Ms Penelope Lane Joins MLS Bio as Chief Executive Officer

MLS Bio (formerly Esfam Biotech) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Penelope Lane as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Ms Lane brings more than 20 years of global leadership and innovation experience spanning biotechnology, MedTech, healthcare, and public health across five continents.

Penelope’s career is distinguished by her ability to translate pioneering science into commercially scalable health solutions that deliver measurable social and economic impact. She has held senior positions with multinationals, leading research institutes, government agencies, global non-profits, and high-growth ventures. Notably, she successfully scaled a University of New South Wales spin-out in medical simulation technology, leading it through to a global exit with Terumo Corporation.

Penelope has also played a significant role in shaping Victoria and Australia’s global health profile, including through the Global Health Melbourne initiative and strategic work at the University of Melbourne. Earlier, she spearheaded the expansion of BlueStar, a public–private healthcare franchise partnered with the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, scaling it across 10 countries with innovative digital health and reimbursement systems.

She is the Founder of Vert & Or Ventures, supporting health-focused entrepreneurs by bridging early-stage innovation with capital markets and global expansion. Penelope also serves on advisory boards including the Sheba Medical Center (Israel), and has previously advised Swinburne University and RMIT. She is an active biotech and MedTech investor, and a member of both Melbourne Angels and Scale Angels.

“Penelope’s appointment represents a defining moment in MLS Bio’s evolution,” said Professor Albert Frauman, Chair of the Board. “Her rare combination of scientific acumen, commercial leadership, and global investment expertise will be instrumental in positioning MLS Bio at the forefront of small-molecule therapeutic innovation and commercialisation.”

Reflecting on her new role, Ms Lane said:

“MLS Bio represents the convergence of science, capital, and impact. I am committed to advancing our breakthrough therapies into the clinic and building on the company’s momentum to deliver real-world solutions for patients, while generating significant value for our partners and investors.”