Markus Cappel, Ph.D., MBA

Chairman of the Board at OSE Immunotherapeutics - Accomplished C-Level Biotechnology executive with expertise in: Strategy, Product Management, M&A/IPO, Financings, Contract Negotiations, Organizational Design

United States

About

As Chairman of OSE Immunotherapeutics, I lead the board in setting strategic direction and governance, bridging the board and management to foster integrity, accountability, and long-term value creation. With a solid academic foundation in science and business and over thirty years of success, I specialize in building and scaling biotechnology companies, delivering exceptional results in dynamic growth markets. My expertise and business-first leadership approach have set me apart, allowing me to drive large M&A and corporate initiatives and lead organizations through significant business growth and transformation. My ability to navigate complex business landscapes and deliver impactful results has made me a sought-after leader in the biotech industry. Driven by passion for developing novel medicines for patients with unmet medical needs. I have advanced a successful biotech company from discovery to a fully integrated commercial organization, showcasing exceptional business acumen and vision. In my most recent role as Chief Business Officer at ChemoCentryx, I played a pivotal role in Amgen's $4 billion acquisition of the company, securing a 116% premium. I orchestrated negotiation strategies with the Board of Directors, managed complex negotiations with Amgen, and led the due diligence process for expedited deal closure. I developed comprehensive financial models to support the acquisition price, collaborated with outside counsel to obtain timely antitrust clearance from the FTC and DOJ, and directed the post-merger integration team. As a vital member of a three-person C-level team, I raised $435 million in public offerings, including an IPO, and $138 million in private equity financing rounds. I have directly led product development and key commercialization aspects of therapies like TAVNEOS® (avacopan) across seven major market countries. My operational leadership spanned Technical Operations, IT, Business Solutions, Facilities, and EH&S, overseeing the development and scale-up of drug substances and products. I also led the global commercial supply team. I led multi-party negotiations with major pharma companies, securing a favorable ex-US commercialization agreement for TAVNEOS®. Fundamentally, my approach is driven by tenacity, focus, and determination, centered on purpose-driven leadership.

Experience

  • Chairman of the Board of Directors at OSE Immunotherapeutics
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

  • Chief Business Officer, Biotechnology at CHEMOCENTRYX, INC - Acquired by Amgen, Inc, in October 2022
    Oct 2001 - Oct 2022 · 21 yrs 1 mo

  • Vice President, Business Development at ADVANCED INHALATION RESEARCH, INC
    1998 - 2001 · 3 yrs

  • Associate Director, Business Development at MILLENNIUM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    1998 - 1998 · Less than a year

  • Director, Marketing & Business Development at CYGNUS, INC.
    1991 - 1996 · 5 yrs