Thomas Hegendoerfer

VP Business Development | Driving Partnerships in RNA Therapeutics | Passion for Innovation & Collaboration

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

About

I’m a strategic and science-driven Business Development leader with 15+ years of experience across biotech and pharma, specializing in in-/out-licensing, strategic alliances, and platform-based partnerships that drive growth. Over the course of my career, I’ve led and closed deals across immunology, neurology, oncology, and rare diseases, collaborating with partners ranging from early-stage biotechs to Big Pharma. I bring a proven track record of translating innovation into impactful medicines and the ability to bridge cultures, technologies, and geographies — from EU/US to Asia. Currently, as VP Business Development at Secarna Pharmaceuticals, I’m helping to expand partnering activities around a leading antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) platform, advancing next-generation RNA therapeutics and enabling partnerships that create lasting value. I thrive at the intersection of science, strategy, and entrepreneurship — turning ideas into opportunities and partnerships into impact. Always open to connecting with innovators, dealmakers, and investors shaping the next wave of biotech.

Experience

  • Vice President of Business Development at Secarna Pharmaceuticals
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    Driving strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance Secarna’s antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) platform and pipeline. Delivering growth through strategic alliances and value-driven transactions.

  • Independent Business Development Advisor at Self-employed
    Apr 2024 - Oct 2025 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Supported early-stage biotechs & entrepreneurs on BD strategy, partnering readiness, transactions & asset positioning.

  • Johnson & Johnson (Full-time · 6 yrs 6 mos)
    • Director Global Business Development
      Nov 2021 - Mar 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      Driving mid- and late-stage partnerships globally in Rare Diseases and Global Public Health with a specific focus on Tuberculosis. Facilitating breakthrough innovation through collaborations with pharma, biotech, foundations, and NGOs for the world’s toughest health challenges.

    • New Venture Lead
      Oct 2017 - Nov 2021 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      Led early partnering and search & evaluation across therapeutic areas. Forged strategic alliances with startups, researchers, and biotech companies, driving Janssen's Strategic Alliance strategy with an innovation focus on Germany.

  • Lead Discovery Center GmbH (Dortmund)
    • Head of Business Development
      Mar 2013 - Oct 2017 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      LDC is a translational incubator professionally developing and commercializing drug discovery innovation coming out of academia Oversaw BD, Out-licensing, and Alliance Management. Notable deals include licenses with Sotio and Boehringer Ingelheim, and discovery alliances with Roche and Infinity. PLG Business Development Newcomer of the Year Award 2013 Nominee.

    • Head of Operations & Business Development
      Oct 2008 - Mar 2013 · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Key role in the start-up phase, handling BD, Operations, Legal, IP, and PR. Built extensive networks, managed out-licensing, and directed operational setup of labs.

  • Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH (Munich)
    • Project Manager | Max Planck Drug Discovery Center
      2007 - 2008 · 1 yr

      Played a vital role as a project manager in facilitating the setup of a translational Drug Discovery & Development Center for the Max Planck Society. Successful initiative that led to the formation of the spinout company Lead Discovery Center GmbH. Secured 20€ Mio funding through a German BMBF grant.

    • Assistant Patent and Licensing Management
      2007 - 2007 · Less than a year

      Managed the commercialization of a portfolio of 10 early-stage technology assets. Support of several start-up teams. Closed one option and one license agreement.