Janine’s career centers around the antibody molecule: as a biological source of inspiration and as a therapeutic modality.

Inspired to study biological mechanisms at the molecular level, she entered the antibody research domain during her PhD. After several post-doc positions, she decided to join Genmab’s R&D team in 2000 as one of the first scientists. For over two decades, she passionately worked to develop innovative antibody therapeutics at Genmab, with her most recent position being Senior Vice President heading Genmab’s Antibody Research and Technologies.

She is a co-inventor of many therapeutic antibodies including FDA-approved therapeutics RYBREVANT^® (amivantamab) and (T)EPKINLY^® (epcoritamab), and of the DuoBody^®, HexaBody^® and HexElect^® technologies, which enable the generation of bispecific and effector-function enhanced antibodies. These technologies are being applied to antibody therapeutics discovery programs at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide.

Dr. Schuurman has championed many successful academic and industry partnerships in antibody therapeutics and complementary research fields. She joined The Antibody Society’s Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as President of this international, non-profit trade association which represents individuals and organizations involved in antibody-related research and development.

She received her PhD in immunology from the University of Amsterdam.

Dr. Schuurman is currently an independent biotech consultant (Lust for Life Science B.V.) and collaborates with many organizations, including Bioqube Ventures and Cartography Biosciences.