Withers & Wagg are delighted to be partnering with a preclinical biotech in Southern France that is developing a first in class regenerative treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Their lead programme is designed to help the pancreas regrow its own insulin producing beta cells by activating a natural biological pathway, with the aim of restoring the body’s own insulin production. Preclinical data are compeling . The company will file its Clinical Trial Application at the end of 2026, with first-in-human dosing in the first half of 2027, followed by a Phase 2a in patients with Type 1 diabetes. When the approach works in humans, it could reduce or remove the need for daily insulin and change how Type 1 diabetes is treated.

The Role

As Chief Medical Officer, you will take the lead programme from first in human studies into Phase 2 and own the clinical strategy, study design and delivery along the way. You will also be the clinical voice of the company. The board, investors and partners will look to you to explain the programme clearly and with conviction, and to show why the data support the next step. You will ask the hard clinical and scientific questions early, shape the decisions that follow, and build the medical function as the company grows. You will report to the CEO, sit on the executive committee and work closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Clinical Operations Director. You will take over medical accountability for the first-in-human study, including the sponsor medical monitor role and co-chairing the Safety Review Committee. This is a rare chance to lead the first clinical studies of a new regenerative approach in diabetes as part of  an ambitious leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the clinical development strategy for the lead programme from first in human through Phase II

• Work with the research and development teams to move the programme from preclinical work into the clinic

• Lead the design of early phase studies, including protocol development, patient population, dose escalation and endpoint selection

• Build a biomarker and endpoint strategy that can show whether beta cell function is being restored in patients

• Present the clinical strategy and data to the board and investors, and support future funding rounds and due diligence

• Represent the company as its medical and scientific spokesperson with investors, partners, key opinion leaders and regulators

• Ask the key clinical and scientific questions that guide programme decisions

• Lead the clinical side of regulatory interactions, including scientific advice meetings, the EU Clinical Trial Application (CTIS) and US pre-IND / IND interactions with the FDA

• Select and oversee CRO and vendor partners so that studies are delivered on time and to a high standard

• Oversee patient safety, medical monitoring and safety reporting across all clinical studies

• Build and lead the clinical and medical function as the company grows

• Build strong relationships with leading diabetes clinicians, investigators and trial sites in Europe and the US

Essential Experience

• Medically qualified physician with specialist training in endocrinology or diabetology

• Substantial clinical development experience in diabetes within industry

• Proven track record of leading programmes from first in human through Phase 2

• Experience developing biologics in early clinical development

• Experience as a Chief Medical Officer or in an equivalent executive clinical leadership role

• Experience leading regulatory interactions with the EMA or national competent authorities, and with the FDA

• Experience presenting to boards and investors and influencing decisions at executive level

• Ability to tell a clear and convincing clinical story and gain the support of a wide range of stakeholders

• Strong leadership experience, including building and developing teams

• Willingness to travel regularly to the company site in Southern France

Desirable Experience

• Experience with regenerativeor disease modifying approaches in diabetes

• Experience with C-peptide, mixed meal tolerance testing, glucose-potentiated arginine (GPA) or clamp tests, or other measures of beta cell function as study endpoints

• Experience supporting fundraising or investor due diligence in a venture backed biotech

• An established network of diabetes key opinion leaders and investigators in Europe and the US

• French language skills is a plus

• Willingness to relocate to Southern France is a plus