Pharming Group Nominates Fabrice Chouraqui as CEO to Lead the Next Phase of Growth

With a stellar track record across leading pharmaceutical companies, Chouraqui is poised to guide Pharming Group’s strategic transformation.

Pharming Group N.V. (EURONEXT Amsterdam: PHARM/Nasdaq: PHAR) has announced the nomination of Fabrice Chouraqui as its next Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Chouraqui is set to succeed Sijmen de Vries, marking a pivotal leadership change for the global biopharmaceutical company. His formal appointment will be proposed at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGM), with further details forthcoming.

De Vries, who has played a critical role in Pharming’s development, will step down from the Board of Directors upon Chouraqui’s appointment. To ensure a smooth transition, De Vries will remain as a strategic advisor to Chouraqui until the end of 2025.

An Accomplished Leader with Proven Expertise

Fabrice Chouraqui brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at Flagship Pioneering, Novartis, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Most recently, he served as CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering, a leading U.S.-based biotech venture capital firm. During his tenure, Chouraqui led Cellarity, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering-founded company leveraging AI to revolutionize drug discovery. Under his leadership, Cellarity secured over $250 million in funding, attracted prominent investors, and established a key collaboration with Novo Nordisk.

His time at Novartis further exemplifies his ability to drive innovation and growth. As President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals USA (2016–2019), Chouraqui achieved substantial growth by enhancing profitability and reinvigorating the business. He played a central role in advancing key growth drivers like Cosentyx and Entresto, fostering the adoption of rare disease therapies, and initiating landmark clinical trials such as PIONEER for heart failure.

Earlier, as Global Head of the Neuroscience Business Franchise, Chouraqui orchestrated the relaunch of Gilenya for multiple sclerosis and initiated groundbreaking projects in the late-stage pipeline, including therapies like siponimod. His efforts extended to securing high-value partnerships, including the development of Aimovig for migraines in collaboration with Amgen.

Before joining Novartis, Chouraqui held senior roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb, culminating in his appointment as Vice President of Commercial Operations for Asia-Pacific and General Manager for Southeast Asia. His career began in R&D roles at Roussel Uclaf and Hoechst Marion Roussel, both now part of Sanofi.

Commitment to Excellence and Strategic Vision

Chouraqui’s academic background includes an MBA from INSEAD, a Doctorate in Pharmacy, and advanced degrees in Quality Assurance of Medicines and Biological and Medicinal Sciences from the University of Paris V. His blend of academic rigor and practical experience positions him as a forward-thinking leader for Pharming Group.

Pharming confirmed that Chouraqui will step down as Executive Chairman of Cellarity, Inc. before assuming his new role. However, he will continue to contribute as a non-executive Board member. He also serves as an independent Board member at OranoMed.

Guiding Pharming into the Future

Pharming Group is poised for a transformative phase under Chouraqui’s leadership. With his proven ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and build strategic partnerships, the company aims to solidify its position in the biopharmaceutical industry and deliver groundbreaking therapies to patients worldwide.

Chouraqui expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to lead Pharming Group and build upon the strong foundation established by Sijmen de Vries. Together with the talented team, I look forward to driving growth, enhancing innovation, and delivering on our mission to improve patients’ lives.”

This leadership transition signifies a new chapter for Pharming Group as it strives to set new benchmarks in the global healthcare landscape.