Dr. Gilles Besin is an accomplished scientific executive and internationally recognized leader in RNA therapeutics, immunology, and vaccine development. With more than two decades of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Dr. Besin has been instrumental in driving some of the most innovative advances in RNA-based medicine and immunomodulatory therapies across the globe. Currently serving as Chief Scientific Officer at Orbital Therapeutics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he leads the company’s pioneering efforts in developing next-generation RNA platforms that hold transformative potential for treating a wide range of diseases.
At Orbital Therapeutics, Dr. Besin directs groundbreaking research and development programs focused on both linear and circular RNA modalities. His team’s work includes the development of novel delivery platforms utilizing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) to advance therapeutics in autoimmune diseases, oncology, and protein replacement therapy. Under his leadership, Orbital is strategically positioned at the forefront of RNA innovation, with robust preclinical programs transitioning into early-stage clinical trials. His involvement with the Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM) underscores his leadership and advocacy for advancing the clinical utility of RNA science on a global scale.
Prior to joining Orbital, Dr. Besin held senior executive roles at Moderna and Affinivax. As Head of Immunology at Moderna, he played a key role in the development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics in collaboration with partners such as Merck and AstraZeneca. His work contributed to critical advancements in oncology, infectious diseases, and rare disorders. At Affinivax, where he served as Vice President and Head of Discovery Research, Dr. Besin successfully led the development of multiple bacterial vaccines—most notably a next-generation Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine now in Phase III trials. He also spearheaded efforts in viral and cancer vaccine platforms and was a principal contributor to programs funded by major organizations including CEPI and CARB-X. His leadership directly contributed to Affinivax’s $3.3 billion acquisition by GSK.
Dr. Besin began his career in academic research, earning a Ph.D. in Cellular Immunology from the Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology in Freiburg, Germany. His doctoral and postdoctoral work in Canada, Germany, and France laid the foundation for his expertise in T-cell biology, immune regulation, and autoimmune disease. Transitioning into the biotech industry, he held research leadership roles at In-Cell-Art and Vitamfero, where he managed high-impact programs supported by DARPA and BPI France focused on mRNA vaccine development for oncology and emerging diseases.
He is an author of more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Molecular Therapy, and Cell Reports, and holds numerous patents in RNA delivery technologies, multivalent antigen platforms (MAPS), and immune cell targeting. Dr. Besin serves on the scientific advisory board of Ovensa, where he contributes to the advancement of novel delivery strategies for RNA therapies. He is an active member of the American Association of Immunologists and continues to advocate for collaboration and innovation in biomedical science.
A passionate scientist and strategic leader, Dr. Gilles Besin is dedicated to translating scientific discovery into therapeutic solutions that improve lives. His visionary approach, scientific rigor, and ability to navigate complex development pipelines make him a valuable contributor to the future of RNA medicine and global health innovation.
Character: Dr. Gilles Besin demonstrates unwavering integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to scientific innovation that drives meaningful impact in human health.
Knowledge: He possesses expert-level knowledge in immunology, RNA therapeutics, and vaccine development, built over two decades of academic and industry experience.
Strategic: Dr. Besin excels in translating complex scientific advancements into actionable strategies, successfully guiding preclinical innovations through clinical development and acquisition.
Communication: He is a clear, persuasive communicator who effectively bridges scientific and executive teams, secures funding, and fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration globally.
