Bridging science and leadership: Elisabetta Leo on guiding early development at Ipsen

“I felt, during my career path, that I was more a scientist rather than a leader; in my current role, I’m bridging the two as a research leader.” Elisabetta Leo is moving science forward at the heart of early development. This involves progressing nonclinical data and novel molecules in oncology, from bench to bedside. As Early Development Asset Lead, she leads a diverse team to align data packages, regulatory timelines, and cross-functional coordination to meet critical milestones. Her role covers every step of the transition from nonclinical to clinical. “I work with scientists, clinicians, clinical operations, regulatory, supply chain, and beyond” she notes. Though it encompasses a lot, the goal is simple: ensure the readiness of each program across all functions. This includes maintaining alignment with external partners and involves collaborating on the most promising modalities, shaping them to develop the strategy to test them in humans for the first time—ultimately determining the potential of a medicine in patients.

What drives her is not just the scientific challenge; it’s also human connection. “The people here are exceptional,” she says. “The size of the company allows us to be very connected.” She also values the visibility that comes with Ipsen’s scale. “In some global corporations there are several layers. Here, it is much more agile.”

“I now lead both science and people—and I am really enjoying that.”

It is that combination of leadership, along with curiosity, structure, and purpose—that defines Elisabetta’s work and continues to guide her and her team toward promising results for patients.