier to gene therapy for the kidney, however breakthrough work conducted by Purespring has demonstrated the ability of the AAV platform to target a range of kidney diseases. In October last year, the group raised £80m in a Series B financing from a high-quality investor syndicate, in addition to appointing an experienced CEO (former President of Novartis Europe) to lead the group through clinical trials. 

Quell Therapeutics Limited

London-based Quell Therapeutics delivers pioneering Treg therapies to durably transform the lives of people suffering from immune-mediated diseases. The group’s extensive experience across all aspects of cell therapy development has ensured continued leadership in the engineered Treg field.

In November last year Quell announced that AstraZeneca had selected a candidate to progress in its Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Treg cell therapy program. This was the first significant research milestone achieved under its 2023 collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca to develop, manufacture and commercialize autologous, engineered Treg cell therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). As a result of this milestone, AstraZeneca exercised its exclusive option to license the potential therapy for further development and commercialisation, resulting in a milestone payment to Quell of $10m. 

Zelluna ASA

Based in Norway, Zelluna’s mission is to develop novel TCR-NK therapies for treatment of solid cancers. The team comprises experienced biotech entrepreneurs that have taken immune-oncology projects from inception through to the clinic. The group is supported by a highly experienced international board. 

Zelluna’s TCR-NK platform is truly innovative and is protected by a strong foundational patent, with the potential to develop disruptive new cancer immunotherapies across a broad range of solid tumour indications with curative potential. In March 2025, Zelluna became the first ever cell therapy company to list on the Oslo Stock Exchange following the successful completion of a merger with Ultimovacs and a private placement, representing a pivotal moment in the group’s growth. Zelluna is planning its first IND (Investigational New Drug Application) later this year and aims to generate its first clinical data next year. 

Mediscience Media Commentator of the Year Award

sponsored by MEDiSTRAVA

The 2025 shortlist:

Amy Brown/BiotechTV

Amy is the UK-based contributor for BiotechTV and a freelance writer on the business of drug development. Amy covers biotech news and research in the London-Oxford-Cambridge triangle area. Prior to this role Amy was the Deputy Editor at Evaluate Vantage.

Amy’s hard work and ability to communicate complex topics have made her a valuable voice in biotech media. Amy has rapidly expanded the coverage of UK companies on the popular BiotechTV platform, having joined midway through 2024. She is a dedicated and thoughtful journalist who consistently brings insight and professionalism to her coverage of the biotech industry. Amy takes the time to research companies she interviews, ensuring she understands both the science and the broader context, and her interviews are well-prepared, engaging, and informative. 

Endpoints News/the Team

Endpoints is the biopharma world's leading source for breaking news, smart analysis and exclusive access. The publication is part of the Financial Times Group and is led by John Carroll, who is the co-founder of Endpoints News and has covered biopharma for the past 20 years. 

The Endpoints Team consistently offer exclusive reporting, real-time coverage, and in-depth profiles of people behind deals, science, and financial transactions. The team is relied upon across the industry as a trusted source for up-to-the-moment news and detailed reporting on science and business. Both the Endpoints Team and John Carroll personally, have been regulars on the shortlist for this award, validating the valuable service the publication provides to the sector on a daily basis. 

Hannah Kuchler/Financial Times

Hannah Kuchler is the global pharmaceutical editor for the Financial Times. She was part of the FT’s team reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic, which received an honourable mention at the SABEW awards for its coverage. Hannah was shortlisted for this award last year.

Hannah has been shortlisted once again this year for her consistent high-quality commentary on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, in addition to her strong reporting on healthcare relevant issues. Prior to her current role, Hannah was the US pharma and biotech correspondent for the FT, where she collaborated with PBS Frontline on a documentary about the opioids crisis, which was nominated for an Emmy and won a Loeb award. Hannah’s other roles have included over five years as a technology correspondent covering social media and cyber security in San Francisco. 

Melanie Senior

Melanie is a highly respected freelance journalist whose clear, insightful reporting helps shape the understanding of the life sciences sector. Writing for Nature Biotechnology, Evaluate and IN VIVO, she delivers well-informed analysis on science, strategy, policy and market trends. Melanie has been shortlisted for this award for the past two years.

This year, Melanie’s coverage has addressed key developments from the rise in early-stage biopharma deals, to shifts in orphan drug incentives and the role of AI in oncology R&D. Her writing is as accessible as it is analytical, making her a trusted voice for executives, investors and policymakers. Melanie has brought attention to areas such as radiopharmaceuticals and biotech self-commercialisation, offering perspective that is grounded in sector expertise. 

Tina Tan/FirstWord HealthTech

Tina is the Executive Editor of FirstWord HealthTech, based in London. She has been covering the medtech and healthtech sectors since 1997 providing news reporting, insights and interviews from the intersection of technology and healthcare, including digital health. 

Tina is a receptive and insightful commentator with deep insight and knowledge of the medtech sector. She is a regular contributor at industry conferences and a trusted voice in the sector. Prior to her role at FirstWord HealthTech, Tina was Editor-in-Chief at Medtech Insight.  FirstWord HealthTech provides fast and reliable news delivery of the latest developments in the digital health industry, with related analyses, physician polls and executive interviews to provide deeper insights. 

Capital Market Transaction of the Year Award

sponsored by Stephenson Harwood 

The 2025 shortlist:

BioVersys AG

Based in Switzerland, BioVersys is a multi-asset, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing and commercialising novel antibacterial products for serious life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant (“MDR”) bacteria.

In February this year, BioVersys achieved a major milestone with its listing on the Six Swiss Exchange. The group’s IPO was priced at CHF 36.00 per share, implying a market capitalisation at listing of CHF 213m. The fundraise will enable BioVersys to develop its two lead assets, BV100 and alpibectir, which both delivered strong signs of clinical efficacy and good safety profiles in their respective Phase 2 clinical trials, making it a transformational year for the group. 

NewAmsterdam Pharma Company NV

Based in the Netherlands, NewAmsterdam Pharma, is working to change the landscape of lipid-lowering treatment. The group is advancing innovative therapies for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other lipid-related conditions to enable people with cardiovascular risk to live longer, fuller lives.

In December 2024, NewAmsterdam Pharma raised $452.6m through an upsized IPO on the Nasdaq exchange. The transaction of ordinary shares and pre-funded warrants included full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The equity raised from the IPO has allowed NewAmsterdam Pharma to continue its clinical execution and support the potential launch of obicetrapib, which is the group’s oral, low-dose, once-daily, highly-selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (“CETP”) inhibitor used in patients at risk of CVD. 

Oculis Holding AG

Headquartered in Switzerland, Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company with multiple product candidates which have the potential to transform eye care for patients worldwide. Oculis is dual listed in the US and Iceland.

In February this year, Oculis, announced the completion of a $100m oversubscribed offering of ordinary shares, which provided essential capital to advance the group’s differentiated pipeline of innovative product candidates. The timing of the financing was particularly significant, following Oculis’ announcement of positive topline results from its Phase 2 ACUITY trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Privosegtor (OCS-05), in patients with acute optic neuritis. The group plans to use proceeds from the equity raise to explore the full potential of Privosegtor in acute optic neuritis, including multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. 

Optima Health plc

Sheffield based Optima Health is the UK's leading provider of occupational health and wellbeing services. The group’s tailored solutions and innovative systems offer unparalleled clinical expertise to its clients.

In September last year, Optima Health demerged its occupational Health division from Marlowe to form an independent company, which was admitted to trading on AIM. The demerger was a strategic move to allow Optima Health to focus on its own growth and development in the occupational health sector. Following the listing, Optima has continued its successful track record of growth through successful acquisition and integration as an independent business. 

Vicore Pharma Holding AB

Stockholm-based Vicore Pharma is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company unlocking the potential of a new class of drugs with disease-modifying potential in respiratory and fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 

In February this year, Vicore announced two fundraisings consisting of an oversubscribed rights issue and a directed share issue, raising a total of approximately SEK 782m and SEK 100m respectively. The group’s rights issue was supported by existing and new investors, including Sanofi and its directed share issue was supported by Invus and Capital Group. The proceeds raised are intended to fund ongoing clinical trials, particularly the Phase 2b study in IPF, in addition to advancing the company's ATRAG portfolio. 

Zealand Pharma A/S

Based in Copenhagen, Zealand Pharma is focused on the discovery and development of innovative peptide-based medicines. The group’s therapeutic focus areas include obesity, rare diseases, and chronic inflammation. 

In June 2024, Zealand announced the completion of an upside equity offering of 8.35m ordinary shares. Gross proceeds from the offering totalled over 7bn DKK (US$1bn), making it the largest ever Nordic biotech offering, in addition to being the second largest European biotech follow-on offering. Proceeds raised from the offering have been used to accelerate the development of Zealand’s differentiated obesity assets and clinical pipeline, including the progression of petrelintide through Phase 2b clinical trials. Since completing the offering, Zealand has achieved several key R&D milestones, most significantly the complete enrolment of ZUPREME-1, a global Phase 2b trial of petrelintide in people with obesity, just three months after initiation. 

Most Significant Contribution to the Mediscience Sector Award

sponsored by SP Angel

The 2025 shortlist:

Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation was created by Bill and Melissa Gates 25 years ago, in order to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life. It was this belief that led to the couple donating their wealth from Microsoft to help others.

The Foundation works by identifying pressing problems that get too little attention; whether the challenge is low-yield crops in Africa or gender-based barriers in India, the group listens and learns in order to consider whether it can make a meaningful difference with its influence and investments. The Foundation has seven divisions that collaborate with partners in over 130 countries to  drive change, and since 2000 has spent c$54bn to help its partners make a difference. The results from the Foundation’s work speak for themselves - the number of children globally who die each year before their fifth birthday has fallen by half since the year 2000 and millions more children are now surviving.

Jayasree K. Iyer/Access to Medicine Foundation

Jayasree has been CEO of the Access to Medicine Foundation since 2015. She is an influential figure in healthcare, and has been at the forefront of the access-to-medicines movement, focusing on the intersection of intellectual property rights, health, and development. Jayasree works to ensure that life-saving medications are affordable and accessible to underserved populations.

Jayasree has played a pivotal role in advancing policies that support healthcare access in low-and middle-income countries. Her work is often centered on improving the availability of essential medicines, especially in regions where public health infrastructure is lacking. In addition, Jayasree has contributed significantly to research in global health economics and policy, examining how changes in the pharmaceutical industry's practices can lead to better health outcomes for populations with limited access to care. Jayasree has relentlessly campaigned governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for healthcare challenges and has made a significant positive impact on global health policy and access.

Novo Holdings A/S

Denmark based Novo is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world’s largest enterprise foundations. The group has €142bn under management which it invests globally in life sciences, healthcare, and sustainability-focused businesses. 

2024 was a record year for Novo Holdings, with its Investment Portfolio delivering its best ever performance and the Novo Group companies contributing returns of DKK 60bn (€8.0bn) to the group’s total income. These results enabled the Life Science Investments teams to invest in a range of biotechnologies to advance new treatments for conditions such as cancer, cardiometabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, among other areas in which innovative therapies are crucial for improving patient outcomes. 

Rafaèle Tordjman/Jeito Capital

Rafaèle is the founder and CEO of Jeito Capital, a global leading independent Private Equity fund, investing in and supporting high-promising biopharma to become global market leaders. The group’s mission is to accelerate the development of breakthrough innovations to patients.

Rafaèle has had a profound impact on the mediscience sector, bridging the worlds of medicine, investment and policy in order to advance life-changing treatments. Rafaèle is a trained haematologist and researcher who spent a decade at Sofinnova, where she played a key role in funding biotech companies to help develop breakthrough therapies. Rafaèle founded Jeito Capital in 2020 and in just a few years  raised €534m and invested in 17 companies, tackling some of the biggest challenges in healthcare, from cancer to rare diseases. In addition Rafaèle is a driving force for diversity in biotech, having founded W.I.T.H. (Women Innovating Together in Healthcare) to support female leaders in life sciences and has been a vocal advocate for more inclusive leadership in the sector. 

Tim Van Hauwermeiren/argenx SE

Tim is the co-founder of argenx and has served as CEO of the group since 2008. Tim has more than 20 years of general management and business development experience across the life sciences and consumer goods sectors, including at Ablynx and Procter & Gamble.

Tim founded argenx as a small start up with just three people and has subsequently grown the group into a fully integrated biotech giant with a €31.5bn market cap. Under Tim’s guidance, argenx has pioneered treatments for severe autoimmune diseases, cancer, and rare conditions, most notably launching Vyvgart, which was not only a commercial debut for argenx, but was also the first validation for a drug in the FcRn inhibitor class. Tim’s track record of transforming scientific research into impactful therapies led him to create “Vision 2030”, which aims to treat 50,000 patients globally with its medicines, secure 10 labelled indications across all approved medicines, and advance five pipeline candidates into Phase 3 development by 2030. 

Johannah Walton/UBS

Jo has been a leading pharmaceutical analyst for over 25 years, covering the sector at Credit Suisse, Lehmann Brothers and most recently UBS, which she joined in 2023. For the duration of her career Jo has been a respected commentator providing thoughtful insight and analysis on the sector. 

Jo is a dedicated and experieced analyst who is also a trusted voice in the sector. She has been nominated, not only for her commitment to the industry, but also for her continued support of women in the city and the Women in Healthcare network, which she has provided unlimited support and mentoring. Jo has also demonstrated unwavering support for her team throughout the duration of her career, many of whom have since graduated to senior positions within the investment side of the life sciences sector, thanks to Jo’s mentoring and guidance. 

Chief Executive of the Year Award

sponsored by Panmure Liberum 

The 2025 shortlist:

Stuart Gall/Intelligent Ultrasound Group plc

Stuart was appointed CEO of Intelligent Ultrasound in 2009. Prior to this, Stuart was joint founder and executive director of AIM listed Fusion IP, before its purchase by IP Group for £103m in 2014. Stuart has over 25 years’ experience in starting small tech led businesses, fundraising and managing SMEs.

During the period, Stuart executed two significant transactions for Intelligent Ultrasound, both generating considerable value for the group’s shareholders during difficult markets. Firstly Stuart orchestrated an asset sale of the group’s Clinical AI business to its partner, GE Healthcare for approximately $51m. The second transaction, led by Stuart, was the acquisition of Intelligent Ultrasound by Surgical Science Sweden for a reported £45m, which sent shares in the enlarged group surging by 15%, leaving the group well positioned for the next stage in it’s growth journey.  

Ian Johnson/NIOX Group plc

Ian was appointed Executive Chairman of NIOX in 2019, transitioning to non-executive Chairman in May this year. Ian has spent his career in life science, having been founder and CEO of Biotrace International PLC, which was a listed business until its sale to 3M in 2006. Ian is also Senior Independent Director of Induction Healthcare Group plc and Non-Executive Director of Big Technologies plc.

Ian has been credited with the turnaround of NIOX over the course of the past five years. Under Ian’s guidance, NIOX has implemented some exceptional growth initiatives, resulting in a reported revenue increase of 14% to £41.8m for the year to end December 2024. The group is on track to launch its NIOX PRO® device in Q4 2025 and is expanding its manufacturing capacity and distributor network, with plans to return 80% of free cash flow to shareholders. 

Heikki Lanckriet/4basebio plc

Heikki became CEO of 4basebio in 2019, having previously been CEO of Sygnis AG/Expedeon AG. Heikki has over 20 years’ commercial and scientific experience in addition to a track record of developing high growth tech businesses. Heikki has published scientific papers and is named inventor on a multitude of patents.

Heikki has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the year. Under his leadership, 4basebio completed a significant fundraise, involving a £40m equity issuance, in addition to a £29.4m secondary sale, to help deliver the group’s growth plans. Most significantly, this year 4basebio received its GMP certification from the MHRA, allowing the group to commercialise its synthetic DNA offering. The speed at which the licence was received is testament to Heikki's drive and vision for the company and has helped position 4basebio at the forefront of the synthetic DNA revolution. 

Frank Mathias/Oxford Biomedica plc

Frank became CEO of OXB in March 2023. Prior to this he was the CEO of Rentschler Biopharma SE, which he successfully developed into a leading global, full-service CDMO. Over the course of his 30-year career, Frank has served in numerous senior roles at leading global pharmaceutical companies.

During his short tenure at OXB, Frank has demonstrated exceptional leadership by strategically repositioning the group as a pure-play CDMO in the cell and gene therapy space and creating a more focused business model. Under Frank’s decisive leadership, OXB executed its multi-vector, multi-site "One OXB" strategy with precision, resulting in a 78% rise in organic revenue growth in 2024, in addition to an order book that has almost doubled. Frank has been credited with the ability to oversee operational excellence, whilst managing strategic transformation,  exemplifying the qualities of a transformative CEO. 

Adam Steensberg/Zealand Pharma A/S

Adam was appointed CEO of Zealand Pharma in March. Prior to this he served for several years as Zealand’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research & Development and was responsible for the company’s R&D strategy and portfolio of drug candidates. Prior to joining Zealand, Adam led clinical research teams as medical director at Novo Nordisk. 

Adam has led Zealand through a period of significant transformation and growth. 2024 was a pivotal year for the group, marked by groundbreaking advancements in its obesity pipeline, positioning Zealand as a leader in obesity therapeutics. Under Adam’s leadership, Zealand raised over DKK 8.5bn (USD 1.2bn) through equity offerings in July 2024, enabling the group to invest in its pipeline development, research and organisational growth. Adam’s initiative to enhance Zealand’s focus on innovation resulted a transformative collaboration and license agreement with Roche, valued at up to $5.bn, solidifying the group’s position as a key player in the biotech sector. 

Fredrik Tiberg/Camurus AB

Fredrik has been CEO of Camurus since 2003, and member of the Board since 2002. He has over 30 years’ experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Camurus, Fredrik was CEO of Heptahelix AB and adjunct professor of surface chemistry at Lund University. He has more than 110 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is named inventor on more than 400 patents and patent applications.

During his tenure at Camurus, Fredrik has been steadily  building a fully integrated pharma company. Under his guidance, Camurus has achieved significant progress in its core business and R&D programs, in addition to delivering increased profitability. Fredrik’s ability to bridge scientific excellence with strategic execution has been credited as being instrumental in unlocking Camurus’ full potential, and creating long-term value for patients in addition to shareholders. 

Tim Van Hauwermeiren/argenx SE

Tim co-founded argenx and has served as CEO since 2008. He has more than 20 years of general management and business development experience across the life sciences and consumer goods sectors, including at Ablynx and Procter & Gamble.

Tim’s visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to innovation have significantly advanced argenx's mission to revolutionise the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases. Tim was the driving force behind argenx achieving FDA approval for a prefilled syringe version of Vyvgart, enhancing patient accessibility and positioning the group as a formidable competitor in the autoimmune treatment market. Last year alone the group reported $2.2bn in global sales from Vyvgart. Tim has maintained his ambitious vision argenx, aiming to treat at least 50,000 patients globally and advance multiple therapies into late-stage clinical trials by 2030, validating the group’s position as a global leader in the immunology space. 

Jennifer Winter/Animalcare Group plc

Jennifer was appointed as CEO of Animalcare in 2018. With senior commercial roles at AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, Jennifer has over 20 years’ big pharma experience in various senior commercial roles. Between 2015 and 2018 she was vice-president of respiratory products – global supply chain and strategy at AstraZeneca.

Last year was a transformational year for Animalcare, thanks to Jennifer’s leadership and vision. Animalcare made the transformative acquisition of Randlab, following the proceeds raised from the disposals of Identicare and STEM, which significantly impacted the goup’s balance sheet. Jennifer has developed and executed the group’s strategy, resulting in the delivery of strong organic revenue growth from Animalcare’s pharmaceuticals operations, in addition to double-digit growth in its lead products and a well-funded balance sheet.

Company of the Year Award

sponsored by Cavendish

The 2025 shortlist:

Ascendis Pharma A/S

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Ascendis Pharma is a fully integrated biopharma company. The group uses its innovative TransCon technology platform to develop new and potentially best-in-class therapies.

Ascendis Pharma achieved some pivotal milestones during the period, leaving the group well positioned to continue strong revenue growth this year. One of the group’s approved products, YORVIPATH, has proven to be on its way to becoming the new global standard for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in adults. In addition, SKYTROFA has achieved a leading position in the US growth hormone market. Financially Ascendis is  in a very strong position, thanks to a $100m payment related to its Exclusive License Agreement with Novo Nordisk, announced last year, taking the group’s total cash and equivalents at the end of 2024 to €655m. 

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG

Based in Basel, Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. The group has successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba® for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera® for the treatment of bacterial infections. 

In April this year, Basilea received FDA approval for its lead anti-bacterial product, Zevtera, for three indications: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). The US market represents a key opportunity for Zevtera as an effective anti-MRSA therapy (accounting for 85–90% of its total market potential), which was validated by Basilea securing a commercial partner for the product. In addition, Basilea made progress in finding a successor for its lead anti-fungal product (Cresemba), with the launch of a Phase III programme with a novel mechanism of action. As a result of Basilea’s commercial success, last year the group delivered its strongest operating performance to date, with total revenue increasing by 32% to CHF 209m. 

Camurus AB

Based in Sweden, Camurus is an international, science-led biopharmaceutical company. The group’s products with best-in-class potential are conceived based on its proprietary FluidCrystal® technology and its extensive R&D expertise. The R&D pipeline includes products for the treatment of dependence, pain, cancer, and endocrine diseases.

2024 was an excellent year for Camurus, with the group enjoying significant growth and profitability in addition to making strong progress in its R&D pipeline. One of the group’s lead products, Buvidal® became established as the treatment of choice for opioid dependence in several markets in Europe and Australia and the US roll-out of Brixadi® continued to make significant progress. Camurus’ interim report published last month, reporting on the first quarter of 2025, stated that the group’s revenues grew 43% to SEK 558m and sales of Buvidal® increased 33% to SEK 485m. 

Cereno Scientific AB

Based in Sweden, Cereno Scientific is a pioneering clinical-stage biotech company. The group’s innovative pipeline offers disease-modifying drug candidates to empower people suffering from rare cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

In September 2024, Cereno presented positive Phase IIa clinical data for its lead candidate, CS1, which is being developed as a safe, effective and disease modifying treatment for the rare disease, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. CS1 delivered encouraging results on exploratory efficacy measures, including early signals of disease modification, leading to the initiation of Phase IIb trials early next year. In addition, Cereno signed an agreement with med tech company, Fluidda, to visualise the impact of CS1, and is engaged in the FDA-approved Expanded Access Programme following trial completion. Cereno’s performance for the first quarter of this year showed the group had a cash balance of SEK 77m. 

Pharming Group NV

Based in the Netherlands, Pharming Group is a global biopharmaceutical company. The group’s mission is to become a leading rare disease company with a diverse portfolio and a significant presence in large markets. 

Pharming’s growth trajectory enjoyed a steep rise during the period. This was driven by record revenue in one of its lead candidates, RUCONEST®, in addition to strong growth in Joenja® revenue in its first full year post-launch. RUCONEST alone generated revenues of $252.2m last year, an 11% increase on 2023. Aside from Pharming’s drug development, the group also strengthened its clinical pipeline through the transformative acquisition of Abliva in December 2024, adding a potential first-in-disease treatment for primary mitochondrial diseases to its portfolio. The acquisition will further accelerate Pharming’s growth trajectory in addition to establishing the group as a leading global rare disease company. Last month the group announced it had raised its 2025 total revenue guidance to $325-340m. 

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

Milan-based Recordati has been at the forefront of life-enhancing and life-changing medicines for almost 100 years and has been listed on the Italian stock exchange since 1984. The group’s fully integrated operations span clinical development, chemical and finished product manufacturing, commercialisation and licensing

Recordati has continued to demonstrate exceptional growth and strategic expansion. This was significantly enhanced during the period by the group’s acquisition of global rights of Enjaymo® from Sanofi for $825m, which brings potential additional milestone payments of up to $250m, strengthening Recordati’s position in the rare disease market. The group’s ambitious outlook is reflected in increased peak year sales targets for its key rare disease products; Isturisa® is projected to reach €500-600m, Signifor® €150-200m, and Qarziba®/Sylvant® €300-350m. Recordati’s performance was underpinned by impressive financial results, with EBITDA growing by 12.5% to €865m, maintaining a strong revenue margin of 37%. 

Verona Pharma plc

London-based Verona Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative prescription medicines. The group is pioneering innovation in chronic respiratory diseases, a space that has seen little advancement in decades despite being a major public health threat. 

In June last year, Verona achieved a significant milestone with the US FDA approval for Ohtuvayre™, which is the first inhaled therapy with a novel mechanism of action available for the maintenance treatment of COPD in over 20 years. The product launched successfully in August 2024, leading to Verona becoming one of the top performing biotechnology companies on Nasdaq in 2024, based on its 5-year increase of over 700% in market value. Early results of the product demonstrate Ohtuvayre’s potential to become a blockbuster product, making 2024 a transformational year for Verona. As a result of the group’s performance, its full year financial results reported cash and cash equivalents reached $399.8m. 

Zealand Pharma A/S

Zealand Pharma is an international biotechnology headquartered in Denmark. The group is focused on the discovery, design, and development of innovative peptide-based medicines for people who need them.

2024 was a pivotal year for Zealand Pharma, marked by groundbreaking advancements in its obesity pipeline. The company reported positive Phase Ib trial results for petrelintide and dapiglutide, both advancing into larger trials. Additionally, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Phase II trial for survodutide yielded promising results, earning Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA and progressing to Phase III trials. These significant developments have positioned Zealand Pharma as an established leader in obesity therapeutics. In addition to the group’s clinical successes, Zealand raised over DKK 8.5bn(USD 1.2bn) through equity offerings in July 2024, bolstering the group’s ability to invest in pipeline development, research and organisational growth. Zealand also started 2025 with yet another major milestone, with its transformative collaboration and license agreement with Roche, valued at $5.3bn, firmly establishing Zealand as a key player in the biotech sector.