Bridging clinical practice and biotech.
Former GSK immunology leader Paul Peter Tak, MD PhD FMedSci, now President & CEO of Candel Therapeutics, sits down with Mike Rea (CEO of IDEA Pharma) to discuss the art and science of biotech leadership, R&D reinvention, and viral immunotherapy strategy.
From Clinic to C-Suite: A Career Reframed
Tak reflects on his early career as a rheumatologist and translational scientist, highlighting the importance of bridging real-world clinical insight with laboratory innovation. His pivot from GSK to a public biotech leader was driven by the ambition to reshape drug development through agility and creativity.
He shares lessons drawn from over two decades in immunology, noting that success often hinges less on mechanistic breakthroughs and more on multidisciplinary teamwork, rigorous decision‑making, and strategic portfolio choices.
Reimagining R&D
While at GSK, Tak led global immunology efforts, recognizing that long timelines and bureaucratic inertia often slowed innovation. At Candel, his goal is to run leaner, faster, and with more nimbleness. The approach, sometimes called “RxD”, combines combines clinical insight upfront with flexible trial design and early collaboration across functions like development, regulatory, and commercial.
He emphasises that R&D success comes from managing a balanced portfolio—some high-risk, potential blazers; others are “bread and butter” assets. But speed of learning and disciplined go/no-go decisions remain central.
Viral Immunotherapy & Value Creation
A major focus of the discussion is viral immunotherapy, exemplified by Tak’s leadership of CAN‑2409 at Candel. Rather than chasing broad blockbuster molecules, he advocates for tailor‑made biologics with defined mechanisms and targeted clinical populations. Such niche therapies may offer robust efficacy and clear clinical value, enabling better alignment between pricing, access, and real outcomes.
Tak also highlights the importance of value creation in biotech: measuring impact not only by scientific novelty but also by meaningful benefit to patients, investors, and health systems.
Crafted Leadership & Trust
Throughout the interview, Tak stresses leadership qualities that sustain high‑performing biotech organisations:
Transparency and trust
He fosters open lines between leadership, scientific teams, and stakeholder – even amid uncertainty.
Balanced decision-making
Encourage curiosity, but don’t tolerate endless indecision, discern when to pivot or kill programs early.
Interdisciplinary culture
Break down silos – encourage scientists to think about commercial, regulatory, clinical aspects of their work.
He points to real-world cases at Candel where efficient decisions expedited trial progress and investor confidence.
Key takeaways
- Clinical foundations matter, leading with patient insight leads to more meaningful therapeutic innovation.
- R&D needs creativity and speed-lean teams, early clinical collaboration, and rapid go/no-go steps are essential.
- Therapies with focus can create disproportionate value-like targeted viral immunotherapies in defined patient populations.
- Leadership is about trust, transparency and decisiveness – nurturing autonomy while setting high standards.
- Portfolio management is strategic, calibrating risk, potential and impact rather than betting solely on unicorn science.
