Mission Statement
“To unlock the full potential of protein science, delivering innovative, customized protein design and consultancy services that drive transformative results. We are committed to advancing the boundaries of scientific discovery and providing our clients with tailored solutions that meet their specific research and development goals. Through expertise, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, we aim to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.”
Hans Langedijk, PhD
Co-Founder
Known for cracking protein instability challenges for viral fusion proteins, Hans is a trailblazer in Structural Vaccinology, with over 100 peer-reviewed papers, and more than 40 patents in the field. His career spans more than three decades and covers academia, small biotech and big pharma. His deep knowledge of protein biochemistry and vaccine development ensures that innovative designs transform into real-world results.
As co-founder of ForgeBio, Hans is on a mission to redefine protein engineering by leveraging new technologies and fostering collaboration. His leadership is at the heart of ForgeBio’s drive to innovate and make a difference in healthcare
Mark Bakkers, PhD
Co-Founder
A recognized expert in emerging viruses and known for his innovative approaches to vaccine design, Mark brings over 15 years of experience in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. With a background that bridges both research and application, he turns scientific insights into practical solutions. Specializing in the structural vaccinology of respiratory viruses, his expertise in high-throughput evaluations and assay development combined with a deep understanding of virology ensure a smooth transition from concept to clinical application.
As co-founder of ForgeBio, Mark is dedicated to advancing protein engineering and driving breakthroughs in vaccine design. His leadership is central to ForgeBio’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, positioning the company at the forefront of the fight against infectious diseases.
Kenny Simmen, PhD
Business Development
Kenny brings more than 30 years of global pharmaceutical industry experience to ForgeBio. Until recently, he was part of the Infectious Diseases & Vaccines leadership team at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as Vice President, Infectious Diseases Research & Early Development and as Global Lead for Scientific Innovation. He built and led early-stage R&D teams advancing multiple antiviral and anti-infective candidates into clinical development, including the Hepatitis C protease inhibitor simeprevir, for which he is a co-inventor. Kenny has established many international collaborations and licensing agreements with biotech and academic partners across the US, Europe, and Asia.
With his extensive network and strategic insight, he strengthens ForgeBio’s business development and partnership strategy.
Scientific Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Osterhaus
Prof. Dr. Osterhaus is a globally recognized virologist, former Head of Viroscience at Erasmus MC, and founding leader of multiple international infection research centers, renowned for pioneering the integrated “viroscience” approach. He has led large-scale research programs resulting in the discovery of 80+ human and animal viruses (including hMPV, SARS and MERS coronaviruses), authored >1,450 highly cited publications, founded impactful biotech spin-offs, and advised global health responses to major outbreaks.
Amin Khan, PhD
Amin Khan has spent 30+ years working in pharmaceutical and vaccine R&D across large Pharma and small Biotech and has played critical roles in integrated R&D programs demonstrating rapid clinical translation, and navigating the late-stage development of vaccine products. Currently, he is an advisor to vaccine and biologics companies operating in the Americas, Europe and Africa. Most recently he was the Executive Vice President and Head of R&D at Icosavax, Inc. (acquired by AstraZeneca, 2024).
Amin has held senior scientific and executive leadership roles at Eli Lilly, Novartis Vaccines and GlaxoSmithKline. He has guided scientific and technical teams to develop novel vaccines for infectious diseases and has contributed to the licensure of four vaccines.
Jan Poolman, PhD
Jan Poolman is a globally recognized microbiologist and vaccinologist with a seminal role in the discovery, development, and licensure of bacterial vaccines targeting meningitis, whooping cough and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. He has led vaccine R&D across academia, public health, and industry, including senior leadership roles at RIVM, GSK Biologicals, and Janssen Vaccines. Jan is co-inventor on > 80 IP filings related to vaccines and his work contributed to multiple licensed vaccines such as InfanrixHexa, Pediarix, Synflorix, Menitorix, Nimenrix, Menhibrix, Boostrix and Tritanrix, as well as late-stage programs against ExPEC, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Author of >300 peer-reviewed publications, he is widely respected for combining deep antigen and pathogen expertise with large-scale team building and translational execution in bacterial vaccinology.