By reimagining rare disease treatment through AI and lived experience, Oddifact is fast-tracking access to life-changing therapies. Under Pierre-Alexandre Teulié’s leadership, the company is proving that purpose, speed, and science can—and must—coexist.
Pierre-Alexandre Teulié, CEO and founder of Oddifact, is leading the charge in transforming the way the medical world approaches rare disease research and treatment development. Recently named the “Most Innovative CEO in Rare Disease Research & Treatment Development,” Teulié and his team at Oddifact are pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.
The Challenge of Rare Diseases
Rare diseases affect an estimated 300 to 400 million people globally, yet 95% of those affected have no approved treatment options. Pierre-Alexandre Teulié is quick to point out the socio-economic impacts of these diseases, which create an enormous burden on healthcare systems, lead to treatments’ scarcity, and contribute to inequities in access to care.
“The fact is, we cannot accept living in a world with such a forgotten population representing the size of a continent,” he states. “The traditional model of drug development takes hundreds of millions of dollars and more than 10 years, and it’s barely possible to see a return on investment with rare diseases.”
That’s where Oddifact’s unique approach comes in. By leveraging AI to gather thousands of existing medical surveys and trials, the groundbreaking company is dramatically reducing the time, cost, and risk of developing treatments for rare conditions. AI allows the team to use data to propose treatments much faster and more efficiently than traditional methods.
“This technology is a game changer. By using it to sift through existing medical research, we can drastically reduce the time it takes to bring a treatment to market. This is crucial for rare diseases, where time is of the essence,” Teulié explains.
Disrupting the Traditional Drug Development Model
With a dedicated team of data scientists, medical professionals, and business experts, Oddifact uses AI to explore untapped medical research and transform existing off-label drug uses into effective treatments for rare diseases. What sets their approach apart is the use of already approved drugs.
“Our first disruption is recognising the potential of untapped medical research. By using drugs that have already been approved, proven safe and supported by efficacy data, we can save years of research and development,” Teulié explains. “We then propose these solutions as fast-tracked, accessible treatments that can be implemented quicker than through the usual process.”
Achievements and Recognition
Oddifact’s approach is resonating with healthcare professionals and institutions around the world. In 2024, the company received more Orphan Drug Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) than any other company worldwide.
“We are significantly accelerating the process of proposing solutions for patients to the authorities,” Teulié highlights. “In 2025, we will prove even more progress, and by 2030, we aim to enable pharmaceutical companies to bring 50 new rare disease treatments to patients.”
The Birth of Oddifact: A Personal Journey
The journey to founding Oddifact began with Teulié’s own personal experience. Diagnosed with a rare disease at the age of 40, he knew firsthand the challenges of navigating a world where medical solutions for rare conditions were virtually non-existent. Alongside Mehdi-Alexandre Manga a young AI entrepreneur, Teulié set out to build a company that would challenge the traditional drug development process.
“Oddifact is the meeting of two worlds—concrete AI applications to solve a global issue and my own experience as an entrepreneur and patient. We were both convinced that the existing model couldn’t address the 7,000 identified rare diseases in a meaningful way,” Teulié says.
A New Way of Thinking
One of the most significant elements of Oddifact’s mission is to challenge the conventional thinking that has long hindered the development of rare disease treatments.
“When something structurally does not work, don’t try to improve it—reimagine it. That’s the mindset that drives us,” Teulié states. His belief in breaking the mold has been instrumental in reshaping how the industry approaches rare disease treatment.
A Purpose-Driven Culture
Oddifact’s leadership and culture are also key factors in the company’s success.
“From day one, Oddifact has been a purpose-driven company. Our mission—to unlock untapped medical research and enable the emergence of new treatments—is at the heart of every decision we make,” he shares. This sense of purpose guides everything from their AI development to their market strategies and partnerships. The team’s commitment to the mission ensures that every decision they make is aligned with their goal of delivering life-changing treatments to patients.
Fostering Innovation and Resilience
In a field as specialised and complex as rare disease treatment, fostering innovation and resilience within the team is critical. Teulié credits Oddifact’s success to its open and dynamic culture.
“We value failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every success is an opportunity to scale and accelerate, and we constantly seek inspiration from other industries,” he explains. This mindset encourages the team to push boundaries and think outside the box, which is vital for disrupting the traditional drug development model.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Oddifact’s plans are ambitious yet grounded in their successes to date.
“In the coming years, we plan to expand our reach globally, ensuring that our treatments reach patients everywhere. We’re already collaborating with international partners to bring our solutions to the market faster,” Teulié says. The company is focused on creating sustainable partnerships with patients’ associations, manufacturers, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure that treatments are produced and delivered to patients without delay.
The Importance of Family and Work-Life Balance
Teulié’s personal life, too, plays a role in shaping his approach to leadership. Married to Marie-Catherine Cerutti, a senior partner at Kea-Tilt, and parents to six children, Teulié values the balance between family and work.
“We’re both entrepreneurs, so the drive to make an impact is something we share. Our children, who are now in their 20s, constantly challenge us with their awareness of social issues and their passion for making the world a better place,” he says. This family dynamic helps to keep Teulié grounded and motivated in his work, reinforcing the values of social responsibility and sustainability that are central to Oddifact’s mission.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Teulié is optimistic about the impact the company will have on the next generation of innovators.
“I believe that the more innovators challenge the status quo, the more we will find new and creative solutions to global challenges like rare diseases,” he says. His message to future leaders is clear: don’t just try to improve existing systems—reimagine them entirely. For Teulié and Oddifact, the future of rare disease treatment is not just about incremental changes; it’s about bold, transformative innovation that has the potential to change the lives of millions.
A Collective Achievement
The recognition that Teulié is receiving represents a collective triumph for the entire Oddifact team.
“This latest award is an acknowledgment of our efforts to bring treatments to patients with no solutions, and we did this in less than one year. It’s extraordinary, not just for me, but for the whole team,” he says. The company’s approach to rare diseases, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide, is nothing short of revolutionary, offering hope to those who have long been left behind by the standard, costly, and time-consuming methods of drug development.To find out more, visit Oddifact.
