We know bioanalysis

Thomas Scullion, PhD, is Vice President of Business Development, Bioanalytical Sciences at Ardena. He specializes in regulatory bioanalysis, translational biomarkers, and strategic CRO partnerships, supporting biotech and pharmaceutical clients across Europe, North America, and APAC. With more than a decade of experience in the life sciences industry, Thomas has held senior commercial leadership roles at Synexa Life Sciences, Crown Bioscience, Charles River Laboratories, and Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services. His expertise includes GLP/GCLP bioanalysis, immunogenicity, translational biomarkers, biologics, and cell and gene therapy support. Throughout his career, he has combined scientific expertise with an entrepreneurial and client-focused commercial approach. Thomas obtained his PhD in Neuropharmacology from Glasgow Caledonian University, where his research focused on inflammation, pain signalling, and ion channel biology.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Boterman is Site Director Operations at Ardena Bioanalysis in Assen. He leads bioanalytical operations and overall site performance, with responsibility for operational execution, capacity planning, process optimization, and cross-site alignment of workflows and systems. With more than two decades of experience at Ardena, Mark has held various leadership roles contributing to the growth and development of the organization’s bioanalytical capabilities. He combines extensive expertise in ligand binding assays and LC-MS/MS with a strong focus on operational excellence, team development, and organizational performance. At Ardena, he focuses on building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and supporting consistent, high-quality delivery to clients. Mark is passionate about continuous improvement, people development, and creating an environment that supports both individual and organizational growth.

Neil Eppinger is Interim Associate Director of Analytical Services at Ardena Somerset. He brings more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical quality, specializing in microbiology and controlled environments within cGMP-regulated clinical and commercial manufacturing facilities across diverse product portfolios and cleanroom classifications. In his current role, Neil leads analytical and microbiological quality control programs, including environmental monitoring, stability and sample coordination, cleaning verification and validation, and contamination control strategies. Throughout his career, he has supported regulatory inspections conducted by the FDA and international agencies and has performed quality inspections of suppliers and intercompany sites. He also brings extensive experience conducting complex microbial investigations to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards. Neil is recognized for his leadership of cross-functional teams, commitment to data integrity, and focus on risk-based quality strategies that support continuous improvement, operational excellence, and patient safety.