Sara Prickett (United Kingdom, 1977) is a prominent figure in the biotech industry, showcasing a distinguished professional career that has spanned the UK, Australia, and, for the past three years, Barcelona.

Her journey began with a BSc in Biomedical Science from Sheffield University, followed by a PhD in parasitology and immunology from Imperial College London. In 2005, she moved to Australia, engaging in immunology research, focusing on parasitology (malaria) and allergies, before co-founding biotech company Aravax, a spin-off from Monash University and Alfred Health in Melbourne.

“In 2020, my family and I moved to Barcelona to live closer to our relatives, both here and in the UK”. From this new operations hub, Sara Prickett balances her roles at Aravax with her position as the founder of Auspen Consulting S.L. and as a board director at Global Kinetics EU. She represents a prime illustration of international talent flourishing within Barcelona’s dynamic biotech scene.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

SP: At Aravax, we are developing next-gen immunotherapies, which aim to revolutionise the treatment of food allergies. Existing approaches treat people with the product to which they are allergic. However, we aim to develop precise, safe, and convenient products that can reset the immune system to see the allergen as safe, without exposing patients to the risk of allergic reactions during treatment.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

SP: We recently raised Series B funding to commence a Phase 2 trial in children with our lead product for peanut allergy treatment. This stage is currently underway, and we hope to report positive results within the next two years and be ready to progress to Phase 3. We also plan to have one or more pipeline products for other food allergies in pre-clinical development.

TB: A good idea you have had.

SP: It is more of a ‘moto’ than an idea! Always trying to find a way to commute to work by bike or foot (at least some days) to get to know the area you live in and to fit in exercise without having to find extra time!

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

SP: One of my biggest physical and logistical challenges was participating in a 10-day adventure race in Australia. As a team of four, we navigated over 900km of sea, river and mountains by foot, bike and kayak in 6.5 days with only 18 hours of sleep! It was amazing to discover what you can be capable of when you try and commit to as part of a team that you do not want to let down. Although it took me about nine months for my body to recover.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

SP: Be yourself. Pursue a job/career that taps into your passions and your strengths at least 80% of the time. That gives you the best chance to excel, and the energy to manage the smaller parts that you may not be good at or may not like.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

SP: I can’t single out one person right now. But qualities I have always admired in role models throughout my career (and am fortunate to have among my team members now) are valuing the importance of a good work/life balance, motivating others, and giving credit to others who have contributed to a project, activity or task.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

SP: A clean, efficient, and renewable energy source and a way to store the energy.

TB: In-person or remote?

SP: If I had to choose, it would definitely be in person. But a mix of both is perfect.

TB: A company.

SP: TerraCycle is a great initiative to promote recycling within communities, schools and companies worldwide.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

SP: Outdoor sports and exploring. Running, walking, riding, swimming, surfing… Especially with like-minded friends. Playing or listening to music, reading and dancing are also good.

TB: A book to recommend.

SP: “Atomic habits” by James Clear.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

SP: Jamie Oliver’s Mulled Wine recipe.

TB: A place in the world.

SP: The Australian outback.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

SP: Anything that can reduce rubbish and waste and use it to produce clean energy.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

SP: I’d be looking for a good entrepreneur to follow or help.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

SP: Bringing people together to make a difference. I believe society will always learn more and advance further and faster if we share ideas, contacts, support networks, and work together.