Dr. Raphael Gruber joins 2cureX as new Medical Director
2cureX, a company pioneering the use of 3D micro-tumors (tumoroids) for drug sensitivity testing in patients with cancer, announced today the appointment of Dr. Raphael Gruber as the new Medical Director. This is a critical position as clinical studies become an increasingly pivotal part of the 2cureX strategy. Dr. Gruber is joining 2cureX on July 1st, following Dr. Henrik Harling, who has decided to retire.
Generating clinical evidence is a fundamental element of developing and commercializing an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) test. This is especially true under the new IVD regulation that came into force on May 26th and significantly expanded the requirements in this area. 2cureX will therefore increase its efforts in designing and conducting clinical studies to support its current and future products.
Recognizing Dr. Henrik Harling’s contribution
After a highly successful career as a physician and, more recently, as Chief Medical Officer of 2cureX, Dr. Henrik Harling has decided to retire as of July 1st. Since 2019, Dr. Harling conducted tremendously valuable and committed work in completing the IndiTreat® portfolio.
Dr. Raphael Gruber brings extensive expertise in In Vitro Diagnostics
Dr. Gruber previously held the position of Medical Director at Exact Sciences in the DACH/NL region, where he successfully led the company´s medical strategies, including the introduction of their multigene assay into national reimbursement in Germany and the Netherlands. He previously spent ten years at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Europe where he was in charge of their EU Medical Devices. He brings a rare combination of expertise in pharma and diagnostics, a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and a passion for developing clinical strategies to support the introduction of new medical technologies in oncology.
Preparing for new requirements
“We are enthusiastic about Raphael joining us,” says Fernando Andreu, CEO of 2cureX. “To introduce therapy guiding IVDs into the market, it is essential that we support them with the proper studies. Raphael’s experience will help us assume a leading position in this area. I want to thank Henrik Harling for his invaluable contribution to 2cureX´s development of and wish him all the best in this new stage of his life.”
Ole Thastrup, CSO and Founder of 2cureX: “Henrik Harling has been instrumental in defining the clinical need to be solved by IndiTreat®. In 2cureX´s early days, Henrik assisted in his role as Head Consultant of the Gastrointestinal Section at the University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, and since 2019 has served as Chief Medical Officer of 2cureX. I thank Henrik for his fundamental contribution to the development of the IndiTreat® product portfolio. It has been a pleasure to work closely with Henrik for all these years”.
A technology that will change the way in which cancer patients are treated
“I am very excited about joining 2cureX,” says Raphael Gruber. “Personalized functional drug sensitivity testing will change the way in which therapies are selected and patients are treated in the oncology field, and 2cureX is leading this space. I look forward to contributing to the adoption of IndiTreat® by oncologists around the world.”