Cartesian Therapeutics Puts Talent and Innovation at the Heart of the Organization

In the rapidly evolving world of life sciences, the interplay between talent, culture, and leadership is crucial to the success of innovative companies. Carsten Brunn, CEO of Cartesian Therapeutics and Breakthrough of the Year Award Winner, recently shared his perspectives on these themes in a recent BioBlast interview.

By BioBuzz Media | September 18, 2024

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Cartesian Therapeutics, with operations in both Gaithersburg and now a cGMP facility in Frederick, Maryland, is at the forefront of mRNA cell therapy, focusing on autoimmune diseases. Carsten Brunn, CEO of Cartesian Therapeutics and a BioBuzz Award Winner for Breakthrough Company of the Year, provides insights into the strategies and philosophies that drive success in this competitive field.

Brunn’s professional journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. He began as a scientist with a PhD in endocrine pharmacology, working at Eli Lilly, and later transitioned to roles in small biotech companies in Europe, private equity in Asia, and large pharmaceutical firms like Bayer. His move to Cartesian Therapeutics, following a significant merger with Selecta Biosciences, reflects a career characterized by versatility and a deep understanding of both the scientific and commercial aspects of the industry.

Talent and Team Dynamics

At the heart of Cartesian’s success is its talented team. Brunn emphasizes the importance of having the right people with the right mindset, particularly in smaller organizations where every individual’s contribution is magnified.

He emphasized, “It’s all about the people. The right people with the right mindset can achieve extraordinary things.”

To Brunn, culture is critical in fostering a productive work environment. Respect, integrity, authenticity, and transparency are the cornerstones of Cartesian’s culture. This approach not only helps in attracting top talent but also ensures that the team remains cohesive and motivated.  One good indicator of that is the very high retention rate that Cartesian has had over the years and the career progression that employees have achieved.

Brunn also holds a very positive view of the talent landscape in Maryland. He is highly impressed by the local scientific talent, attributing it to the presence of prestigious academic institutions and a strong biotech ecosystem. Brunn notes that Maryland’s talent pool is competitive with other major biotech hubs like Boston and highlights the cost advantages of operating in Maryland, such as more affordable real estate. He appreciates the local hiring success and the dedication of the team at Cartesian Therapeutics, which has allowed the company to thrive in the region.

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Leadership and Community

Leadership, according to Brunn, is about unleashing the potential of everyone in the organization. He sees his role as a coach, creating an environment where individuals can grow and contribute their best ideas.

“As a leader, being real, being authentic, and being close to the pulse of the organization is essential,” he shared.

Community engagement is another crucial aspect. Cartesian Therapeutics has a significant presence in Maryland’s biotech corridor, leveraging the region’s rich scientific talent and academic institutions. Brunn’s appreciation for the local talent pool underscores Maryland’s competitive edge in the life sciences sector.

Brunn feels that Cartesian Therapeutics’ BioBuzz Award is a testament to its impact and recognition within the community. Brunn expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the team. “It’s a huge honor and recognition for the team that built this from scratch. It means a lot, and our employees will be thrilled to hear the news.”

Earlier this year BioBuzz hosted Cartesian CSO, Christopher Jewell for a Fireside Chat in Frederick with, as a way to introduce Cartesian to the Frederick community and engage with the community ahead of the expansion of their new cGMP facility.  

Embracing Innovation

The merger between Cartesian and Selecta that took place last year was driven by personal relationships and business synergies. Brunn recounted how the merger was a strategic move to combine resources and streamline operations. The merger allowed Cartesian to retain its core strengths while incorporating Selecta’s expertise in public company operations.

Brunn is clear-eyed about the challenges of funding and prioritizing projects in the biotech space. He advocates for capital efficiency and making tough decisions early to focus on the most promising areas. This strategic approach has enabled Cartesian to remain agile and responsive to market dynamics.

Looking ahead, Cartesian is focused on advancing its mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases. The company’s innovative approach, which avoids the need for chemotherapy preconditioning, positions it well for outpatient settings. Brunn emphasized the importance of continuous learning and staying at the cutting edge of innovation to maintain a competitive advantage.

As Cartesian Therapeutics continues to grow and innovate, Brunn’s leadership, grounded in respect, authenticity, and a commitment to unleashing potential will undoubtedly drive the company towards new horizons in the life sciences industry. This article was written based on the BioBlast interview between Carsten Brunn and Devin Zitelman.