Anna Haapalinna, PhD, brings nearly 20 years of experience across academic research and pharmaceutical R&D, spanning small-molecule and biologics therapeutics for central nervous system and oncology indications. During her tenure at Orion Pharma (2009–2025), she served in various scientific and leadership positions driving the advancement of drug candidates into preclinical stages. Anna has experience in multidiscipline team leadership and has built and managed strategic partnerships with external collaborators. Anna is an inventor on several patents, including those for the regulatory-approved Tasimipidine. She holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MSc in Molecular Biotechnology and Diagnostics, and MSc in Organic Chemistry. In her role as Director of Drug Discovery, Anna’s extensive expertise in drug discovery, project leadership, and collaborations will help drive the Finnish Drug Discovery Center’s mission to deliver novel therapeutic solutions and foster productive partnerships across the scientific community.
“We’re excited to welcome Anna to our team. Her experience in biologicals, medicinal chemistry, and project management adds a fantastic boost to our capabilities. Anna’s fresh perspective and drive will be a great asset as we move toward our next milestones,” says CSO Pekka Kallio.
Additional information: Pekka Kallio, CSO, Finnish Drug Discovery Center Ltd, tel. +358 400 279289