Cafè Latte with Ivett Jelinek: Biosimilars and Scientific Purpose

It’s early morning in Prangins, Switzerland. Before she checks her email inbox, there is one must-have for Ivett Jelinek: a cafè latte. “Without it, I’m pretty much non-functional,” she laughs. “Though I’m still not sure if it’s the coffee or the sugar doing the magic!”

Ivett is Director Clinical Affairs at Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim, where she works to make high-quality biosimilars more accessible. “Developing biosimilars means helping to provide more affordable alternatives to expensive biologic therapies,” she explains. “That’s a shift that benefits public health overall.”  

Her workday is a mix of strategic planning and hands-on science: designing clinical plans, preparing scientific documents, and answering clinical questions. “Each day starts with checking emails and setting priorities,” she says. From there, it’s meetings, project discussions, and clinical problem-solving. Ivett values the opportunity to support the approval of new medicines: “I contributed to the successful marketing authorization of a biosimilar that is now available in the EU and U.S. It’s helping improve the lives of thousands of patients.” 

Originally from Hungary, she now lives in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and works in Eysins with a globally diverse team. “We love learning from each other and exploring our unique cultures,” she says. “It makes collaboration more fun and creative.”

Outside of work, Ivett makes the most of her surroundings in the Jura Mountains – balancing her role as a scientist, mother, wife, and sports enthusiast. “The Swiss trails are perfect for running and hiking,” she says.