Hansa Biopharma, a company involved in enzyme technology for rare immunological conditions, appointed Hitto Kaufmann chief scientific officer (CSO) effective December 1, 2023.

Kaufmann will be responsible for all research, early development, translational and manufacturing activities. He will report to President & CEO Søren Tulstrup and serve as a member of Hansa’s executive committee.

Kaufmann joins Hansa from Pieris Pharmaceuticals where he has served as chief scientific officer since 2019. He led the company’s R&D platform developing innovative next generation protein therapeutics leading to regulatory submissions across several indications. He played an integral role in transforming the company’s operational excellence including accelerated development paths, machine-learning driven R&D and reliable high-performance manufacturing as well as delivery.

Prior to joining Pieris, Kaufmann spent five years at Sanofi, where he held several executive positions in Industrial Affairs and R&D. Before his tenure at Sanofi, Dr. Kaufmann spent more than a decade at Boehringer Ingelheim, and prior to his departure was the Vice President of Process Sciences in the Biopharmaceuticals division.

Tulstrup said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hitto to Hansa at this pivotal time. With over 20 years’ experience in research, development, and advancement of science, he is poised to lead the development of our scientific platform and advancement of our pipeline of exciting drug candidates for rare immunologic diseases and conditions. Hitto has a proven track record of developing innovative medicines, advancing strategic R&D partnerships, and building next generation therapeutic platforms. He has previously demonstrated an ability to build and lead high-performing teams in both large pharma and small biotech organizations.”

Kaufmann said, “I am thrilled to build on the great work that has positioned Hansa as one of the most promising mid-stage biotech companies. Hansa has cutting-edge science – specifically its unique versatile IgG antibody cleaving enzyme platform that will help deliver better patient outcomes in areas of high unmet need. I look forward to joining a team of diverse, talented people and to working across the company to develop and deliver lifesaving and life-altering medicines.”