Sophie Biernaux serves as Head of the Malaria Franchise for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines where she leads the company’s research and development efforts on malaria vaccines. Sophie Biernaux currently directs all aspects of GSK’s work in advancing the RTS,S malaria vaccine candidate, including the management of the Phase IIIs trial across Africa in conjunction with the company’s Global R&D Department. She also ensures an effective partnership with PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, GSK’s partner in the study, and a transparent collaboration with European regulatory authorities, the World Health Organization and African governments to accelerate the eventual registration of an effective malaria vaccine.

She holds a PhD in cellular biology and immunology and after a couple of years of research at the International Institute of Cellular Pathology in Brussels, she joined SmithKline Beecham in 1986. During more than 20 years, she has led numerous projects and teams, gaining a broad experience of all aspects of vaccine development.