Blue Cell Therapeutics, a biotech developing ‘off-the-shelf’ allogeneic stem cell therapies for diseases where angiogenesis and nerve regeneration are beneficial, has announced the appointment of Olav Hellebø as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
Olav is a seasoned executive who has worked for over 30 years in pharmaceutical companies and biotechs. He has significant fundraising experience, having raised more than $200m during his career.
He has also struck licensing deals and research collaborations with major companies including AstraZeneca, Takeda, Fosun and Alnylam.
Dr Søren P Sheikh MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cell Therapeutics, said: “Olav brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be instrumental to Blue Cell Therapeutics as we advance. His proven leadership across diverse teams and strategic planning expertise in multiple markets will be a huge asset.”
Olav has extensive executive and advisory experience. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for aggressive diseases.
From 2014 to 2022 he was Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron Group PLC, a clinical-stage company specialising in cell therapy for ophthalmic and neurology-related diseases; and from 2010 to 2013 he headed oncology-focused biotech Clavis Pharma ASA.
