4basebio CEO Heikki Lanckriet quits to steer new venture
After six years in the role, Dr Lanckriet has stepped down in order to lead a newly formed entity which will be focussed on advancing the Hermes nanoparticle platform into the clinic.
4basebio, which is based in Over, Cambridgeshire, is an innovation driven biotechnology company enabling and accelerating development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) through its high performant GMP-grade synthetic DNA products.
The Board and executive leadership team determined that Dr Amy Walker, with her deep knowledge of the company and commercially-focused skillset and experience, was the right candidate to succeed Heikki as the company prepares for accelerated commercial growth.
Dr Lanckriet will remain on the Board and also continue to support the company’s scientific and technical leadership. David Roth will join Heikki in his newly formed entity and will step down as Chief Financial Officer and as a Director of 4basebio following an orderly handover period.
Dr Walker has been with the company for more than five years most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. She has played a key role in scaling 4basebio’s GMP manufacturing capabilities, strengthening direct engagement with top-tier biopharma customers and supporting the company’s growth operationally and strategically.
As CEO, she will lead an accelerated commercial growth strategy, focusing on deepening penetration of the synthetic DNA market as customers increasingly seek alternatives to plasmid DNA, and building on the company’s recent GMP milestone to support clinical programmes in cell and gene therapy and vaccine development.
Since the company’s formation in 2020, Heikki Lanckriet has been responsible for leading 4basebio as it scaled its synthetic DNA technology from concept to clinic, built a global customer base and stewarded 4basebio in building its high-quality investor base.
This leadership change comes at a time when the Company enters an expected period of accelerated commercial growth in 2026 following a successful 2025. 4basebio has top tier pharma clients in the clinic and a strong and growing pipeline.
The trend of drug development companies transitioning from plasmid DNA to synthetic DNA and RNA continues to gain traction and supports the company’s commercial momentum.
Dr Lanckriet said: "Leading 4basebio has been an exceptional privilege. Having founded the company over six years ago and built it to where it is today, I feel the time is right to hand over the reigns as the company moves into its next phase of commercial and operational development.
"Amy and I have worked closely together over the past years and she has been instrumental in the growth and success of 4basebio. Her expertise and judgement will lead the company to commercial success and I am delighted that she will succeed me as Chief Executive Officer.
"With the company under excellent stewardship, I am excited to be able to focus on my passion for entrepreneurship and business creation but I will continue to support Amy, the Board and the wider team to deliver on the company’s goals."
