Meet the founders
Novel BioInsights was founded on a simple yet powerful premise: to make high-quality strategic consulting accessible to the companies that need it most.
Co-Founder
Dr. Mouna Guerfal
I co-founded Novel BioInsights to empower biotech and life sciences innovators with the insights and strategies they need to succeed. As Managing Director, I carry responsibility for the company’s vision, strategy, and client delivery, ensuring that our work integrates scientific depth with practical business direction.
My academic background is in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (PhD, VIB-Ghent University), and my career has included roles in research, project management, business development, and marketing. I have contributed to projects in areas such as personalized cancer vaccines, immunopeptidomics, cryo-EM, and nucleic acid technologies.
At Novel BioInsights, I combine this scientific expertise with commercial understanding to help clients navigate complex markets, validate product-market fit, and build strong positioning. Along with my co-founder, I am committed to ensuring that groundbreaking science is translated into innovations that benefit patients, clinicians, and society.
Co-Founder
Jose Felix Martin de Leon
I co-founded Novel BioInsights to help biotech and life sciences companies use data-driven insights to guide their strategy. I am responsible for shaping the firm’s approach to market and business intelligence, ensuring that complex information is translated into clear, evidence-based decisions.
My academic background is in Biotechnology, with a focus on the application of AI methods to innovation and strategy. Professionally, I have gained experience in market research at Eli Lilly and Company and in business intelligence at Quantoom Biosciences.
At Novel BioInsights, I focus on developing analytical frameworks and strategic audits that help clients understand their competitive landscape, identify opportunities, and reduce uncertainty. Along with my co-founder, I am committed to ensuring that innovative science is supported by robust, data-driven strategies for long-term success.
High-quality strategic consulting accessible
In a market where agility and precision are paramount, a one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for failure. Novel BioInsights rejects the rigid, standardized packages offered by traditional consulting firms. Instead, we deliver a comprehensive suite of services that are always adapted to the specific needs of our clients.
Our advisory committee
Comprised of experts in various fields and domains within the life science, pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
Kristof Vandekerckhove is a pharmaceutical scientist with 22 years of experience in drug development and biotechnology. His career has centered on strategic and pharmaceutical-technical development across a wide range of modalities, including small molecules, recombinant proteins, and nucleic acids. Kristof's experience encompasses international regulatory affairs and various technical leadership roles at companies such as IQVIA, where he was Senior Director of Strategic Drug Development, and as Chief Scientific Officer of Quantoom Biosciences. He now supports clients in the biopharmaceutical sector as an independent consultant.
Vladimir Ivošev
Vladimir Ivosev is a distinguished expert in gene delivery technologies and biologics with over seven years of experience in the business development sector of the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry. A former Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow, he holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Radiobiology. His career has been marked by significant contributions at leading CROs and CDMOs, including VectorBuilder, Exothera, and Northway Biotech. Dr. Ivosev possesses deep technical knowledge of plasmids, viral vectors, mRNA, and LNP delivery systems. At Novel BioInsights, he leverages this extensive expertise to guide small biotech and pharmaceutical companies, helping them successfully navigate the complexities of bringing advanced new therapies to market.
Itishri Sahu
Dr. Itishri Sahu is a seasoned biotechnology scientist with over a decade of experience in RNA therapeutics, cell and gene therapy, and translational immunology. She has a proven track record of leading multi million-euro programs from discovery through to IND-enabling studies. Her leadership has been instrumental in directing a CAR-immune cell development pipeline and securing non-dilutive funding for RNA vaccine development. Dr. Sahu's expertise encompasses self-amplifying RNA design, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery, and the establishment of GMP-aligned workflows for clinical translation. As a co-inventor on key patents and a published author in leading scientific journals.
Julie Schurgers
Julie Schurgers is a seasoned commercial leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth and strategy in the pharmaceutical and animal health industries. A bioengineer by training, she combines deep market knowledge with exceptional business leadership. Currently, as a Business Unit Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, she holds full P&L responsibility for a multimillion-euro portfolio, leading large teams to execute integrated sales and marketing strategies. Her career includes key roles at MSD, Pfizer, and Elanco, where she successfully launched new products and developed commercial plans for both human and animal health. She has expertise in the potential of mRNA vaccines in animal health, having developed value propositions and go-to-market strategies.
Our ingredients to success
Mission Statement
To empower emerging biotech innovators with the strategic intelligence and customized support they need to translate scientific discoveries into market success.
Vision Statement
A future where every promising biotech innovation has the strategic support necessary to reach its full potential and improve human health.
Purpose Statement
We aim to empower biotech innovation through strategic insights that turn complex biological data into effective business strategies.