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 29.04.2025

Gisela Lorente, CEO of Aptadel Therapeutics: “In the last 30 years, there has been no significant innovation for the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma”

With a career that combines research and innovation management, Gisela Lorente leads Aptadel Therapeutics, a spin-off born from IDIBELL focused on developing innovative therapies based on RNA aptamers. These molecules can be conjugated with therapeutic agents to treat pediatric cancers, such as Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of childhood tumor with a low life expectancy that affects bones and soft tissues. “In the last 30 years, there has been no significant innovation in the treatment of Ewing’s sarcoma,” says Lorente.

RNA therapies represent a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment, as they allow for the specific targeting of tumor cells without damaging healthy tissues. Aptamers, in particular, offer notable advantages over other drug delivery molecules, especially in the field of oncology. “Our main program consists of an aptamer conjugated with siRNA, which has antimetastatic capabilities and inhibits tumor growth,” explains the CEO.

In this interview, recorded during the biannual networking meeting at the Barcelona Science Park, Gisela Lorente reflects on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the value of scientific translation, and the lessons learned from her journey as a founder and scientist.