Gisela started her career as an oncology and hematology nurse at the Dutch Oncology Institute (NKI) in the Netherlands, where she worked for almost 10 years, including 6 years as a bone marrow transplant coordinator and as a clinical trial research nurse.

Her career in rare diseases started at Genzyme where she was responsible for setting up home Enzyme Replacement Therapy products for various Lysosomal Storage Diseases such as Pompe, Fabry and Gaucher disease. As Patientcare Manager Gisela was involved in various projects to support and empower patients and their communities, and bolster awareness and knowledge of the patient experience, both in- and outside the company.

In 2016, Gisela became Head of Patient Advocacy in Rare Diseases at Sanofi Genzyme for the EU, later expanding to Patient Advocacy Head for Global, EU and US regarding Pompe and ASMD. During her time there, she developed patient engagement strategies and built relationships with patients and patient organizations in the EU, US, and around the world.

In 2022, Gisela brought to current position at Azafaros more than 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on genuine patient engagement in clinical development in all study stages.

Her aim is to bolster the patient’s voice, experience and influence in the development of clinical studies and sustainable access to various treatments.