Neovii Taps Roche Veteran as CEO, Signals Strategic Push in Oncology

RAPPERSWIL, SWITZERLAND – January 02, 2026 – Neovii Pharmaceuticals AG has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Frédéric Prince, PhD, a seasoned executive from Roche, as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st, 2026. Dr. Prince will succeed Dr. Christian Loss, who is retiring from the CEO position after a distinguished career with the company. Dr. Loss will continue to provide strategic guidance by joining Neovii's Board of Directors.

The appointment signals a pivotal moment for the Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company, suggesting a strategic move to deepen its focus on high-growth areas like oncology and advanced therapies. Prince brings a formidable resume, combining deep scientific knowledge with extensive commercial and strategic leadership experience gained at some of the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.

A New Era of Leadership from Pharma Giants

Frédéric Prince joins Neovii from a key strategic role at Roche, where he most recently served as Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff ad interim to the Head of Oncology in the Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED) division. In this capacity, he was at the nexus of early-stage innovation and long-term strategic planning within one of the industry's most competitive therapeutic areas. His prior role as a Project Team Leader in immuno-oncology saw him heading multiple development programs, giving him firsthand experience in advancing cutting-edge science from the lab toward the clinic.

Prince's expertise is not limited to large pharma. He previously served in significant leadership positions at bluebird bio, a pioneer in gene therapy. As Vice President and Global Program Lead, he headed the eli-cel gene therapy program, a complex and innovative treatment for a rare neurological disorder. This experience in advanced therapeutics and rare diseases is particularly relevant as the industry increasingly shifts toward highly specialized and personalized medicines. His tenure at bluebird also included serving as General Manager for France, demonstrating operational and commercial leadership at a national level.

Before his foray into gene therapy, Dr. Prince spent over a decade in roles of increasing responsibility at Novartis Oncology, with postings across the United States, Switzerland, Italy, and France. This long-term experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of global market dynamics, product launches, and commercial strategy within a major oncology franchise. Armed with a PhD in Molecular Genetics and a Master’s in Cell Biology from the prestigious Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Prince embodies the modern biopharma leader: one who can bridge the gap between complex science and commercial execution.

Building on a Solid Foundation

Prince will take the helm of a company with a well-established global footprint and a cornerstone product. Neovii, which employs around 150 people and operates in nearly 60 countries, is anchored by its leading therapy, Grafalon® (rabbit anti-human T-lymphocyte globulin). With over three decades of clinical use, Grafalon® is a global leader in polyclonal antibody immunosuppressive therapy, primarily used to prevent graft-rejection in solid organ transplantation and to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in stem cell transplantation.

Under the leadership of the outgoing CEO, Dr. Christian Loss, Neovii has focused on solidifying Grafalon's market position while pursuing strategic expansion. A landmark achievement during this period was the September 2022 exclusive agreement with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize Grafalon® in China. This partnership not only aims to strengthen its use in transplantation but also to expand its approved indications to include GVHD, aligning its use with European and other global markets. The company has also steadily expanded its commercial reach, as seen in the 2023 extension of its distribution agreement to cover all Nordic countries.

Neovii's stated ambition is to become a fully integrated global biopharmaceutical company with multiple franchises. Its strategy involves expanding the use of Grafalon® into new indications within hemato-oncology and immune disorders, while actively seeking to in-license or acquire promising new therapies. The company's pipeline includes NB-15, a clinical-stage therapy for the rare metabolic disorder MNGIE, indicating a willingness to invest in areas of high unmet need.

Seamless Succession and a Vision for the Future

The transition appears meticulously planned to ensure stability and forward momentum. Dr. Christian Loss, who has been with Neovii for over a decade and served as CEO since 2021, will not be departing entirely. His move to the Board of Directors ensures his extensive institutional knowledge and strategic insights remain accessible to the company. The Board expressed its “heartfelt thanks to Dr. Christian Loss for his decades of dedicated service, his successful leadership and invaluable contributions,” underscoring the amicable nature of the succession.

This model of retaining an outgoing CEO on the board is a common governance strategy in the life sciences industry, designed to facilitate a smooth handover and maintain investor confidence. It allows the new leader to enact a fresh vision while benefiting from the historical context and continuity provided by their predecessor.

By bringing in a leader of Prince's caliber, Neovii is clearly positioning itself for its next phase of growth. His deep background in oncology and immuno-oncology at Roche and Novartis aligns perfectly with Neovii's goal of expanding its hemato-oncology franchise. Furthermore, his experience with gene therapy at bluebird bio could signal an ambition to move into more advanced therapeutic modalities, either through internal R&D or strategic acquisitions. The Board of Directors expressed its confidence that Dr. Prince will “drive Neovii’s continued growth and development,” a sentiment that reflects the strategic weight of his appointment. His leadership will be critical as Neovii navigates the complexities of drug development, global commercialization, and the ever-evolving landscape of specialized medicine.