DiNAQOR AG, an innovative health technology group based in Zurich and Schlieren, Switzerland, announced strategic leadership appointments to bolster its position as a life science company builder. The company, which focuses on advancing early-stage drug development through human-relevant nonclinical testing methods, named Dr. Christian Thirion as CEO of DiNATEQ AG and Group Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, and Dr. Josef El Andari as Chief Scientific Officer of DiNAQOR AG.
Dr. Thirion brings over two decades of entrepreneurial and executive leadership in life sciences. As founder and former CEO of Sirion Biotech, he built the company into a global leader in viral vector engineering and AAV-based gene delivery, leading to its acquisition by PerkinElmer. At DiNAQOR, he will lead DiNATEQ AG, a spin-out focused on the clinical translation of the closed-loop loco-regional perfusion (LRP) delivery platform, and drive group-wide corporate strategy, partnerships, and M&A. Johannes Holzmeister, Founder and Chairman & CEO of DiNAQOR AG, stated: "Christian is a rare combination of visionary entrepreneur, disciplined operator, and trusted partner to global pharmaceutical companies. His success in building Sirion Biotech speaks for itself." Dr. Thirion added: "DiNAQOR has built an exceptional ecosystem for turning scientific innovation into impactful biotechnology companies. The closed-loop perfusion platform represents a truly differentiated delivery technology."
Dr. Josef El Andari, who has been with DiNAQOR for over four years, was appointed Chief Scientific Officer. He played a central role in advancing the closed-loop perfusion technology from concept to publication in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise includes genomic medicine, translational research, and advanced viral vector technologies, particularly AAV design and bioengineering. Dr. El Andari commented: "Over the past four years, DiNAQOR has evolved into a uniquely integrated innovation engine for advanced therapies. I am honored to continue working with our teams to translate rigorous science into therapies with real clinical impact."
DiNAQOR AG operates as a life science company builder, creating and scaling focused biotechnology companies around differentiated technology platforms. In addition to DiNATEQ AG, the company recently completed the M&A of DiNAMIQS, a specialized AAV manufacturing and development company. These milestones underscore DiNAQOR's ability to identify high-impact technologies and realize value through partnerships and strategic transactions. For more information, visit www.dinaqor.com.
