JP is the CEO and Founder of EsoBiotec SA, a Belgian biotech company developing in vivo engineered, off-the-shelf cell therapies. With a scientific background in molecular biology and oncology, and leadership experience at Celyad Oncology and other advanced therapy ventures, JP led EsoBiotec through stealth development, into the clinic, and ultimately to a high-profile acquisition by AstraZeneca.
His decision to conduct first-in-human trials in China—an unconventional move among European biotechs—reflected a deep conviction in the region’s evolving capabilities and strategic relevance. His insights are grounded in direct operational experience navigating China’s regulatory, clinical, IP and business landscapes.
We’ve All Read About It: The Biggest Acquisition of the Year Began With a Bold Bet on China
The headlines read: AstraZeneca acquired EsoBiotec for up to $1 bn in the most significant biotech M&A event of the year so far. But they didn’t detail how it began—with a strategic decision few European biotech CEOs have made: to initiate first-in-human clinical trials in China.
In this session fellow member, JP will take us inside the strategic thinking and operational execution behind that decision. From evaluating trial jurisdictions and structuring partnerships to navigating regulatory expectations and cultural norms, this is a detailed look at Jean-Piere’s experience of going to China for early clinical development, that was both scientifically sound and commercially catalytic.
Why This Is Relevant for You
As clinical pathways in the U.S. (and the EU) are becoming less certain, more resource-intensive and time-consuming, alternative jurisdictions are no longer fringe options but offer key strategic options. China, in particular, is emerging as a viable location for early-stage trials due to its accelerating regulatory reforms, increasingly capable clinical infrastructure, and experienced CRO ecosystem.
EsoBiotec’s experience demonstrates what is possible when companies move decisively. The China-based trial not only enabled rapid enrolment and early clinical validation—it did so with a level of operational efficiency that many Western trials would struggle to match. Critically, it also maintained scientific and regulatory integrity in the eyes of global partners.