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Olivier Lefranc is an alumnus of the ISPG (Institut Supérieur Polytechnique Galilée) in Paris XIII, a Materials Engineer (1999), and holds a PhD in Engineering Science, specializing in Biological and Medical Engineering from the University of Paris XIII (2003).
His thesis focused on the development of anti-restenosis coatings for endovascular prostheses (stents), within the Macromolecules Research Laboratory (CNRS UMR), and in partnership with Sofradim Production.
He then joined Sofradim Production after defending his thesis (2003), and was seconded for 6 months to the UKCTE (United Kingdom Center of Tissue Engineering) in Liverpool, to work on collagen sponges as 3-D matrices for tissue engineering (reconstruction of complex walls) as part of the European STEPS project (FP6-NMP 2002-3.4.4.2).
On his return from Liverpool, he joined the Sofradim Production team in Lyon, where he carried out several assignments in the R&D department.
Olivier worked on the development of "active" implantable medical devices, notably with antimicrobial properties, as well as their physicochemical and biological characterization. He has taken part in various collaborative projects as a partner or project leader (FP6-NMP 2002-3.4.4.2 STEPS; FP6-NMP 2003-3.4.3.3-1 ACTECO; ANR TREBARO; FUI ACTIPROTEX).
Following these activities, he created and managed the physicochemical, chemical and biological analysis laboratories of Sofradim production, which was then acquired by the Tyco Healthcare-COVIDIEN group. He set up and managed a team of 8 physico-chemical and biological technicians and engineers for comprehensive medical device evaluation studies, in support of new product development.
This activity earned Olivier the internal honorary title of Technical Fellow following MEDTRONIC's acquisition of COVIDIEN in 2015.
His missions were then extended to cross-functional project management for new product development (Sofradim Production), cross-functional expertise activities for other MEDTRONIC units, as well as the valorization of R&D activities within the framework of the Research Tax Credit (CIR) or the implementation of new regulatory requirements linked to the MDR (Medical Device Regulation, 2021).
Last but not least, Olivier's expertise in hernia biology and associated devices has led to his inclusion in the hernia training course for general surgeons, a certifying course provided by the IRCAD (Institut de Recheche contre les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif, Strasbourg, France).