Paul BECQUART, Chef de Projet Innovation et Valorisation de la Recherche chez SATT SAYENS.
Extrêmement satisfait de l’esprit professionnel de Didier. Ses conseils judicieux m’ont permis de faire les bons choix dans un projet d’investissement en oncologie. Non seulement je continue à travailler avec Didier sur de nouveaux projets mais le recommande pour son sérieux, sa franchise et son éclairage.
Alexander SCHEER, Chief Scientific Officer at ERYTECH Pharma.
I had the pleasure to work with Didier Cussac at Pierre Fabre between 2012 and 2016, where Didier worked in my team as Head of Cellular and Molecular Biology in Castres. In his function he was overseeing the validation of new targets and the evaluation of lead candidates within the therapeutic areas of CNS, Oncology and Derma oncology. Didier has an excellent understanding of all aspects of drug discovery and beyond. As an example, he was setting up all the biology at Pierre Fabre for the newly established therapeutic area of Onco dermatology. His broad knowledge of GPCR and signaling in general made him to contribute essentially to many projects within the portfolio of Pierre Fabre’s R&D project. Didier also possess a fantastic track record of publication which renders him very credible to discuss with several external partners either academic or private companies. The very transversal role of Didier’s department required a lot of creativity in solution finding. The projects were ranging from the characterization of Antibody drug conjugates (ADC) in oncology together with Pierre Fabre’s antibody site in Geneva over the development of new pain treatments in CNS in Castres to the development of new molecules in immuno oncology with the cancer research site in Toulouse. In summary, Didier is one the most skilled and dedicated person I ever managed. He is also a wonderful person able to build bridges and to stimulate its environment around him. I can recommend him for any future challenge
Jean-Philippe ROCHER, Director CNS Medicinal Chemistry at Pierre-Fabre Research Institute
Didier is a talented pharmacologist and he possesses a unique combination of skills that make him an inspiring scientist and manager. We have been working together and Didier was always bringing deep knowledge in drug discovery with broad technical expertise. He knows how to surround himself with a good team, being able to delegate, deliver and communicate top line scientific results. He has a thorough knowledge in molecular pharmacology spanning a large range of targets in particular GPCRs (understanding of the tricks of biased signaling and allosteric modulation). Didier played an important role at Pierre Fabre within his department across many projects with a particular expertise in neurosciences. Beyond a scientific and management role, he fostered collaboration and partnership at the highest level.
Michel PEREZ, Director Medicinal Chemistry at Pierre-Fabre Research Institute
J’ai eu l’opportunité de travailler avec Didier Cussac pendant une dizaine d’années chez Pierre Fabre. J’ai beaucoup apprécié le professionnalisme de Didier, ses compétences scientifiques et sa manière pragmatique d’aborder les projets de recherche. Durant cette période, il a montré une grande capacité à aborder des sujets dans son domaine de prédilection, les neurosciences, mais il a également fait preuve d’une grande adaptabilité en travaillant sur des sujets en oncologie et en cardiovasculaire. Son excellent niveau scientifique dans les recherches menées dans ces différents domaines ont conduit à de nombreuses publications de très bon niveau. Enfin, j’ai pu constater une capacité exceptionnelle au management d’une équipe d’une vingtaine de personnes qu’il a su faire progresser scientifiquement dans une atmosphère conviviale et stimulante.
Adrian NEWMAN-TANCREDI, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Neurolixis Inc.
Didier Cussac is a leading molecular pharmacologist with an impressive track record of high-profile research and broad-ranging experience across diverse therapeutic areas.
I had the privilege of collaborating closely with Didier for over a decade and can whole-heartedly testify to his profound professionalism, commitment and capacity to advance projects to a successful outcome. His enthusiasm for drug discovery and mechanistic research is demonstrated by his numerous and highly cited publications in high-profile peer-reviewed journals. Further, I witnessed his competent management skills when he was called upon to handle multiple and complex project prioritization decisions.
Working with Didier has been professionally and scientifically rewarding but also a great personal pleasure: his impeccable integrity and good humor made our collaboration highly enjoyable as well as very productive: I have no hesitation in recommending Didier to future collaborators.