About your consultant

Nico Mertens had his PhD education with sir Walter Fiers and Erik Remaut at the University of Ghent (Belgium) in molecular biology and recombinant protein expression, and a post-doc in molecular immunology with Johan Grooten. Besides a PhD in Biotechnology he got an MBA from EHSAL Management School in Brussels with a major in Project Management (PMBOK).

He joint Flander’s VIB institute to lead the Molecular Immuno-Biotechnology Unit (MIBU) doing research on multi-specific antibodies (e.g. Tribodies), and founded and managed VIB’s Protein Service Facility (PSF)  delivering custom protein production using E. coli, Pichia, or mammalian cell (HEK293 and CHO) platforms,
introducing (at the time) innovative  chunks of development services for internal and external clients (e.g. FastScreen – for expression systems, FastFold  – refolding screening and FastClean – for protein purification).

Nico has over 30 years experience in the biotech research and industry with recombinant products, taking projects through discovery and development. He works as an independent consultant with several companies either as advisor, project manager or company officer. He e.g. acted as SVP/Director Antibody Engineering  with Biotecnol, developing Tribodies for cancer therapy (Tribody® and Trisoma® platforms).

Projects range from straight-forward production or expression system development, recombinant protein format optimization, stabilization, process development or getting approved intellectual property, production, design or development of known recombinant protein pharmaceuticals, research products, new fusion proteins, humanized and engineered antibodies or multi-specific antibodies. 

Particular expertise are in lead identification, lead optimization and development.

He brings the expertise to support your team, manage CROs (Contract Research Organizations) on your behalf and getting your Biologics programs moving forward. From hit-selection, through lead optimization and lead development.