In this series, DDW speaks to women in leading positions across biopharma about the work they’re doing and their experiences within the industry. Here, we speak to Charlotte Edenius, Gesynta, co-founder and VP of R&D Strategy of Gesynta Pharma about the company’s approach to treating pain and inflammation and her experiences as a leader in pharma. 

DDW: Since founding Gesynta around the potential of mPGES-1 inhibition, what has been the biggest challenge in translating that science into a clinical-stage programme? 

CE: We overcame two major challenges. The first was selecting the right indication. While mPGES-1 inhibition showed massive therapeutic potential, the anti-inflammatory field is highly competitive. We rigorously evaluated a range of indications and ultimately identified two which stood out, each for very different reasons.  

As a small company, we initially targeted systemic sclerosis, a manageable orphan indication. In parallel, we continued to investigate endometriosis, where mPGES-1 and PGE2 have a strong mechanistic rationale in both inflammation and the specific biology of endometriotic lesions. Furthermore, endometriosis is a major public health concern, affecting one in 10 women of reproductive age. 

Our second challenge was funding a large endometriosis programme in the midst of the post pandemic era (the “biotech winter”).  

Despite the tough market, we attracted top-tier investors. I believe this was for two reasons: the strength of our data, which demonstrated impressive effects in an advanced disease model, excellent safety & tolerability in clinical setting with full target engagement, and the experience, passion, and credibility of our team. 

Vipoglanstat is now in Phase II in endometriosis, actively evaluating our scientific rationale in patients for the first time, a major step toward addressing this devastating disease. 

DDW: Women’s health has historically received less attention than many other therapeutic areas. What changes are you seeing in the field today, and where do you think the greatest opportunities for innovation lie? 

CE: Women’s health has been under-researched and underfunded for decades, but we’re finally seeing a shift towards treatments that address the underlying disease, not just manage symptoms. It’s fundamentally about improving quality of life, independence, and helping women regain control of their health. 

Looking at where innovation matters most, two areas stand out to me: 

First, targeted non-hormonal therapies for conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or adenomyosis, where better treatments are urgently needed.  

Take our mPGES-1 inhibitor, vipoglanstat, developed as a first-in-class, oral, non-hormonal candidate targeting pain relief and lesion reduction for women with endometriosis without systemic hormonal side effects. 

Second, diagnostics and early detection. In endometriosis, for example, better diagnostic tools could spare an average patient up to a decade of uncertainty, frustration, and repeated misdiagnoses. 

DDW: How has your experience in large pharmaceutical companies shaped your approach to drug discovery and company building at Gesynta? 

CE: In my years in Big Pharma, I developed a deep understanding of the complexity of drug discovery and development, including early, comprehensive de-risking of programmes. 

I saw the tremendous value of project teams with dedicated experts. I believe these teams are necessary for not losing sight of the final product, and for ensuring critical activities aren’t missed, which can delay a programme and even destroy its commercial potential. 

Being on the buyer’s side of the table, I also learned what closes these deals – and what kills them. Early clinical data is not enough. Therefore, from day one in Gesynta, we have been building partner-ready packages integrating pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical activities aligned with regulatory authorities’ interactions, and laid out a CMC pathway to prepare for later-stage clinical studies and the market. 

That perspective directly shapes how we build Gesynta. Understanding how governance bodies and potential partners make decisions helps us to stay lean, agile, and focused on generating the exact value-driving milestones that trigger dealmaking. 

Ultimately, our team’s background working at the big pharmaceutical players ensures that Gesynta doesn’t just innovate, but delivers high-value assets that hold up under intense due diligence. 

DDW: As both a scientist and entrepreneur, how have the challenges you’ve encountered shaped your leadership approach, and what lessons have stayed with you throughout your career? 

CE: Sound science is non-negotiable, but biology takes its own path. Leadership requires humility when facing the data. Continuous scenario planning with plans B, C and D builds organisational agility and psychological safety when the unforeseen happens. 

As a leader, I strive for realistic optimism based on transparency. I encourage our team to speak about risks, concerns and alternative interpretations of the data. No single discipline has all the answers, so it is important to listen to other perspectives – be it colleagues from other fields, mentors, or second opinion experts.  

Ultimately, I want to lead by example, fostering shared ownership, communicating with clear-eyed honesty, and making sure my team knows they always have my back.  

 DDW: What one piece of advice would you give to the next generation of women aspiring to lead in biotech and drug discovery? 

CE: I’ll give you three pieces of advice! 

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced that you need a genuine fire for what you do. There’s a lot of hard work to be done and without that passion, it’s simply not worth it. But when you have that fire, every challenge is worth the effort.  

Don’t wait until you’re “ready”. Take on opportunities that you believe are beyond your capability and go for it – you will grow with the task. 

And finally, always be on the lookout for people who will challenge and support you honestly. They may be mentors, peers, or people you respect from totally different walks of life.

Biography 

Charlotte Edenius MD, PhD, is one of the co-founders of Gesynta Pharma and VP R&D Strategy. She has 30 years of experience from positions within the life science industry with experience from all phases of drug development as well as business development including successful partnering and licensing.