Hopec-Pharma

WHO WE ARE

HOPEC Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company developing Inactivated UPEC-FimON, a non-intravesical immunotherapy for NMIBC. Founded by seasoned executives from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, the company integrates deep clinical insight with business excellence to bring breakthrough science from the lab to the clinic.

OUR VISION

HOPEC Pharma aims to transform the way non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is treated by developing an innovative, safe, and accessible immunotherapy that offers patients a higher chance of recovery while preserving their quality of life.

OUR CORE VALUES

Patient Focus – improving patients’ outcomes is at the core of every decision and action we take.

VISION STATEMENT

We aim to be a global leader in innovative cancer therapies, offering hope and extending lives through advanced research and technology.

MISSION STATEMENT

We strive to revolutionize Bladder Cancer treatment through innovative therapies, extending lives and restoring hope to patients worldwide.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Hopec Pharma is guided by a team of visionary leaders with deep expertise in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and business development. Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in drug development, strategic planning, and innovation, all united by a shared commitment to transforming the treatment landscape for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC).

Estee Rosen MBA

Co-Founder & CEO

Estee Rosen brings over 30 years of leadership in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and optical industries. She served as General Manager of Novartis Consumer Health Israel, where she established and led the company to a leading market position, later expanding her responsibilities to Greece and Cyprus. She went on to found Blueyes, build it into a market leader, and successfully sell it to Coopervision in a strategic exit. At HOPEC Pharma, Estee leads the company’s strategy, fundraising, investor relations, and business development, directing its growth and shaping its long-term vision. Her broad business acumen and decisive leadership ensure that every aspect of the company’s progress from strategic planning to clinical and commercial execution is managed with precision, efficiency, and excellence.

Gadi Klarsfeld, MBA, B. Pharm

Co-Founder & COO

Gadi Klarsfeld brings over 30 years of executive experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology-driven operations. He served as CEO and senior executive in leading international companies, where he established and managed large-scale retail and pharmacy operations across Israel and Europe. He also co-founded Cannabotech, leading the company from concept to IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. At HOPEC Pharma, Gadi oversees the company’s operational, technological, and clinical infrastructure and plays an active role in the overall management and leadership of the company. His strategic insight, deep understanding of complex systems, broad experience, and hands-on approach ensure that every stage of development from research through clinical execution is managed with precision, efficiency, and excellence.

Dr. Ilan Winkler, Ph.D.

VP of Drug Development

Dr. Ilan Winkler brings over 20 years of international experience in drug development, toxicology, and regulatory strategy. He has led preclinical and translational programs across multiple therapeutic areas, guiding compounds from discovery to clinical readiness. Before joining HOPEC Pharma, he held senior R&D positions in leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies, overseeing pharmacology, safety, and bioanalytical programs. At HOPEC Pharma, Ilan leads all aspects of drug development, including manufacturing, translational research, and biomarker studies supporting the clinical program. He directs scientific efforts to deepen product understanding and clarify its mechanism of action, ensuring that the company’s innovative immunotherapy advances with precision, efficiency, and scientific excellence through every stage of clinical development.

Shoshi Friedman, RN, B.Sc.

VP Clinical Development

Shoshi Friedman brings over 25 years of global experience in clinical research and development, having most recently served as Vice President and Head of Global Clinical Operations at Teva Pharmaceuticals. In this role, she led worldwide clinical activities across multiple therapeutic areas, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of hundreds of clinical trials from early phase to registration. At HOPEC Pharma, Shoshi leads the entire clinical development process, from protocol design and strategic planning to site selection, CRO oversight, and investigator engagement across leading hospitals. Her deep expertise, strategic perspective, and proven leadership ensure that every clinical program is executed with scientific rigor, operational excellence, and full regulatory and ethical compliance.

Yochai Avrahami, B.Sc., MBA

QA Manager

Yochai Avrahami brings over 20 years of extensive experience in quality assurance, validation, and GMP manufacturing within the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. He has designed, implemented, and managed comprehensive quality systems, process validation frameworks, risk management procedures, and regulatory compliance programs for leading life-science companies, including Ayana Pharma and Biohouse. Yochai oversees all QA activities across clinical, manufacturing, and product development operations at HOPEC Pharma, ensuring consistency, reliability, and adherence to global standards. Exceptional precision, deep technical knowledge, and a rigorous, detail-oriented approach safeguard every stage of the company’s work, ensuring that all programs advance with integrity, traceability, accuracy, and full compliance with international regulatory requirements.

SCIENTIFIC TEAM

Hopec Pharma’s Science Team comprises leading experts in bacterio-oncology, immunology, and urologic oncology. These distinguished researchers and clinicians, who are the inventors of UPEC-FimOn, provide the scientific foundation for our groundbreaking therapies and guide our mission to revolutionize bladder cancer treatment.

Prof. Gilad Bachrach

Head of Bacterial Therapeutic Development

A specialist in bacterio-oncology at the Hebrew University, Prof. Bachrach has pioneered the use of genetically modified bacteria to target cancer cells. His innovative research is the cornerstone of UPEC-FimON’s development.

Prof. Chamutal Gur

Head of Pipeline Development

An expert in immune-genomics and natural killer cells from Weizmann Institute & Hadassah Hospital, Prof. Gur’s research focuses on cancer immunology and autoimmune diseases. Her groundbreaking work has contributed to the discovery of UPEC-FimON’s mechanism of action, which recruits the immune system to target bladder cancer cells.

Prof. Ofer Mandelbaum

Head of Immunotherapy Research

A leading expert in molecular immunology from Hebrew University, Prof. Mandelboim has made significant contributions to understanding the role of natural killer cells in cancer treatment. His research is instrumental in advancing the immunotherapeutic strategies behind UPEC-FimON.

Dr. Vladimir Yutkin

Head of Clinical Development

Dr. Yutkin, Director of Urologic Oncology, Hadassah Hospital, brings extensive clinical experience in treating bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers. His expertise in urologic oncology strengthens Hopec Pharma’s ability to develop and refine effective treatments for NMIBC.

ADVISORY BOARD

Hopec Pharma’s Advisory Board is composed of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, oncology, and strategic business development. Their diverse insights and guidance are crucial to shaping Hopec Pharma’s strategic direction and ensuring the successful advancement of our innovative therapies.

Antony Walker Ph.D.

Art Director

With over 30 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Dr. Walker brings invaluable expertise in due diligence, business planning, and venture capital. His strategic insights support Hopec Pharma’s growth and partnership initiatives

Prof. Raanan Berger

Product Manager

As the Director of the Oncology Clinical Research Center at Sheba Medical Center, Prof. Berger has established Israel's largest center for all-phase oncology clinical trials. His leadership in early-phase clinical trials and oncological drug development is a key asset to Hopec Pharma’s clinical strategy.

Shlomo Mena MBA

Art Director

With 33 years of experience in pharmaceutical operations, Shlomo has led and empowered teams to achieve significant growth, including creating Novartis' affiliate in Israel. His operational expertise supports Hopec Pharma’s strategic planning and execution.

Bob Oliver

Tech Lead

A seasoned executive in the global healthcare industry, Bob has successfully led the growth of top-selling pharmaceuticals and structured strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies. His expertise in commercialization and strategic partnerships is vital to Hopec Pharma’s mission.

CORE VALUES

At Hopec Pharma, our core values drive our mission to transform cancer treatment.

These principles shape our culture and define our relationships with patients, partners, and each other.

Integrity

We maintain the highest ethical standards, building trust in our science and business practices.

Communication

We foster open, direct, and respectful dialogue, empowering the exchange of ideas and solutions.

Professionalism

We pursue excellence with dedication, consistently striving for breakthroughs in therapy.

Innovation

We tackle challenges with determination, pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment.

Compassion

We act with kindness and responsibility toward patients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Patient Focus

Improving patient outcomes is at the core of every decision and action we take.