Ardena Assen

Gunnar Flik joined Ardena in 2024 as Division Head of Bioanalytical Services. With over 20 years of experience in drug discovery within biotech and CRO environments, Gunnar brings a wealth of strategic vision and entrepreneurial expertise to his role. He is dedicated to developing comprehensive short- and long-term strategic plans aimed at optimizing efficiency, fostering growth, and enhancing profitability within Ardena’s Bioanalysis division.

Esther Biemans is a Senior Scientist and Project Manager at Ardena. She brings extensive experience in large molecule analysis and has specialized in developing and validating PK, PD, and ADA assays for a wide range of drug development projects over the past 15 years. Since moving into the CRO industry in 2010, Esther has worked as a senior scientist and project manager, building extensive expertise in large molecule bioanalysis. Esther obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Groningen in 2006, focusing on immunology and enzymology. She subsequently completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver before transitioning into the CRO industry.

Niels Nijstad is a Subject Matter Expert in bioanalysis at Ardena. He supports Sponsors in aligning drug development needs with Ardena’s scientific and operational capabilities. His work focuses on phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies for drug development programs, including PK, ADA, and biomarker assays. He brings over 15 years of experience across biotech and CRO environments, with expertise at the intersection of translational bioanalysis, regulatory expectations, and business operations. Niels obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen, where his research focused on cholesterol transport.

Paul van Tilborg is a senior scientific and operational leader with over 25 years of experience in analytical sciences, CMC development, and CRO operations. As Director CRO Services at Ardena in Oss, he is responsible for building and scaling bioanalytical capabilities and leading solid-state research activities, while contributing at an executive level to API analytical sciences. Paul has a strong track record in developing organisations, facilities, and teams with a clear focus on operational efficiency, customer value, and financial performance. At Ardena, he transformed the analytical sciences function from a small start-up operation into a fully established department supporting multiple development programmes, combining technical capability build-up with scalable, financially robust operations. He consistently drives growth by aligning scientific excellence with client needs, ensuring reliable delivery, transparency, and long-term partnerships. His approach emphasises fit-for-purpose solutions, efficient execution, and creating measurable value for customers and the organisation. Earlier in his career at MSD (Organon/Schering-Plough), he led analytical development teams and contributed to CMC strategies, regulatory submissions, and the delivery of complex drug development programmes. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Utrecht University and contributes to postgraduate education through teaching in applied NMR spectroscopy.