Incyte’s Delaware headquarters is in a former Wannamaker’s Department store but will expand to downtown Wilmington. (Julie Zorach photo)
Delaware biopharmaceutical company Incyte was named the winner of the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation’s 2024 Freedom Award.
The award, named for the former Delaware governor, who died in 2021, at the age of 86.
The award is given annually to an individual or organization that has championed a successful idea that has led to economic growth and brought innovation to the private sector.
Pete du Pont
It will be presented Oct. 22, 2024, at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.
Founded in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2002, Incyte is a pioneering global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs.
With a focus on oncology, inflammation and autoimmunity, Incyte has established operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Biologists and chemists based in Delaware work together to tackle new drug discovery and development to find meaningful solutions for patients by following the science.
It now has more than 2,500 employees, over 1,000 research and clinical development employees, eight approved products and ongoing clinical trials in dozens of disease areas, and six consecutive years on Science Magazine’s Top Employer list.
The company also announced plans this year to move some of its staff into offices in downtown Wilmington.
“I am honored to be receiving the Pete du Pont Freedom Award on behalf of Incyte,” said Herve Hoppenot, CEO of Incyte in a press release. “Our mission to Solve On is driven by our relentless pursuit to find answers for patients by following the science. “This award reaffirms our commitment to pioneering progress and recognizes the collective experience, passion and perseverance of our entire team.”
Incyte latest winner
Foundation Board Board Chair Thère du Pont said Incyte exemplifies everything that the Freedom Award is about.
Hervé Hoppenot
“We are thrilled to present this honor to a company that is innovating industries, driving economic growth in Delaware, and improving outcomes for individuals all over the world,” du Pont said.
Hoppenot joined Incyte in 2014 as president and CEO and was later appointed chairman of the board of directors in 2015. Under his leadership, Incyte has grown tremendously, tripling its clinical candidates and expanding its research into new therapeutic areas.
Pete du Pont is credited with delivering Delaware from harsh fiscal times into an age of vibrant economic growth by working with the legislature, business and community leaders, and educators.
Recent award recipients include LabWare Founder, Vance Kershner, MBNA – represented by executive leaders Lance Weaver and John Cochran, UD Horn Entrepreneurship Co-Founder Charlie Horn, Endo Pharmaceuticals Founder and former CEO Carol Ammon, and former Delaware Governor Mike Castle.
The award ceremony serves as a key fundraising effort to support the PDFF’s work to promote innovation and enterprise for all through catalyzing bold ideas and supporting small businesses to scale their operations.
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the country’s spirit of private enterprise by fostering access to the marketplace for every entrepreneur and their ideas by supporting innovators and their bold ideas to improve the economy.
