Team
Headquartered in Stockholm, we are a team of senior biotech and life science venture capital executives with vast experience in developing, launching, and commercializing rare disease and specialty care products. Our capabilities include regulatory affairs, market access, medical affairs, sales and marketing, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance.
Jonas Hansson
MSc Pharm, MBA
CEO
Jonas is a co-founder of Purpose Pharma. >20 years of industry experience. Most recently, Jonas was a partner with HealthCap, a life science focused VC. Jonas was a co-founder and the CEO or Wilson Therapeutics (acquired by Alexion for $855m).
Jacob Gunterberg
MSc BA & Economics
CFO
Jacob is a co-founder of Purpose Pharma. >25 years of experience from in life sciences venture capital investing and investment banking. Most recently, Jacob was a partner with HealthCap, a leading life science focused VC.
Lars Olsson
PhD Organic Chemistry
COO
Lars is a co-founder of Purpose Pharma. >20 years of experience from the industry. Most recently, Lars was responsible for CMC at Guard Therapeutics. Previous engagements include positions with Wilson Therapeutics (acquired by Alexion for $855m), Karo Bio and AZN.
Adam Karlsson
MBBS/BSc Pharm, MPhil
Head of Business Development
Adam is a former Pharma Analyst and Head of Healthcare Equity Research at ABG Sundal Collier. Prior to this, Adam practiced as a physician at University College Hospital London. Adam received his medical degree and a BSc in Pharmacology from Imperial College London, and an MPhil in Bioscience Enterprise from Queens’ College, Cambridge.
Dr. Thirusha Lane
MSc, PhD
Head of Medical Affairs
Thirusha has nearly thirty years’ healthcare and academia experience and with a PhD in Amyloidosis. Among others, Thirusha has worked as Lead Nurse & Head of Clinical Trials Operations at the UK National Amyloidosis Centre and most recently as part of the global Medical Affairs & Patient Advocacy team at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Author/co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of amyloidosis, rare autoinflammatory conditions and multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Natascha Schoenhart
MD
Medical Director Europe
Natascha has >23 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, with a strong focus on rare diseases and oncology. She has held national and international leadership roles across Medical, Marketing, and Sales, including as Global Senior Medical Director at Alnylam. Her experience spans medical affairs, product launches, and building greenfield operations at both European and global levels. Natascha holds a medical degree from the Medical University of Vienna.
Filipe Assoreira
MSc Pharm, MBA
General Manager Iberia
Filipe is a life science executive with deep international experience in operations, P&L oversight, multichannel product distribution and marketing both in start-up and growth organizations, including as Country Manager for Genzyme.
Ulrika Tjärnbro
BPharm
Regulatory Operations Manager
Ulrika has more than 20 years of experience in the pharma industry within Regulatory, QA, Supply chain and Clinical trials. Most recently, Ulrika was Associate Regulatory Affairs Director at AstraZeneca R&D.
Kerstin Annas
MSc Chemistry
Quality Manager
Kerstin has more than 20 years experience in the pharma industry as QA manager, QP, RP and auditor from companies like Fresenius Kabi, Moberg Pharma and Pharmarelations.
Emil Gidlund
MSc Business & Economics
Head of Unlicensed Medicines
Emil is a former Group Category Manager Rx and Rx Purchase Manager with Kronans Apotek (one of Sweden’s largest pharmacy chains and part of Oriola). Emil has also been responsible for the unlicensed medicines business with Kronans Apotek.
Hannes Schmeil
Graduate biologist
General Manager Germany
Hannes is a pharma/biotech executive with 30+ years in orphan/specialty diseases, P&L responsibility, and cross-functional leadership. He studied biology in Munich and gained expertise in affiliate set-up, product launches and market access in 7 global companies ranging from big pharma, midsize to start ups in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Most recently he was General Manager for Rhythm Therapeutics in the DACH region. Hannes is passionate about patient-centric innovation, high-performance cultures, and sustainable growth. Led teams of 5–130, achieving awards like Prix Galien.
Antonio Di Fiore
MBA
General Manager Italy
Antonio is a pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of experience across marketing, sales, market access, and institutional affairs, with a strong focus on rare diseases and specialty care. He holds an MBA and has built deep expertise in accelerating time to market, leading complex cross-functional projects, and driving sustainable growth at both local and global levels. Antonio has held senior leadership roles in leading pharma and biotech companies. He is passionate about patient-centric innovation, high-performance execution, and delivering results through strong networks with stakeholders.
Rui Bento
PharmD, PhD
Medical Director Europe
Rui has 20 years of cross-sector experience in industry and academia. His career spans senior roles at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Genzyme, Sanofi, and Novartis. He also serves as an invited lecturer at the University of Aveiro. Rui holds a PharmD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Coimbra, a master’s in healthcare from Cornell University, a PhD in Cell Therapies & Regenerative Medicine and is an MD candidate at University of Lisbon.