Javier Terriente
Barcelona
Summary
Co-founded and developed two biotechs – ZeClinics and ZeCardio Therapeutics – specializing in preclinical drug discovery and therapeutic advancements, with a focus on cardiovascular, toxicology and neural disorders. Led scientific teams, supervised innovative disease model development, and transitioned into business strategy roles to expand client portfolios and foster industry partnerships. Secured over 10M€ in public and private funding through strategic planning and proposal coordination (Included EIC Accelerator 2017). Held leadership roles, such as CSO at ZeClinics and ZeCardioTx and Vice President of AseBio, enhancing visibility of the biotechnology sector by promoting collaboration and strengthening industry alliances. Academic credentials include directing 5 industrial PhDs, a PhD in Molecular Biology from UAM and a Marie Curie postdoctoral Fellowship. Seeking opportunities to leverage expertise in biotech innovation, leadership and commercialization within the life sciences sector.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder and CSO
ZeCardio Therapeutics
01.2020 - Current
- Strategic oversight and fund raising as part of founding leadership team.
- Discovery of 1x preclinical candidate and several therapeutic targets.
- Development of AI-based drug discovery platform: ZeCardioAI.
- 1x patent
- Development and supervision of scientific and preclinical work plans to transition therapeutic drugs into clinical trials.
- Coordination and drafting of proposals for public and private funding opportunities to secure financial resources.
Co-Founder, CSO and CCO
ZeClinics
06.2013 - Current
- Co-founded and developed ZeClinics, a company specializing in zebrafish-based services for preclinical drug discovery.
- Supervised scientific activities until 2020, including the development of innovative disease models and drug screening assays in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neural disorders.
- In 2025 I took responsibility for commercial strategy by expanding client portfolios, developing inbound/outbound strategies, and fostering partnerships with new clients in pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
- Secured over 8M€ in public funding (including EIC Accelerator).
- Managed a talented scientific team .
- Directed 5x Industrial PhDs.
Vicepresident and Board Member
AseBio - Asociación Española de Empresas Biotecnológicas
12.2019 - Current
- Contributed to raising public awareness of the biotechnology sector through targeted initiatives and strategic communication efforts.
- Facilitated networking opportunities within the biotech industry by promoting collaboration between member organizations and key stakeholders.
- Acted as a representative for the association, fostering partnerships with external entities to strengthen industry alliances.
- Played a central role in aligning organizational objectives with sector-wide priorities to bolster visibility and impact in Spain’s biotechnology landscape.
Assistant Professor/Beatriu de Pinos Postdoctoral Fellow
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Conducted advanced research and contributed to multiple academic publications.
- Delivered university-level courses tailored to undergraduate and graduate curricula.
- Provided mentorship and academic advising to students.
- Secured funding through the prestigious Beatriu de Pinós Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- Presented research findings at international conferences.
Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow
NIMR, MRC
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Conducted advanced research as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Medical Research Council.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions.
- Designed, implemented, and evaluated experimental methodologies.
- Provided detailed reporting and interpretation of research findings.
- Contributed to international research engagement through collaboration under the Marie Curie Fellowship program.
Visiting PhD Student
University of Sussex
04.2004 - 10.2004
- Conducted in-depth research as part of a PhD program, contributing to the academic goals of the University of Sussex.
PhD Student
Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBMSO
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Explored molecular mechanisms governing developmental processes, contributing to the understanding of fundamental biological pathways.
- Designed and executed experiments to investigate gene functions and interactions critical for limb and CNS formation.
- Published 7 research articles.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Molecular biology
Universidad autónoma de Madrid
01.2006
Bachelor's degree - Biochemistry
Universidad de Granada
01.2000
Skills
- Business strategy
- Creativity and Innovation
- Problem solving
- Scientific acumen
- Persuasion
- Fast learner
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
- Co-founded 2x biotech companies.
- Discovered several therapeutic targets and drugs.
- Secured 1M€ in private funding.
- Secured 8M€ in public funding.
- 1x Patent.
- Directed 5x Industrial PhDs
- Recipient of SME Instrument 2017 (previous EIC Accelerator).
- Recipient of Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow.
Patents
WO 2025/032074 A1. PCT published Feb 2025
Publications
- 28 publications (https://scholar.google.es/citations?user=J8hA0xQAAAAJ&hl=es)
- H-index: 21
Affiliations
ASEBIO - the Spanish Association of Biotech (President)
Languages
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Catalan
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Co-Founder and CSO
ZeCardio Therapeutics
01.2020 - Current
Vicepresident and Board Member
AseBio - Asociación Española de Empresas Biotecnológicas
12.2019 - Current
Co-Founder, CSO and CCO
ZeClinics
06.2013 - Current
Assistant Professor/Beatriu de Pinos Postdoctoral Fellow
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
01.2011 - 01.2015
Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow
NIMR, MRC
01.2007 - 01.2011
Visiting PhD Student
University of Sussex
04.2004 - 10.2004
PhD Student
Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBMSO
01.2001 - 01.2006
Bachelor's degree - Biochemistry
Universidad de Granada
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Molecular biology
Universidad autónoma de Madrid
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