Alain Vertès, Ph.D., M.B.A., is managing director of Basel, Switzerland-based NxR Biotechnologies, a consultancy that assists companies in funding, positioning and commercializing biotech products. He is an active business development consultant focused on technology deployment and innovation funding and commercialization. He has contributed to research (molecular biology, microbiology, sustainable chemistry), manufacturing (amino acids, enzymes), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD), and strategic alliances in pharmaceuticals (Roche, Pfizer, Lilly), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.), industrial biotechnology, public research and consulting. With worldwide experience in partnering and licensing groups of big pharmas, Vertes has led reviews of strategic needs for finding, implementing and managing partnerships, from licensing to M&As. With hands-on involvement in the deployment of radical innovation—for example, bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm-changing therapeutics—he has managed major siRNA alliances and has led global therapeutic stem cell initiatives.