#NewAseBioMember | "We see AseBio as a reflection of a mature Spanish biotechnology ecosystem, where science, business, investment and collaboration come together to drive impactful innovation"

AseBio. What does your company's work bring to the table and what is its strength?

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago. At ViroFend Therapeutics, we develop novel cancer therapies based on immunovirotherapy. Our aim is to harness the ability of selected viruses to act selectively against tumour cells while activating an anti-tumour immune response. Our key strength lies in combining specialised expertise in virology, oncology and immunology with a translational perspective that guides the progress of our programmes from the earliest stages of research.

AseBio. What is AseBio for you?

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago. We see AseBio as a reflection of a mature Spanish biotechnology ecosystem, where science, business, investment and collaboration come together to drive impactful innovation. For ViroFend, joining AseBio means becoming part of an established network, sharing perspectives with other stakeholders, and helping to ensure that biomedical innovation developed in Spain gains greater visibility and international reach. The strong presence of health-focused organisations within the association further reinforces its alignment with our field of work.

AseBio. When did you first hear about AseBio?

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago. Although ViroFend is a young company, AseBio was already a recognised reference point for our team because of its role in representing and supporting the growth of biotechnology in Spain. During the company’s formation, we identified the association as an ideal platform for connecting with companies and institutions involved in biomedical innovation and the development of new therapies.

AseBio. What do you expect from being part of an association like AseBio?

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago. We want to participate in an environment that facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience among companies and helps identify opportunities for collaboration with scientific, technological and industrial organisations. We also hope to contribute our experience in oncolytic immunovirotherapy to discussions that are relevant to the growth and consolidation of the Spanish biotechnology sector.

AseBio. What is the biggest challenge facing the biotech sector or your company?

Miguel Ángel Ávila Santiago. The main challenge is to translate promising scientific advances into benefits for patients, with the quality, evidence and resources required to develop new therapies. In oncology, this involves generating robust preclinical data, anticipating manufacturing and regulatory requirements, and securing sustained funding to support inherently long development timelines. At ViroFend, we address this challenge with rigour, clear prioritisation and a robust development strategy. We are confident that joining AseBio will foster new collaborations and partnerships that will help us move forward on this journey.