José Freire, Ph.D. is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with over 30 years of experience spanning drug discovery, development, and business development. He is currently the CEO of SapiensBio USA, a biotech startup focused on data-driven discovery of novel therapies for fibrotic diseases. Previously, Dr. Freire served as Executive Director of Business Development & Licensing at Merck, where he led search, evaluation, and due diligence efforts across multiple therapeutic areas, including respiratory, immunology, and ophthalmology. He played a key role in negotiating in- and out-licensing deals and supported corporate M&A evaluations. Before Merck, he spent over a decade at Forest Laboratories, where he led the Pharmacology department and supported eight NDA submissions, all of which achieved FDA approval. His work spanned inflammation, metabolic, respiratory, oncology, and CNS disorders. Earlier in his career, Dr. Freire held scientific leadership roles at Roche and Syntex, contributing to the discovery and development of clinical candidates in inflammation and arthritis. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and is an author of over 25 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Freire is recognized for combining scientific depth with strategic insight to advance innovative therapies.