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Transformational Biopharma Leader of the Year, 2025

Dr. Raphael Ribeiro-Pinaud’s journey in the biopharmaceutical industry is a story of deep scientific curiosity, strategic transformation, and mission-driven leadership. He began his career in academia, where he worked as a professor and principal investigator. In this role, he led a highly active research laboratory, focusing on understanding complex biological systems. This work helped him build a strong scientific foundation and a deep respect for the value of basic research. It also sparked his growing interest in translational science—the process of taking discoveries from the lab bench and turning them into real-world therapies that can change lives. EliteX is proud to announce that Dr. Raphael Ribeiro-Pinaud has been elected as the Transformational Biopharma Leader of the Year 2025, a recognition that underscores his exceptional vision, impactful leadership, and unwavering commitment to driving transformative change in the biopharma industry.

As his academic career progressed, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud found himself increasingly drawn to the potential of science not just to explain the natural world, but to directly improve human health. This realization led him to make a bold career move. He transitioned out of academia and into the world of finance, specifically focusing on biotech and biopharma investments. This phase of his career allowed him to work with companies at every stage of development, from early discovery to commercial launch. As a portfolio manager at a hedge fund, and later through venture capital and private equity platforms, he evaluated and supported many different therapeutic platforms. Through this work, he gained a broad and detailed understanding of what it takes to build and grow successful biotech ventures—not only from a scientific perspective, but also from a business, strategic, and operational one.

“Bold science must be matched by bold action, or its promise will never reach those who need it most.”

This multidisciplinary background eventually paved the way for Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud to move into executive leadership roles in the biopharma industry. Today he serves as CEO and Chairman of Antharis Therapeutics, a company focused on developing innovative therapies in immuno-oncology and oncology. At Antharis, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud leads a team that combines rigorous scientific research with bold, strategic thinking. Their mission is to tackle serious, unmet medical needs through cutting-edge science and targeted drug development. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud describes this combination—scientific depth, smart capital deployment, and a strong sense of urgency for patient needs—as the driving force behind their work every day.

What originally inspired Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud to work in biopharma was the chance to take scientific knowledge and use it in a way that has real and immediate impact on people’s lives. While his early career as a professor was intellectually fulfilling, he became increasingly motivated by the idea of creating tangible outcomes from research—developing therapies that could make a real difference for patients. For him, science is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a tool for transformation. The idea that a single discovery could one day lead to a therapy that saves lives is what pushed him to shift his focus from the lab to the broader biopharmaceutical landscape.

As CEO and Chairman of Antharis Therapeutics, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud feels honored to be part of an organization that places patient outcomes at the center of its mission. The company’s commitment to developing novel treatments for cancers and other serious illnesses is a daily reminder of why he chose this path. He sees the biopharma sector not just as a business or a scientific field, but as a deeply meaningful opportunity to bring innovation to those who need it most. Receiving the “Transformational Biopharma Leader of the Year” award was a milestone in Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s career. He describes the recognition as both humbling and energizing. In an industry where success requires scientific excellence, long-term vision, and a willingness to take significant risks, such an award is not just about individual achievement. For Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, the honor reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Antharis team. Their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and bringing novel therapies to patients is what makes such recognition possible. This award, in his eyes, validates their efforts and encourages them to keep aiming high, even when the path forward is uncertain or difficult.

One of the greatest accomplishments in Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s career has been launching and leading Antharis Therapeutics. Establishing a biotech company from the ground up is no small feat, and doing so while advancing a pipeline of promising therapeutics in oncology is even more challenging. Yet, for Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, this journey has been deeply fulfilling. Each step toward clinical application represents not only scientific progress but also the hope of better outcomes for patients. It is this dual sense of responsibility and opportunity that motivates him and his team every day.

Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud is also proud of the way he has been able to combine his scientific background with his experience in finance and business. This unique combination has helped shape the company’s strategy and vision. It allows him to make decisions that are both scientifically sound and commercially viable. Moreover, building a company culture that values innovation, strategic clarity, and urgency has been one of his most important achievements. He believes that fostering this kind of environment is key to making lasting progress in the field of biopharma. Of course, the path has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud faced was transitioning from a purely academic background into a fast-paced, high-stakes industry like biopharma. At first, the switch from managing a lab to running a company—and handling its financial, strategic, and operational demands—was overwhelming. But he approached this challenge the same way he approached scientific problems: with curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to learning.

Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud leaned on the insights he had gained during his time in the financial sector, where he had worked closely with biotech companies. He also made a point of surrounding himself with talented colleagues and advisors, whose experience helped guide him through the complexities of leadership in a biotech setting. Ultimately, what helped him succeed was a willingness to embrace the complexity of the industry and an unwavering focus on the ultimate goal—improving patients’ lives through innovation. The lessons he learned during this time continue to shape his leadership style and strategic decisions at Antharis.

When it comes to leadership, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud describes his style as collaborative, strategic, and purpose-driven. He believes that the best outcomes come from a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared mission. As a leader, he works to empower his team, giving them the freedom to innovate while ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed. He places a high value on diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration across different disciplines. This, he believes, is where truly creative and impactful solutions are born.

At the same time, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud maintains a strong focus on the company’s broader strategic goals. He ensures that every decision and project aligns with their mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients. He does not believe in micromanaging. Instead, he trusts his team members to take ownership of their work and lead within their areas of expertise. He sees his role as setting the vision, providing the necessary support, and creating an environment where everyone is united by a common purpose.

In Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s view, effective leadership means leading by example—demonstrating resilience, clarity, and commitment, especially during times of uncertainty. It also means being willing to make tough decisions when needed, always keeping the patient in mind. His leadership is rooted in a deep respect for science, a strategic understanding of the industry, and a heartfelt belief in the power of innovation to change lives.

Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s approach to leadership at Antharis Therapeutics is rooted in fostering a strong sense of purpose across his team. For him, the most powerful way to inspire people is by connecting their everyday work to something greater than themselves. Everyone on his team knows that their efforts contribute to a shared mission—developing therapies that could change or even save the lives of patients battling serious and life-threatening diseases. This direct link between their work and its real-world impact builds both motivation and a deep sense of responsibility. He believes in creating a workplace culture built on trust, openness, and scientific discipline. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud encourages his team to voice ideas freely, challenge assumptions respectfully, and collaborate across functions. He sees value in giving individuals the autonomy to lead their areas while offering them the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed. He makes a conscious effort to recognize achievements and create opportunities for professional growth. By doing this, he nurtures an environment where people feel both empowered and accountable, where they are not just employees but active contributors to a greater purpose.

Innovation, according to Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, is not just a priority at Antharis—it is the very heart of its existence. In fields like oncology and immuno-oncology, the traditional playbook often falls short. That’s why his team embraces a mindset of challenging conventions and thinking creatively about solutions to difficult biological problems. For Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, innovation is more than just finding new scientific targets; it’s about embedding bold, evidence-based thinking into every layer of decision-making—from research to clinical development, and even in how they structure the company’s strategy and partnerships. He actively cultivates a culture where scientific curiosity is matched with operational discipline. He encourages his team to explore high-potential but complex pathways, while ensuring that the development path remains feasible and rooted in strong evidence. He believes that calculated risk-taking is essential to pushing boundaries in drug development, especially in areas of high unmet need. At Antharis, innovation is the engine that drives every program forward and positions the company to make a real difference in patients’ lives.

Keeping up with the pace of change in biopharma is essential, and Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud is intentional about staying informed. He keeps a close eye on scientific journals, attends major industry and academic conferences, and engages with leaders across the healthcare and biotech ecosystems. His daily routine often includes discussions with internal experts, board members, and advisors who bring unique perspectives to the table. He also draws from his background in finance, which taught him how to synthesize different types of information—scientific, regulatory, commercial, and clinical—to make informed, long-term strategic decisions.

That broad lens helps him see how emerging trends, discoveries, and policy shifts intersect, and how Antharis can stay agile in a fast-moving landscape. Whether it’s evaluating the potential of a new target or anticipating a change in regulatory guidelines, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud believes that staying informed means staying ahead. It’s a discipline that not only supports good leadership but also helps ensure that every move the company makes is grounded in up-to-date, evidence-based understanding.

One of the projects Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud is most proud of is Antharis’s lead immuno-oncology program. This effort targets a pathway that plays a crucial role in helping tumors escape immune system detection—an area long considered difficult to tackle. The program has made significant progress by leveraging a novel mechanism of action, which opens the door to treating patients who previously had limited or no therapeutic options. What stands out to Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud is the journey it took to get there—bringing together scientific discovery, preclinical validation, and smart execution to shape a potential therapy that could change lives. The program reflects everything he values in a biotech project: scientific originality, strong data, and a clear link to patient benefit. For Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, this is not just a promising drug candidate—it’s a symbol of what Antharis stands for. It captures the team’s ability to take bold ideas and translate them into something real, actionable, and impactful. It is also a testament to the company culture he has helped build: one that values innovation, strategic clarity, and relentless focus on improving patient outcomes.

At the heart of Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s vision for Antharis is a deep and unwavering commitment to patient care. Every decision, from choosing which projects to fund to determining how clinical trials are designed, is guided by a single question: how will this help patients? He emphasizes that innovation for its own sake isn’t enough. What matters most is whether a new therapy can truly improve the lives of people facing life-threatening conditions.

Patient needs shape the company’s priorities and serve as the ultimate measure of success. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud ensures that the voice of the patient is reflected in everything from program development to strategic planning. His leadership ensures that scientific rigor is balanced with empathy, and that the urgency of medical need is never lost in the technical aspects of drug development. For him, this isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s a moral obligation that defines the company’s mission and culture.

When offering advice to young people interested in biopharma, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s message is clear: start with curiosity, commit to lifelong learning, and find meaning in the work. He encourages early-career professionals to build a strong grounding in science, medicine, or engineering, and to always ask how their work connects to real human impact. In an industry driven by complexity and high stakes, having a deep purpose makes all the difference. He also stresses the importance of understanding the broader ecosystem—from regulatory frameworks to commercialization strategies—so that young professionals can navigate their careers with insight and adaptability. Finding mentors and joining environments that foster both technical skill and strategic thinking is essential. And perhaps most importantly, he advises them to build resilience and to embrace collaboration. Innovation is a team sport, and the path to success is rarely smooth. But with the right mindset, it’s possible to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, which is what makes the biopharma industry so rewarding.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud sees the biopharma landscape changing rapidly over the next five years. He believes the convergence of precision medicine, data science, and novel therapeutic modalities will revolutionize how diseases are treated. With new tools like gene editing, AI-driven drug discovery, and cell-based therapies gaining momentum, the industry is on the cusp of a transformation that will redefine standards of care.

He predicts that personalized medicine will become the norm, not the exception. As genomic and molecular profiling becomes more accessible, the ability to tailor treatments to individual patients will improve significantly. This will not only boost treatment efficacy but also reduce side effects and healthcare costs in the long term. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud also expects to see regulatory agencies evolve in step with these scientific advances. More adaptive and accelerated approval pathways will emerge, especially for high-need areas like oncology and rare diseases, where speed can make a life-or-death difference.

Another trend he anticipates is deeper collaboration across the ecosystem. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud envisions academic institutions, industry players, and even competitors working together more openly through shared data platforms, public-private partnerships, and global consortia. In his view, the complexity of modern drug development is too great for any one group to handle alone. By pooling expertise and resources, the industry can move faster and smarter toward ground-breaking solutions. Overall, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud sees the future of biopharma as one filled with promise and purpose. Driven by innovation, powered by collaboration, and focused unwaveringly on patient impact, the next chapter of the industry will not only advance science—it will redefine what’s possible for human health. And at Antharis Therapeutics, he is committed to being part of that transformation, one bold step at a time.

Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s leadership is deeply rooted in a set of personal values that guide his actions and decisions every day: resilience, excellence, collaboration, and purpose. In a field as challenging as biopharma, he knows that setbacks are not just possible—they are inevitable. Scientific experiments can fail, regulatory paths can shift, and clinical trials can bring unexpected results. But for Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud, resilience means staying focused on the mission even in the toughest moments. He believes that true progress comes not from avoiding obstacles, but from learning through them and continuing to push forward.

Excellence is another core value that defines how he approaches his work. In an industry where the stakes involve people’s health and lives, good enough is never acceptable. He holds himself and his team to the highest standards in research, development, and operations. Whether it’s designing a preclinical study, building strategic partnerships, or preparing for clinical trials, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud insists that every step be executed with rigor and care. This commitment to excellence ensures that the therapies Antharis develops have the best possible chance of truly helping patients in need.

Collaboration is also central to his approach. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud understands that no single person or team has all the answers, especially in the complex world of oncology and immuno-oncology. That’s why he actively builds a culture of open communication and mutual respect, both within Antharis and with external partners. He sees great value in bringing together diverse voices—from scientists and clinicians to business experts and regulatory professionals—and aligning them around shared goals. Through collaboration, he believes the company can solve problems more creatively, innovate more effectively, and move faster toward meaningful solutions.

But perhaps the most important value guiding Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s work is purpose. At every level, he remains focused on the patients who are waiting for better treatments. This sense of purpose isn’t abstract or symbolic—it’s personal and immediate. He often reminds his team that behind every data point is a person: a parent, a child, a friend who may be running out of time or options. That reality fuels his drive and reinforces why every detail matters. It’s what inspires his long hours, his strategic decisions, and his commitment to staying on the cutting edge of science. At Antharis, purpose is not just a motivational slogan—it’s the foundation of the company’s mission.

As he looks ahead to the next phase of his career, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud’s vision is both clear and ambitious. He is committed to leading Antharis through a period of transformative growth, with the goal of delivering breakthrough therapies that can truly change lives. For him, the company’s mission is not just about progress in the lab; it’s about reaching patients who have run out of options and offering them new hope. He wants to see the therapies Antharis is developing move from promising concepts into real clinical solutions. To achieve this, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud plans to expand the company’s capabilities across the board—from research and development to clinical execution and commercial readiness. He sees strategic partnerships as a powerful way to accelerate progress, whether through collaborations with academic institutions, other biotech firms, or pharmaceutical companies. By aligning with the right partners, he believes Antharis can move faster, scale smarter, and bring its therapies to patients more efficiently.

His immediate focus includes preparing for clinical trials, optimizing the pipeline, and ensuring that the company operates with both agility and discipline. But beyond these tactical goals, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud also has a broader vision for his role in shaping the future of biopharma. He wants to help build an industry where bold science is matched by bold action—where great ideas don’t sit on shelves, but are translated quickly into impactful treatments.

Part of this broader vision also includes mentoring the next generation of leaders. Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud sees leadership not just as a responsibility to deliver results, but as an opportunity to lift others. He wants to support emerging professionals in understanding both the science and the business of biopharma, and in learning how to navigate the challenges with integrity and resilience. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to contribute to a future where the biopharma industry is not only innovative, but also inclusive, collaborative, and driven by a shared commitment to human health.

Through it all, Dr. Ribeiro-Pinaud remains focused on one central idea: that science, when guided by purpose and executed with excellence, can transform lives. It is this belief that continues to shape his journey—and that of Antharis Therapeutics—as they work toward a future where life-threatening diseases can be met with powerful new treatments, and patients everywhere can benefit from the promise of innovation.

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