Vibalogics, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that specializes in the production of virotherapy products, has appointed Tom Hochuli as chief executive officer as the company accelerates its U.S. expansion and global growth strategy.

Bringing over 25 years’ experience to the role, Tom is well-versed in driving business operations, having worked for some of the most renowned CDMOs and large pharmaceutical companies in the sector.

Previously head of cell and gene therapy operations for Lonza Houston, Tom will now be responsible for accelerating Vibalogics’ U.S. expansion plans and global growth trajectory as the company sets its sights on developing a late phase and commercial virus manufacturing facility on the East Coast, U.S.

“We are delighted to have Tom onboard to lead our global growth strategy,” said Stefan Beyer, managing director and head of Vibalogics GmbH. “His exceptional skills and understanding of the market will be essential to the success of not only our U.S. facility expansion but also the advancement of our clinical offering to drug developers across the globe. In addition to leading the global vision and direction for Vibalogics, Tom will be responsible for establishing a strong leadership team and integrating our future late phase and commercial operations into our business.”

For the past 15 years Vibalogics has specialized in the manufacturing of oncolytic viruses, viral vector vaccines and viral vectors offering process development, manufacturing, testing and fill-finish services for early phase clinical trials from its 50,000 sq. ft. GMP certified facility in Cuxhaven, Germany.

The company was recently selected by Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, a Johnson & Johnson company, as one of its manufacturing partners for its investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

In May 2019, Vibalogics was acquired by Ampersand Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in growth equity investments in the healthcare sector, allowing the CDMO to further its growth strategy and fast-track its plans to extend its footprint in the United States.