Beyond Biotech - the podcast from Labiotech

Are TCR-NK treatments the next big thing in cell therapies for cancer patients?As biotechs and pharma companies continue to innovate to address patient needs in oncology, T-cell receptor therapies, or TCR-Ts, are attracting significant interest and investment. There are already some promising results for TCR-Ts tackling solid tumors – but one Norwegian biotech is taking a slightly different track.This week, we sit down with Namir Hassan, CEO of Zelluna, a company with a mission to eliminate solid cancers by pioneering the development of T cell receptor guided natural killer, or TCR-NK, cell therapies.01:45                      Introducing Namir Hassan03:37                      Working at Immunocore04:40                      Lessons learned06:56                      Joining Zelluna as CSO08:44                      Becoming Zelluna CEO10:20                      Taking a biotech company public12:54                      TCR-T and TCR-NK therapies15:30                      Targets for TCR-NK therapies16:38                      Comparing TCR-NK to alternatives20:16                      Early success21:58                      An off-the-shelf-solution for cancer patients24:16                      Manufacturing and scaling25:13                      Partnering with top pharma, accelerating innovation27:05                      Milestones ahead for Zelluna28:52                      The landscape of TCR therapies in oncology31:38                      A final wordInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: Future of cancer treatment: what will therapy look like in 2034?Trends in cancer therapeutics to look forward to in 2025Oncology R&D trends and breakthrough innovations

AI is driving innovation across industries, including biotech, but where is its influence felt most and what opportunities for future impact are emerging?David del Bourgo is the co-founder and CEO of WhiteLab Genomics, an innovative biotech that is leveraging the power of AI to accelerate drug discovery and development from its Paris, Boston, and Montreal bases. In this episode he explains how WhiteLab uses AI technologies to identify targets and engineer vectors, but also offers a wider view of how and where AI is impacting the biotech industry generally.01:04               Introducing David del Bourgo04:06               The WhiteLab Genomics mission10:54               AI in biotech: what's working now14:07               AI in biotech: emerging applications15:58               Regulating AI in biotech and in general17:21               Acceleration and cost savings thanks to AI19:09               AI's impact on accuracy and precision21:07               The trade-off with AI in biotech22:38               Why top pharma companies aren't building their own AI tools24:43               AI and biomanufacturing26:58               AI in biotech and pharma operations28:40               The next impacts of AI in biotech30:38               Accelerating regulatory review with AI32:24               Emerging AI techniques in biotech33:59               The pace of AI innovation35:21               The next challenge for AI in biotech36:10               A word for the AI skeptics Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: 12 AI drug discovery companies you should know aboutThe AI boom in cancer: Game-changer or just hype?Are we in an AI bubble? Biotech AI startups' value plummet and leads to restructuration

From llamas and camels to humans worldwide. Nanobodies are enjoying success in the clinic and experts are hailing these camelid-derived biologics as one of the next big things in immunotherapy.Kristian Reich is co-founder and CSO of MoonLake Immunotherapeutics. After a long and distinguished career as a clinician and researcher, Kristian helped to launch MoonLake in 2021 and quickly helped move their lead candidate to the clinic. Now, on the verge of Phase III trials, he joins 'Beyond Biotech' to talk nanobodies, innovation, serendipitous science, and the power that comes from never stopping to dream.01:04               Meet Kristian Reich05:26               Excited by the science of nanobodies07:13               MoonLake's mission13:12               Milestones at MoonLake15:24               Introduction to nanobodies17:55               Serendipitous science19:46               How nanobodies work23:18               Global prevelance of immune conditions24:31               The impact on patients27:09               Nanobodies in the clinic31:19               Manufacturing challenges, regulatory challenges34:04               Working with top pharma35:55               The future of nanobodies37:42               The future of MoonLake39:10               Don't stop dreamingInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Cell therapies are at the cutting edge of personalized medicine but as demand for these therapies grows, how will the industry scale manufacturing to meet patient needs?Fabian Gerlinghaus is co-founder and CEO of Cellares. He and his team have developed the Cell Shuttle, an advanced cell manufacturing technology that is already demonstrating the potential to 10x cell yields while halving costs for pharmaceuticals companies and innovators. Is this the future for smart cell manufacturing?0:52     A starting point in aeronautical engineering2:43     First steps into biotech5:25     Co-founding Cellares6:30     The problem that Cellares addresses11:02   Best practice bio manufacturing17:14   Differentiation in automation18:15   What does success look like for Cellares19:38   Smart factories21:58   Inside the Cellares smart factory26:34   Manufacturing CAR-T and stem cell therapies27:54   Mass production vs personalized medicine31:39   Global ambitions and regional regulators35:07   Positioning Cellares in the marketInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Spinal cord injuries impact millions of people worldwide and, unlike many chronic injuries, they usually arrive with no forewarning, impacting the young and old alike.Brian Culley is CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics and his company is now in the clinic with a stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries. Learn why stem cells could be promising for these devastating injuries and how Brian and his team plan to overcome the challenges of manufacturing at scale and succeeding in a highly regulated space.00:57              Meet Brian Culley02:15               Lineage Cell Therapeutics and its mission04:56              Spinal cord injuries06:40              Costs beyond the Individual08:15               Current treatment options10:48               The place for stem cell therapies12:57                Lineage in the clinic16:27                The DOSED program18:37                The advantages of DOSED20:29               Timelines for results21:35               Scaling manufacturing24:28               Partnering with pharma on stem cell therapies26:38               Other applications for stem cell therapies28:49               Mainstreaming stem cell therapies30:52               Challenges ahead32:43               The future for Lineage Cell TherapeuticsInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Mitochondria are famously the powerhouse of the cell, but will mitochondrial therapeutics power the next big mainstream medical breakthrough?Klaus Dugi is CEO of Vandria, a biotech that develops mitophagy inducers that rejuvenate cells to treat age-related and chronic diseases. He joins 'Beyond Biotech' to talk cell mitophagy, biotech agility, and innovation in tackling neurodegenerative disease.00:42    Introducing Klaus Dugi02:51    Lessons learned in top pharma05:10    The gap that Vandria seeks to fill06:21    Mitochondrial therapeutics07:45    Mitophagy inducers and how they work14:53    Comparing approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases17:20    Aging, longevity, and healthy life years25:26    Challenges ahead27:31    Performance enhancement and resilience31:15    Towards the mainstream?34:35    Looking forward for Vandria36:02    Developments to watch out for in mitochondrial therapeuticsInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Regeneration Biomedical has developed a new technique to address neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's using stem cell therapy.Dr. Christopher Duma, has long been an innovator in neurosurgery using a gamma knife radiosurgery to treat glioblastoma. Now with Regeneration Biomedical, Duma is taking on neurodegenerative diseases with a first-in-human clinical trial where a patient's own stem cells are injected directly into their brain.On the podcast this week, we talk with Duma about his career in neurosurgery, the impetus for launching his biotech, the promise of stem cell therapy, and the challenges innovators face moving new therapies through the clinic.00:38    Introducing Dr Christopher Duma02:44    Advances and breakthroughs in neurosurgery05:33    The vision and impetus for Regeneration Biomedical10:45    Regeneration Biomedical's R&D pipeline14:12    Milestones ahead14:46    Advancing beyond Alzheimer's Disease15:52    Stems cells from fat cells19:42    Bypassing the blood-brain barrier22:45    Patient recruitment24:13    The treatment process27:10    The state of stem cell research in the US29:29    The challenge of financing innovative research32:15    Global stem cell research landscape33:14    Controversy in stem cell research34:00    Future horizons for Regeneration Biomedical37:23    Partnering with top pharma companies37:48    Advice for researchers and entrepreneursInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

We're taking a short break this week and, while we're away, we invite you to enjoy one of our favorite episodes. We will return with a brand-new episode next week!Immunai is mapping the immune system at unprecedented scale and granularity. The map, paired with machine learning, looks at how the immune system will respond to drug targets, offering an affordable way to prevent expensive drug failures. The ultimate goal is to market immune treatments for diseases like cancer faster than ever before. In this week's conversation, Noam Solomon, CEO and co-founder of Immunai, covers the data gap in drug discovery and how machine learning (ML) can solve it, how to de-risk early-stage drug discovery, predictions for AI, and more.00:49-01:13: About Immunai01:13-01:45: Why map the immune system?01:45-02:44: Are you taking a step back to study the problem in order to move forward?02:44-03:49: How difficult is it to map the immune system?03:49-05:29: What is your AMICA platform?05:29-07:24: Where does your data come from?07:24-09:09: How do you account for differences between patients?09:09-11:35: What are the biggest challenges to drug development?11:35-14:07: How can AI improve drug development?14:07-14:55: Will AI advances speed up drug development?14:55-16:06: Is the use of AI applicable in all diseases and conditions?16:06-17:48: What sets your approach apart from other companies using AI?17:48-18:54: What partnerships does Immunai have?18:54-20:24: What are pharma companies looking for from Immunai?20:24-23:17: How can AI help with clinical trials?23:17-24:32: Can AI help with preventative care?24:32-26:30: Google Maps for the immune system26:30-27:18: What will we see from AI in drug discovery in the short term?27:18-28:06: What are the next steps for Immunai?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Sweden's fastest growing private biotech, Anocca, is making plans for clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, with the TCR-T cell therapy trials called VIDAR-1.The CEO, Reagan Jarvis, when a researcher, pitched the company idea to a leading Swedish industrialist, who became co-founder, and provided the initial financing. The company has raised more than €100m to date.On the podcast this week, we have a conversation with Jarvis about TCR-T cell therapies, creating off-the-shelf products and partnerships with EmendoBio and Shinobi Therapeutics.00:43-02:10: About Anocca 02:10-04:16: About TCR-T cell therapies and their use in treatments04:16-06:02: Anocca's approach to T-cell biology, cutting-edge biotechnologies and integrated software06:02-07:58: A different approach to other cell and gene therapy companies07:58-09:16: Facing challenges09:16-10:48: Addressing conditions and diseases10:48-11:54: Pancreatic cancer11:54-13:40: What represents success for Anocca?13:40-14:09: What is VIDAR-1?14:09-16:08: Partnerships16:08-18:05: Scaling up and addressing costs18:05-20:07: How is TCR-T therapy evolving?20:07-23:11: The impact of artificial intelligence23:11-25:16: Anocca timeline25:16-25:57: Closing comments  `Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Resalis Therapeutics is pursuing a groundbreaking approach to obesity treatment.Unlike current therapies that primarily focus on appetite suppression, Resalis' lead program, RES-010, is a non-coding RNA drug candidate that targets underlying biological pathways to promote sustainable weight loss. By enhancing energy expenditure through white-to-brown adipose tissue conversion while preserving muscle mass, RES-010 is positioned as an ideal standalone therapy or a synergistic option for long-term weight management.The company recently initiated a phase 1 study in December 2024 for RES-010 in healthy and obese subjects, and they also secured an equity investment from Sanofi in October 2024.To talk about ways to tackle obesity, and Resalis' approach, our guest on the podcast this week is Alessandro Toniolo, CEO of Resalis Therapeutics.00:57-05:06: About Resalis Therapeutics05:06-08:59: Issues of obesity08:59-13:20: Companies working on obesity treatments13:20-15:34: Does suppressing appetite affect nutrition?15:34-17:49: Introduction of new obesity treatments17:49-21:33: Approaches other than appetite suppression21:33-22:38: RES-010 mode of action22:38-24:04: Administration methods24:04-25:11: Clinical trials25:11-26:38: Resalis' pipeline26:38-28:08: Next steps for Resalis28:08-28:36: Effect of obesity on other parts of the body28:36-29:06: Final comments `Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

CatalYm is preparing to initiate its broad phase 2b clinical development program for visugromab to tackle multiple solid tumor indications. Visugromab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the tumor-derived growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a locally acting immunosuppressant fostering immunotherapy resistance. Neutralizing GDF-15 with visugromab reverses key cancer resistance mechanisms to reinstate an efficient anti-tumor response by reenabling immune cell activation, proliferation and Interferon-γ signature induction. Visugromab has demonstrated a good safety profile and potent and durable anti-tumor efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment in advanced cancer patients, as highlighted in its recent Nature publication and interim clinical data. This week we have a conversation with Eugen Leo, chief medical officer at CatalYm.01:30-03:38: About CatalYm03:38-06:59: Solid tumors and also why they are hard to treat06:59-09:04: Current treatments for solid tumors09:04-10:47: What is immunotherapy resistance?10:47-12:23: What is visugromab?12:23-13:32: CatalYm's clinical development program13:32-15:12: What represents success for patients using visugromab?15:12-17:50: Other treatment options being developed17:50-19:50: CatalYm's pipeline and the futureThis week's podcast was sponsored by TCR Solutions.Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

In the fall of 2024, Haya Therapeutics, based in Switzerland and San Diego, landed a $1bn deal with Eli Lilly to apply its long non-coding RNA (ncRNA) technology to obesity.The company's lead candidate, HTX-001, is making progress towards the clinic in cardiomyopathy. CEO Samir is one of the first researchers to publish on lncRNA – which is also known as the Dark GenomeThis week, our podcast guest is Samir Ounzain, CEO and co-founder of Haya Therapeutics. Ounzain was one of the first researchers to publish on lncRNA, also known as the ‘dark genome.'00:55-03:47: About Haya Therapeutics03:47-06:37: What is the dark genome?06:37-09:29: What is the connection between lncRNA and disease?09:30-13:22: How can disease be addressed via the dark genome?13:22-16:45: Which diseases are you tackling?16:45-18:02: What is the EchoHAYA platform?18:02-21:07: How does your lead candidate, HTX-001, work?21:07-22:00: Is the objective stopping fibrosis or reversing it?22:00-23:41: Other companies in the field23:41-24:52: Working with Eli Lilly24:52-27:15: A new frontier in medicine?27:15-28:43: Cost effectiveness28:43-30:07: Clinical trials30:07-31:48: Applications to other diseasesInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Solid tumors present a big challenge for current treatments. However, a new approach might provide the answers - Tumor Activated Therapy. By targeting specific proteins common in all solid tumor micro-environments, Seekyo scientists think this can induce self-destruction of the tumor itself. Seekyo's lead therapy, SKY01, can only be activated within the tumor, making it a highly-targeted solution.This differentiated approach overcomes the limits of existing treatments, such as small molecule or antibody-drug conjugates. It could also be more cost effective than many advanced, far cell and gene therapy alternatives. Seekyo is looking for clinical entry to target four of the more challenging solid cancers - pancreas, TNBC, colorectal and lung, in an umbrella PhI/IIa. This will demonstrate safety and initial efficacy readings whilst at the same time defining the lead indication to progress to later-stage development. This week, our guest is Seekyo Therapeutics' CEO, Oury Chetboun. 00:38-01:57: About Seekyo Therapeutics01:57-03:17: The challenges of treating solid tumors03:17-06:08: What is Tumor Activated Therapy?06:08-07:46: What is SKY01?07:46-08:10: What happens to the cancer cells?08:10-09:52: Does the tumor vanish? 09:52-10:16: How is it delivered?10:16-11:30: Are other companies working on tumor-activated therapies?11:30-13:09: What treatment options are being worked on for solid tumors?13:09-13:47: Long-lasting treatment13:47-15:33: Clinical trials15:33-16:22: Timelines16:22-18:08: Does the treatment have other potential applications?18:08-19:59: Cost effectiveness19:59-21:59: Is the goal to cure people? 21:59-22:46: Treatment frequency22:46-24:00: The impact of tumor size24:00-25:23: Seekyo Therapeutics' pipeline 25:23-27:27: Fund-raising27:27-30:33: Reaction to the therapyInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

This week, we take a look at some of the highlights from the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which took place in San Francisco recently.While there weren't necessarily many financial blockbusters, there were plenty of announcements and discussions on everything from artificial intelligence to the rising influence of Chinese companies and research, to the potential ramifications of the incoming Trump administration in the U.S.To help us navigate some of the highlights of the event, we spoke with Orca Bio's co-founder and CEO, Ivan Dimov, and also Parabilis Medicines' chief business officer, Greg Miller.02:01-03:53: About Orca Bio 03:53-05:43: JPM highlights05:43-07:26: Stand-out deals and announcements07:26-09:01: Were any sectors more prominent than others?09:01-12:38: About Parabilis Medicines12:38-13:58: JPM highlights13:58-16:33: Stand-out deals and announcements  16:33-17:53: Were any sectors more prominent than others?17:53-19:17: Was there an optimistic mood?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Jessica Owens and Iana Dimkova are co-founders of Initiate Ventures—a female-led venture capital firm and studio that launched recently with a $45 million debut fund.Initiate Ventures is shaking up the traditional venture capital model by blending investments in healthcare, life sciences, and technology with a company creation platform. The company is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, and their innovative approach offers fresh insights into what it takes to scale transformative startups.Owens was the co-founder of GRAIL (acquired by Illumina for $8bn) and was a partner at Kleiner Perkins, where she helped shape some of the most successful health tech startups. Dimkova is a former healthcare technology investor at GE Ventures, who also scaled a company that raised more than $700m and built one of the largest radiation therapy networks in the US.Their approach is reflected in their dual model: funding existing companies while also co-creating ventures alongside founders in their startup studio. They helped launch groundbreaking companies like Macro Trials, a precision clinical research platform, and Persana, a leader in oncology diagnostics.This week on the podcast, we have a conversation with one of the co-founders of the company, Jessica Owens.00:40-05:19: About Initiate Ventures05:19-08:33: What sets Initiate Ventures apart from other venture funds?08:33-10:59: Revitalizing healthcare10:59-13:46: Determining realistic company visions13:46-15:15: Initiate Ventures and Initiate Studios15:15-19:50: Working with companies19:50-21:36: Working with new companies21:36-23:00: Evaluating potential success23:00-24:40: How hands on is Initiate Ventures?24:40-28:24: Is there a change in what attracts capital?28:24-30:02: Infectious disease – a neglected area30:02-33:08: How important are ESG considerations?33:08-35:42: Trends for 202535:42-36:42: Goals for 2025Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Brixton Biosciences, a clinical-stage life sciences company spun out from Massachusetts General Brigham, has been awarded $2m from the NIH HEAL Initiative to support the development of non-opioid, injectable pain relief solutions.As part of the NIH's efforts to tackle the U.S. opioid crisis, the funding will advance research into safer, drug-free alternatives to opioid pain management. Brixton's Neural Ice is an injectable, drug-free pain management technology designed to provide long-lasting relief from chronic and post-operative pain.On the podcast this week, we have a conversation with Sameer Sabir, CEO and co-founder of Brixton Biosciences, to dive deeper into pain treatment, the opioid crisis, and Brixton's mission.01:05-02:47: About Brixton Biosciences02:47-03:39: Brixton's pipeline 03:39-07:46: The opioid crisis07:46-08:41: The extent of the crisis08:41-12:00: Current alternatives to opioids12:00-12:40: Managing pain12:40-17:19: How was Neural ice developed?17:19-18:33: Duration of treatment18:33-21:01: Suitability for different levels of pain21:01-21:31: Speed of effect21:31-22:37: Side effects22:37-24:18: Opioids vs. non-opioids24:18-25:33: Are there different responses to Neural Ice?25:33-26:29: Standardized doses26:29-27:42: Pricing 27:42-28:49: Other work on alternatives to opioids28:49-30:45: Challenges to developing new pain treatments30:45-31:57: Other priorities at Brixton31:57-32:16: Timeline for Neural Ice Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

While our podcast takes a brief break, Labiotech invites you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. We will return with a brand-new episode on January 3rd, 2025! Have an awesome holiday season!On this podcast, we speak to Artiva Biotherapeutics' CEO, Fred Aslan, M.D.The company has demonstrated the potential for efficacy and safety with natural killer (NK) cells in two cancer clinical trials. In August 2023, the company announced FDA clearance for an IND for lupus – marking a first for an allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK or CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune disease.AlloNK (also known as AB-101) is a non-genetically modified, cord blood-derived, allogeneic, cryopreserved, ADCC-enhancing NK cell therapy candidate for use in combination with monoclonal antibodies or innate-cell engagers in the out-patient setting. Artiva is investigating AlloNK in a phase 1/2 multicenter clinical trial to assess the safety and clinical activity of AlloNK alone and in combination with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell-non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Artiva is also investigating the safety and clinical activity of AlloNK in combination with rituximab in patients with lupus nephritis. In addition, Artiva is collaborating with Affimed in a phase 2, open-label, multi-center, multi-cohort study, testing a combination therapy, comprised of AlloNK and the innate cell engager AFM13, for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory CD30-positive lymphomas. Artiva selects cord blood units with the high affinity variant of the CD16 receptor and a KIR-B haplotype for enhanced product activity. Using the company's cell therapy manufacturing platform, Artiva can generate thousands of doses of pure, cryopreserved, infusion-ready NK cells from a single umbilical cord blood unit while retaining the high and consistent expression of CD16 and other activating NK receptors, without the need for engineering. AlloNK is being administered in the outpatient setting over multiple doses and multiple cycles.Artiva's pipeline also includes AB-201, an anti-HER2 CAR-NK cell therapy candidate for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing tumors, such as breast, gastric, and bladder cancers, and for which an IND has been allowed by FDA, and a pipeline of CAR-NK candidates targeting both solid and hematopoietic cancers. Artiva has also entered into therapeutic NK cell collaborations with Merck Sharp & Dohme. Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Our guest on the podcast this week is John Cassidy, director of life sciences and healthtech investments at SoftBank Vision Fund.Softbank Vision Fund is the world's largest technology-focused investment fund, with $166bn assets under management, and a portfolio of more than 250 companies.In the discussion, we cover investment trends within life sciences, the European health and biotech scene, as well as the precise applications of new and emerging AI technologies. We also look ahead to what the biotech and life sciences fields may hold in 2025.00:55-02:03: About the SoftBank Vision Fund02:03-02:47: Developing timelines02:47-04:27: Managing a large portfolio04:27-11:18: Portfolio company profiles11:18-13:36: Investment criteria13:36-17:06: Trends in funding17:06-19:09: Effects of the US election19:09-21:45: How can companies reduce risk and raise funds?21:45-25:25: What sectors are attracting interest currently?25:25-27:49: Focusing on patients not profits27:49-29:53: The impact of AI 29:53-31:45: Focus on applications31:45-35:24: Trends in European biotech funding35:24-38:19: Trends for 2025Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

There is a constant risk of severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions for individuals with peanut allergies, which leads to significant physical, social, and emotional burdens.IgGenix, a clinical-stage immunology biotechnology company, recently announced the first patient dosed in its phase 1 trial evaluating IGNX001, a novel monoclonal antibody-based therapeutic, for peanut allergy. Designed to neutralize the most clinically important peanut allergens and epitopes, IGNX001 combats peanut allergies by blocking the allergic cascade and reducing risk of anaphylaxis.Should IGNX001 prove successful, it will provide a promising solution for peanut allergies and pave the way for IgGenix's technology to be applied to other types of food allergies and allergic diseases.Our guest on the podcast this week is Jessica Grossman, chief executive officer of IgGenix.01:14-02:51: About IgGenix02:51-06:30: About peanut allergy06:30-07:31: Are allergies on the rise?07:31-08:46: Are allergy responses similar?08:46-10:13: The problems with treating allergies10:13-13:53: Current treatments for peanut allergy13:53-15:45: The challenges of developing drugs to treat allergies15:45-16:54: Overcoming the placebo effect16:54-18:18: Are other companies working on allergy treatments?18:18-21:32: IgGenix's SEQ SIFTER platform21:32-24:20: About IgGenix's IGNX00124:20-24:42: Repeat doses24:42-26:19: Could peanut allergy sufferers eat peanuts?26:19-27:46: Can the technology be adapted to treat other allergies?27:46-28:56: Are there variations in the treatment of different allergies?28:56-29:35: Treatments for other diseases29:35-30:23: The future for people with allergiesInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

ambiom is a life science commercial-advisory business development company based in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.The company helps its corporate clients with their product strategy, in- and out-licensing efforts, including asset valuation (NPV, rNPV), M&A scouting, complex due diligence and dealmaking.ambiom also provides input on regulatory matters, support in pricing and reimbursement decisions and communication with decision-making authorities. The company guides products from the beginning - the basic science - all the way to commercialization or spin-offs.Our guest on the podcast this week is the founder and CEO of ambiom, Adam Marťák. We discuss the biotech scene in eastern Europe, the company, and look at some of the challenges facing biotech companies as they navigate the financial pathway alongside drug discovery, regulations, and commercialization.00:45-02:33: About ambiom02:33-03:11: ambiom clients03:11-04:21: Biotech in eastern Europe04:21-11:35: Focusing on a niche11:35-13:13: What do startups need?13:13-15:19: How do you help startups?15:19-16:52: Tech transfer16:52-18:35: Early-stage and late-stage biotech valuations18:35-21:48: Different valuation methods21:48-22:53: Why do early-stage biotech valuations offer higher upside potential for investors?22:53-23:42: How do you measure the value of pipeline potential?23:42-24:35: Does a bigger pipeline guarantee more success?24:35-27:08: Can companies look more attractive to investors?27:08-28:41: Does pipeline speed affect investment?28:41-30:27: Which valuation method is better for biotech companies?30:27-31:46: Are some areas of biotech better for valuations?31:46-33:18: What affects valuation?33:18-35:13: The difference between financing of expensive and cheaper drugs35:13-36:57 : Is funding more difficult now, and is it changing?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Biological control company Oxitec recently launched Sparks, a new platform designed to rapidly scale Wolbachia replacement technology to take on dengue fever.Backed by a multi-million-dollar investment from the Gates Foundation, Sparks adds to Oxitec's Aedes aegypti technology, called Friendly, which is taking on dengue fever in Brazil. With mosquito-borne diseases on the rise, Oxitec's Friendly mosquitoes are designed to suppress populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes and, in turn, reduce biting and the threat of disease transmission. Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes are designed to spread Wolbachia bacteria into the local mosquito population to limit the ability of the remaining infected mosquito population to transmit dengue. The platforms are designed for specific settings and intervention types, and provide options for governments and communities seeking suppression, replacement or hybrid approaches using both.Our guest on the podcast this week is the CEO of Oxitec, Grey Frandsen.00:56-02:12: About Oxitec02:12-05:54: The state of mosquito-borne diseases05:54-07:09: The effect of climate change07:09-08:29: Moving into more developed countries08:29-10:27: Wolbachia replacement technology10:27-12:53: The Sparks program12:53-13:46: Other companies' approaches13:46-15:00: World Mosquito Program15:00-15:30: Establishing timelines15:30-17:20: The effect on the environment17:20-18:54: Could adaptation render the technology useless?18:54-20:52: Are the Sparks and Friendly programs being used together?20:52-21:57: Do the technologies work differently on different species?21:57-26:28: How to determine rollout conditions26:28-27:19: Are repeat interventions needed?27:19-30:32: Are there limitations based on cost or politics?30:32-33:11: Are the technologies applicable to other problems?33:11-35:08: Is there anything else in Oxitec's pipeline?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Immunology is a key area in biotech and biopharma, both in terms of R&D and sales.However, according to UK-headquartered Greywolf Therapeutics, the industry has only focused on two-thirds of the puzzle.To have an immunological effect, you must activate the body's T cells, which cells requires a chain of three key signals. The first is antigen recognition, i.e. the initial detection of a cell by a T-cell. The second is the co-stimulation of non-antigen presenting molecules, which enhances the immune response​. The final step is cytokine-mediated differentiation and expansion, which guides how T-cells target threats. ​Companies have focused on the second two signals, with signal 2 most commonly seen in therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Signal 3, on the other hand, can be primarily seen in therapies for autoimmune disorders, such as anti-TNF and JAK inhibitors.Greywolf Therapeutics is the first company to explore changing signal 1. The company says focusing on signal 1 applies in three key therapeutic areas: oncology, autoimmunity and virology. Greywolf's first candidate has delivered a robust response during its ongoing phase I/II trial in oncology, therefore demonstrating proof-of-mechanism and target engagement, with its next candidate well-progressed in preclinical development in autoimmunity.To tell us more about the company and its work is Pete Joyce, CEO and co-founder of Greywolf Therapeutics.01:19-04:12: About Greywolf Therapeutics04:12-04:51: The origins of the name04:51-06:52: The three ‘signals' of the mechanics of immunological responses06:52-08:31: Treatments associated with each signal08:31-10:09: Why is step 1 important, and why has it not been investigated for treatments?10:09-11:28: What areas of disease is this applicable to?11:28-12:19: How do you inhibit ERAP?12:19-14:01: Greywolf Therapeutics' candidates14:01-15:11: How is this an advance on current treatments?15:11-16:05: What is success for patients?16:05-17:20: How does the stage of disease affect treatment?17:20-18:09: Are other companies looking into antigen modulation? 18:09-19:47: Has this led to investment opportunities?19:47-21:15: Next steps21:15-21:55: Do you anticipate more interest in this space?21:55-23:21: Attending events Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) is a non-profit medical research organization dedicated to the development and effective use of products like drugs, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to address substantial global health concerns, for which investment incentives are limited, including malaria, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and diseases that impact maternal, newborn, and child health.This week, our guest is Dr Claire Wagner, head of corporate strategy and market access at Gates MRI.Wagner has dedicated her life to global health. Her early years working in West Africa and East Africa – including five years working with the Rwanda Ministry of Health – were formative experiences for her. She helped document health sector outcomes in Rwanda and had a front row seat to the progress the country was making at the time, which led to her pursuing and obtaining an MD and MBA from Harvard.Her experiences led to her becoming one of the early employees of the Gates MRI, where she is on the executive leadership team and leads the institute's global access strategy as well as related engagement with commercial partners, financial institutions and multilaterals.She tackles the challenge of paving the way for the drugs, biologics and vaccines that the Gates MRI is developing – if they are successful in clinical trials – to be affordable and accessible to the people in low- and middle-income countries who would benefit most. In March 2024 the Gates MRI launched a phase 3 clinical trial for a tuberculosis vaccine candidate, and market access for this candidate is a top priority for Wagner.01:51-04:47: Background on Dr Claire Wagner04:47-06:24: Work in Rwanda06:24-08:40: Gates MRI08:40-12:50: Progress at Gates MRI12:50-14:06: Gates MRI R&D priorities14:06-16:26: The differences between Gates MRI and traditional biotechs16:26-18:40: Gates MRI partnerships18:40-22:52: The inequality of developing drug treatments22:52-25:45: Return on investment25:45-27:01: Did COVID increase global awareness?27:01-27:44: Other companies working on treatments27:44-31:48: Gates MRI pipeline and clinical trials31:48-34:51: Working on tuberculosis34:51-36:00: Treatment mode of action36:00-37:25: Future work at Gates MRIInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

This week, we are taking a look at an important subject, and that is women working as CEOs, or other senior roles, in the biotech space. Kate Yen is the CEO of oncology biotech Auron Therapeutics, and she has spent her entire career in science. Auron is working on the next generation of targeted cancer therapies by identifying and inhibiting the oncogenic cell states of cancer. Auron's AURIGIN platform uses AI and machine learning to compare normal cell states with cancerous cell states to identify novel cancer targets, optimal development models, and biomarkers to guide patient selection. Auron is building a pipeline of small molecule targeted therapies, led by AUTX-703, which is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia.02:16-07:44: About Kate Yen and Auron Therapeutics07:44-09:09: The challenges of setting up a company09:09-11:56: Auron Therapeutics' lead candidate11:56-12:52: The rest of the pipeline12:52-13:29: Auron timeline13:29-15:01: Are there specific challenges being a female biotech CEO?15:01-15:49: Is there support for women in biotech beyond the CEO level?15:49-16:51: Helping others16:51-17:41: Challenges in the boardroom17:41-18:40: Diversity in biotech19:40-21:03: Changing mindsets22:05-22:59: Being a role model22:59-24:43: Attracting women from outside hubs25:42-27:28: Diversity and education27:28-31:31: The importance of AI31:31-32:34: The evolution of AuronInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterThis week's podcast is sponsored by Cryoport Systems, the global leader in comprehensive temperature-controlled supply chain solutions, is proud to introduce IntegriCell™ to preserve the future of medicine. IntegriCell™ cryopreservation services provide an integrated, end-to-end solution to ensure the highest quality, consistency, and viability of manufacture-ready, cryopreserved leukopaks for cell therapies. IntegriCell™ enables seamless, efficient, and reliable cryopreservation services combined with end-to-end supply chain solutions to support the treatment of patients worldwide. For more information, visit Cryoport.com.

Sitryx Therapeutics is a private UK biopharma company founded in 2018. It is a leader in the field of immunometabolism, an area of immunology that looks to rebalance the immune system to achieve sustained disease remission in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Sitryx already has big pharma validation following a deal with Eli Lilly in 2020 worth in excess of $1 billion and is focused on advancing its pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapies, which could address a wide range of chronic conditions, including SYX-5219 for atopic dermatitis.The company has a broad pipeline of small molecules against novel targets in major autoimmune indications with high unmet need.To talk about immunometabolism, our guest on the podcast this week is CEO of Sitryx Therapeutics, Iain Kilty.00:52-01:48: About Sitryx01:48-02:32: What is immunometabolism?02:32-05:01: Approaches to address autoimmune and inflammatory diseases05:01-06:46: Drug development06:46-08:29: What is Sitryx's approach?08:29-11:02: Finding diseases to treat11:02-13:09: About SYX-521913:09-16:08: Inflammatory response16:08-18:40: About SYX-1042 and Eli Lilly18:40-19:54: Mode of delivery19:54-20:49: The Sitryx pipeline20:49-22:08: Research on immune cell function and other companies' work22:08-23:53: Increased interest in the field23:53-25:06: More investment and deals25:06-26:30: Future treatments of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases26:30-27:59: The future of immunometabolism27:59-29:26: Sitryx's goalsInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

LinkGevity, founded by two sisters, is developing anti-necrotic technologies, especially for application in kidney disease.Carina Kern is the CEO of the company, while Serena Kern-Libera is the chief operating officer. After reading an article about how space-travel is especially damaging to the kidneys, they applied for a place on the inaugural NASA Space-H Accelerator program, and how medicine can support human deep-space missions.LinkGevity was selected for the program, which is in its inaugural year. LinkGevity was selected as its research has uncovered technology with significant potential to minimize the health and performance risks in human spaceflight.LinkGevity's anti-necrotics applications cover four major areas: organoid preservation and growth; cryopreservation; organ growth and preservation; and kidney protection.LinkGevity's novel proprietary Blueprint Theory of Aging, developed by Kern, offers a multi-disciplinary framework for understanding the development of age-related diseases and deterioration. The theory enables the company's AI to accurately identify and target key biological pathways involved in aging and deterioration, with necrosis being one of the most critical processes addressed.To talk about the company's technology, and its application to space, we had a conversation with Carina Kern and Serena Kern-Libera.01:48-05:45: About LinkGevity05:45-06:39: What is the goal for LinkGevity?06:39-09:07: Is early intervention important?09:07-11:10: What is the Blueprint Theory of Aging, and how do you identify and target key biological pathways involved in aging and deterioration?11:10-13:51: Applying the theory13:51-15:03: Necrosis and LinkGevity's Anti-Necrotic technology15:03-18:37: Blocking necrosis and treating disease18:37-19:06: Drug delivery19:06-20:54: The importance of AI20:54-24:43: Connecting LinkGevity's work with space24:43-26:24: The SPACE-H program27:18-28:13: Other biotech involvement in the program28:13-30:13:  LinkGevity's presentation at Space-Comm30:13-31:00: Keeping space medicine simple31:00-32:18: The future for LinkGevity32:18-33:14: LinkGevity's timescale33:14-33:47: Clinical trials33:47-34:53: LinkGevity's future space work34:53-35:30: Different space opportunities35:30-38:12: LinkGevity fundingInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Today, gene therapy is at an exciting inflection point as the industry moves beyond the first generation of these therapies. However, challenges and barriers remain in bringing gene therapies to market, particularly as they expand into more prevalent diseases. Spur Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to developing next generation gene therapies for people living with chronic, debilitating diseases. Its lead candidate, FLT201, is an AAV gene therapy for Gaucher disease that is poised to enter phase 3 development in 2025.This week, we have a conversation with Michael Parini, CEO of Spur Therapeutics, about the future of gene therapy.01:56-04:01: About Spur Therapeutics04:01-06:49: Where is the gene therapy field at currently?06:49-10:44: The biggest challenges for gene therapies, and potential solutions10:44-13:21: What is the next generation of gene therapy?13:21-18:08: How can gene therapy be used to take on more diseases? How can it be cheaper?18:08-19:14: Are other companies working on next-generation gene therapies?19:14-21:07: What is Gaucher disease?21:07-22:32: How are you tackling Gaucher disease?22:32-26:07: What is the measure of success?26:07-28:18: About adrenomyeloneuropathy28:18-29:32: Upcoming approvals in gene therapy29:32-31:40: How quickly is gene therapy evolving?This podcast is sponsored by Vetter, a globally leading CDMO, with over 70 years of experience as a responsible, independent family business. Driven by more than 6,600 employees worldwide, Vetter provides life-saving injectable drug products to the patients that rely on them most. Vetter partners with its customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, starting in the early phase of drug development with comprehensive expertise and support in clinical manufacturing for in-human trial material. For more information, visit vetter-pharma.comInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Antibody-drug conjugates have been an area of great interest in the oncology space in recent years, with a record rate of FDA approvals and dealmaking activity. However balancing efficacy and off-site toxicity has remained a challenge.Some biopharma companies are investing in what they hope will be the next-generation approach to ADCs – bispecific ADCs. More than a dozen early-stage clinical trials are evaluating whether adding a second targeting functionality can improve the preciseness of ADCs' tumor-targeting, as well as potentially overcome the challenge of heterogeneity in solid tumor target expression. Bispecific ADCs have been a hot area for dealmaking over the past year, including BMS' $8.4 billion purchase of a bispecific ADC candidate in December, a $690 million deal between Biotheus and Hansoh this spring, and the recently announced $325 million deal between Prague-based SOTIO Biotech and Biocytogen.SOTIO's most advanced ADC, SOT102, is now in a phase 1/2 clinical study in the U.S. and Europe. To talk about biotechs in Czechia, and bispecific ADCs, our conversation this week is with Radek Špíšek, CEO of SOTIO.01:22-03:17: About SOTIO03:17-06:12: Are there many biotech or biopharma companies in Prague? 06:12-08:16: Are there any challenges or opportunities being in Prague?08:16-13:21: What are bispecific ADCs and how do they differ from regular ADCs?13:21-15:37: Are there any challenges using bispecific ADCs?15:37-17:07: What are the benefits of bispecific ADCs?17:07-18:40: Do bispecific ADCs address the challenge of balancing efficacy and off-site toxicity?18:40-19:42: Why are bispecific ADCs such a hot topic?19:42-21:35: Deals involving bispecific ADCs, and SOTIO's partnership with Biocytogen21:35-24:15: What is SOT102?24:15-26:41: What else is in SOTIO's pipeline?26:41-27:47: What is the future for bispecific ADCs? 27:47-29:01: What does this mean for patients?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated of the latest biotech news by subscribing to our newsletter

Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences and proteins, and they are found at the ends of chromosomes. In effect, they cap and protect the end of a chromosome. Telomerase is an enzyme that adds DNA to the ends of chromosomes, and it is reactivated in most cancers. Most human tumors not only express telomerase but also have very short telomeres. This makes telomerase a prime target for cancer therapies. MAIA Biotechnology is focused on the pioneering approach of telomere targeting through its lead therapeutic strategy, THIO. Currently, MAIA is making strides with THIO in a phase 2 clinical trial aimed at combating high-risk non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). THIO targets telomerase, thus disrupting cancer cells' vital structures, leading to their rapid demise. To tell us about MAIA's groundbreaking work, and the relationships between telomeres, telomerase and cancer, is the CEO and chairman of the company, Vlad Vitoc.01:16-02:13: About MAIA Biotechnology02:13-06:24: What is the role of telomerase in cancer?06:24-07:02: Do other factors affect telomeres?07:02-08:42: How does your therapy, THIO, work?08:42-09:08: Safety of THIO09:08-10:54: How is it administered?10:54-11:04: Are there other companies working on this?11:04-12;14: What else is in the MAIA pipeline?12:14-17:18: MAIA clinical trials17:18-18:19: Could THIO be a preventative treatment?18:19-19:46: Is there a lot of research on telomeres and telomerase?19:46-21:06: Are there cancers that are not telomerase positive?21:06-21:41: What is the future for telomere-targeting therapies?21:41-23:14: Are there any challenges?23:14-25:40: Is word spreading about your treatments?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

C4 Therapeutics (C4T) is a leader in the targeted protein degradation (TPD) field, with two oncology drug candidates currently in clinical trials and collaborations with pharma companies like Merck, Biogen and Roche. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company is dedicated to creating a new generation of medicines using its TORPEDO platform to design and optimize small-molecule medicines to address difficult-to-treat diseases. TORPEDO can design molecular glues and heterobifunctional degraders, giving C4T the capability of targeting almost any disease-causing protein. C4T's degrader medicines are designed to harness the body's natural protein recycling system to rapidly degrade disease-causing proteins, offering the potential to overcome drug resistance, drug undruggable targets and improve patient outcomes.C4T is led by CEO and president Andrew Hirsch, who is this week's guest on the podcast.01:17-03:01: About C4 Therapeutics03:01-05:07: What is targeted protein degradation?05:07-06:21: What kind of diseases can TPD be used to address? 06:21-10:53: What are the different TPD strategies: PROTAC, molecular glue, lysosome-targeting chimaera (LYTAC), and antibody-based PROTAC?10:53-12:43: How are those strategies applied?12:43-13:59: How is TPD improving on current treatments?15:39-18:24: What is your discovery program, TORPEDO, and how does it work?18:24-25:19: About C4T clinical trials25:19-26:13: Reaction to the ESMO presentation26:13-28:50: Partnerships with pharma companies28:50-31:26: Are there any hurdles or challenges in using TPD?31:26-33:23: The future of TPDInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Estonia is working on becoming the first country to implement personalized health at scale through the Estonian National Biobank.The biobank uses genetic data to create a picture of the Estonian population, leading to the potential adaptation of public health systems. The Estonian Biobank has samples from 20% of the adult population; in comparison, UK biobanks only represent 0.7% of the population. With so much data, Estonia can determine risk factors for cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental and reproductive health, informing health investments to improves patient outcomes.The project seeks to predict patients' responses to certain medications based on their genetic makeup. As well as better patient outcomes, this approach could save health systems millions on ineffective prescriptions in the long run. It could also be a blueprint for other national health systems, including the NHS, to personalize healthcare at scale.Earlier this year, the Estonian Biobank announced the next phase of its European Commission funded project in collaboration with sequencing firm PacBio. On the podcast this week, we have Professor Lili Milani, head of the Estonian National Biobank, and Neil Ward, VP of EMEA at PacBio.01:27-04:06: What is the Estonian National Biobank?04:06-05:15: Background on PacBio05:15-06:43: What are the benefits of using genetic data to create a picture of the Estonian population?06:43-08:24: What data is collected, and how is it used?08:24-09:54: Protecting individual privacy09:54-11:24: Is the databank used regularly by Estonian citizens?11:24-12:35: Can the biobank help address disease earlier?12:35-16:30: Are there economic savings?16:30-17:16: How to expand the biobank program17:16-19:44: How does the biobank help personalize medicine?19:44-20:26: Are there regional differences?20:26-21:57: How can Estonia's system be applied to other countries?21:57-22:57: Has there been international interest in the biobank?22:27-22:52: Are pharma companies interested in the biobank?22:52-24:05: The partnership with PacBio24:05-26:15: Is AI being used in conjunction with the biobank?26:15-27:26: Is the biobank project similar to other PacBio work?27:26-29:00: What is the future for the biobank relationship with PacBio?29:00-31:30: What is the future for the biobank?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Inflammation appears to affect almost every part of the human body as we age, including cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders.NLRP3 inflammasome-induced inflammation is at the root of nearly all disease pathologies including fibrotic, dermatological, rheumatological diseases as well as neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.Halia Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel class of small molecule medications designed to combat inflammation.Halia Therapeutics' candidates are the first drugs to target the protein NEK7 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activity to resolve chronic inflammation in multiple diseases.Its lead candidate, HT-6184 is currently being evaluated in two phase II studies – for the treatment of post-procedure inflammatory pain response and cancer (lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS).The company also recently announced a new collaboration to leverage AI in the clinical development of its new Alzheimer's disease drug, HT-4253, targeting a mediator of neuroinflammation called leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2).This week, or guest is Dave Bearss, CEO of Halia Therapeutics.01:09-05:49: About Halia Therapeutics05:49-08:59: What is the difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation?08:59-12:02: What is NLRP3 inflammasome-induced inflammation?12:02-15:37: What is NEK7 and how does targeting it help inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activity?15:37-18:51: What diseases are related to NLRP3 inflammasome activity?18:51-22:11: What does reducing NLRP3 activity address in these conditions?22:11-26:46:  With Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is inflammation reduction being investigated by other companies?26:46-24:14: What is Halia's lead candidate, HT-6184?34:14-37:03: What is the balance between normal inflammation and reducing chronic inflammation?37:03-38:34: Is early intervention the key?38:34-42:18: Would your treatment be good as a preventative measure?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy uses a person's own immune cells to fight advanced melanoma, offering new hope for patients who have limited treatment options. This week, we have a conversation with Brian Gastman, EVP of medical affairs at Iovance Biotherapeutics, about TILs and the company's pipeline.Iovance recently submitted a marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency for lifileucel, a TIL cell therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma previously treated with a PD-1 blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor. If approved, lifileucel will be the first and only approved therapy in this treatment setting in all European Union member states.The submission is supported by positive clinical data from the C-144-01 clinical trial in patients with advanced post-anti-PD1 melanoma.Iovance's Amtagvi is the first FDA-approved T cell therapy for a solid tumor indication. 00:47-04:44: About Iovance Biotherapeutics04:44-07:57: What is polyclonal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte treatment?07:57-14:55: What is the production process for TILs?14:55-18:32: Are there any limiting factors for TIL treatment?18:32-20:59: Is early intervention important?20:59-21:22: Does better psychology help?21:22-22:06: Are other companies working on TILs?22:06-27:25: Clinical trials 27:25-29:25: How do you address cost?29:25-34:21: Iovance's pipeline34:21-35:30: Can TILs be improved?35:30-37:21: Where does the TIL space go from here?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

The development of combination vaccines could represent a significant advancement in the fight against infectious diseases. With the potential to streamline the vaccination process and provide broader protection, these vaccines could greatly improve public health preparedness.Moderna is harnessing the power of its mRNA platform to develop vaccines that target multiple respiratory viruses at once, including COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. The breakthrough technology enables the immune system to combat multiple pathogens simultaneously, revolutionizing immunization efforts and enhancing public health preparedness.To look at combination vaccines, their usefulness and potential for the future, we had an in-depth conversation with Cesar Sanz Rodriguez, vice president, Europe & Switzerland, medical affairs, at Moderna.00:45-02:53: What is combination vaccine technology?02:53-05:33: What are the advantages of targeting multiple respiratory diseases simultaneously?05:33-06:02: Making vaccinations more friendly06:02-07:57: How does the immune system handle tackling many pathogens at the same time?07:57-10:23: Is there an effect of efficacy with combination vaccines?10:23-12:50: How do you manage different times between boosters?12:50-13:57: Are many companies working on combination vaccines?13:57-17:45: How easy is it to add vaccines, for example to tackle avian flu, into combination vaccines?17:45-19:06: Is there a limit to the number of vaccines in a combination vaccine? 19:06-20:46: How easily can vaccines be updated to address variants?20:46-22:30: What is the future of combination vaccines?22:30-23:56: What is in Moderna's pipeline related to vaccines?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Pentixapharm is a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical development company targeting a range of diseases. While it is currently owned by the Eckert & Ziegler Group, it will soon be spun off as a separate company. Pentixapharm's clinical pipeline includes PENTIXATHER, am Yttrium-90 based therapeutic against CNS lymphoma, and PENTIXAFOR, a Gallium-68 based companion diagnostic. Additionally, PENTIXAFOR is being developed as a diagnostic tool for primary aldosteronism (PA), a significant cause of hypertension.Recently, the company announced the acquisition of the target discovery business of Glycotope.The deal includes a portfolio of preclinical antibodies against multiple oncology targets that can be developed into radiopharmaceuticals. It also includes Glycotope's laboratories, cell banks, tumor target data base, and the equipment needed to exploit the discovery platform, along with a range of patents, licenses, and other tangible assets. This week, we had a conversation with Andreas Eckert, founder and chairman of the supervisory board at Pentixapharm.00:57-03:07: About the Pentixapharm spinout03:07-05:19: What is Pentixapharm's pipeline?05:19-06:01: What is the CXCR4 ligand approach?06:01-08:51: What are the development plans for tackling primary aldosteronism? 08:51-10:28: Is the process fast, and what about cost?10:28-11:47: The bigger economic picture11:47-14:12: About Glycotope14:12-14:44: How synergistic are Pentixapharm and Glycotope?14:44-15:32: Is the entire company being acquired?15:32-16:27: Will outsourcing still be important to the company?16:27-17:55: What does the future hold for Pentixapharm?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

There are many questions when it comes to setting up a biotech company, and raising funds. Currently, many companies are concerned about fundraising, but there are things that can be done to maximize efforts. Does a company's location affect fundraising? What is the best approach to successfully raise funds? What are the current trends in biotech funding?To look at questions surrounding the state of European biotech funding, and how it compares with the global scene, intellectual property, and how to challenge the status quo, we have a conversation with Dima Kuzmin, managing partner at 4BIO Capital.4BIO is an international venture capital firm unlocking the treatments of the future by investing in advanced therapies and other emerging technologies.00:45-02:36: About 4BIO02:36-07:39: What are the trends in biotech investments currently?07:39-09:30: Is being in a well-known biotech hub necessary to raise funds?09:30-14:14: Is relocation necessary for companies starting up if they aren't near a biotech hub?14:14-17:57: What differences are there in investment patterns between Europe, the US and Asia?17:57-21:35: How can funding match the research strength there is in Europe?21:35-25:07: Are there any emerging hubs in Europe, or opportunities to create new hubs?25:07-26:36: Are Spain and Italy good locations for biotech?26:36-28:32: What are the best ways for European companies to attract US and Asian capital?28:32-35:47: How do you see the European biotech space evolving?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

While our podcast takes a brief break, Labiotech invites you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. We will return with a brand-new episode on August 16, 2024! Have an awesome summer!Epic Bio is an epigenetic editing company, leveraging the power of CRISPR without cutting DNA.The company's proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) includes the smallest Cas protein known to work in human cells, enabling in vivo or ex vivo delivery via a single viral vector. This week, we discuss epigenetic editing, why it's reversible, and how it can treat FSHD and other conditions, with Epic Bio's founder, Dr Stanley Qi, one of the original inventors of CRISPR.01:15-02:51: Dr Xi's background02:51-05:11: The beginning of Epic Bio05:12-09:23: What is epigenetic editing?09:23-10:47: What is the Gene Expression Modulation System?10:47-12:47: How is the editing reversible?12:47-18:01: How will epigenetic editing advance treatments?18:01-21:24: Tackling multiple conditions21:24-22:46: How will your platform tackle FSHD?22:46-24:18: FSHD clinical trial24:18-25:51: How will you address costs?25:51-27:18: Are other companies working on epigenetics?27:18-29:27: What else is in the pipeline?29:27-31:58: What are the next steps?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

While our podcast takes a brief break, Labiotech invites you to enjoy some of our favorite episodes. We will return with a brand-new episode on August 16, 2024! Have an awesome summer!Artificial intelligence (AI) is certainly in the news constantly; however, it's been used in drug discovery for some time.A new collaboration between artificial intelligence drug discovery company Insilico Medicine and University of Toronto biochemist and molecular geneticist Igor Stagljar will test AI-designed molecules against "undruggable" cancer targets. The research will test 15 to 20 undruggable targets - but are they undruggable? And how does AI work in the drug discovery process?This week, we have a conversation with Kyle Tretina, Alliance Manager of AI Platforms at Insilico Medicine, on a wide range of subjects including drug discovery, undruggable targets, the collaboration with the University of Toronto, and more.00:58-05:11: About Insilico Medicine05:11-06:09: Why is AI in the news?06:09-07:39: Helping people through AI07:39-09:10: What is Insilico Medicine doing with AI?09:10-10:15: Does Insilico Medicine take drugs from idea to trials?10:15-11:32: How do your partnerships come about?11:32-19:34: How does drug development start with AI?19:34-24:43: Can AI address undruggable targets?24:43-25:05: What do you need to do after finding a potential drug?25:05-27:57: Can quantum computing aid drug development?27:57-30:13: How can AI help reduce costs and save time?30:13-32:56: What is your partnership with the University of Toronto?32:56-36:24: What is the timescale for introducing drugs from AI?36:24-37:29: What conditions are you working on?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Aurion Biotech is a US biotech with a regenerative medicine platform, developing novel therapies to restore vision to millions of people in need. This week on the podcast, we have a conversation with CEO Greg Kunst about Aurion's pipeline, and how the company's treatment could be the first mass-market cell therapy available.The FDA has granted the company BTD and RMAT designations for AURN001 -- the first-ever allogeneic cell therapy candidate in development to restore vision in patients with corneal endothelial disease. This is a condition with around 16 million patients in the US, Japan and Europe alone. The current standard of care is currently transplant surgery.Aurion's proprietary process can turn cells from one donor cornea into more than treatments, with the potential to scale to more than 1,000, closing the gap on the global shortage of donor corneas.Aurion recently completed enrollment of a phase 1/2 trial in the US and Canada.00:43-01:53: About Aurion01:53-03:12: What are allogeneic cell therapies?03:12-04:11: Why is the eye a good target for allogeneic cell therapy?04:11-06:16: What is corneal endothelial disease?06:16-07:18: Is corneal endothelial disease genetic or just age related?07:18-09:22: Is transplant surgery the only option?09:22-10:58: Are other companies working on corneal endothelial disease treatments?10:58-12:26: How does your treatment work?12:26-13:36: Does your treatment alleviate the shortage of corneas?13:36-15:47: How would you get your treatments around the world?15:47-17:02: Could these treatments extend to other diseases?17:02-18:36: What do you need for a mass market treatment?18:36-19:36: Will there always be a need for this treatment?19:36-21:12: Is your treatment easy to administer? 21:12-22:41: What do the FDA designations mean for Aurion?22:41-24:38: Where are you with clinical trials?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

LabGenius is a drug discovery company developing next-generation therapeutic antibodies.  The company's discovery platform, EVA, integrates several technologies drawn from the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), robotic automation and synthetic biology. LabGenius operates under a hybrid business model that involves partnering with large biotech and pharma companies while pursuing its own wholly-owned therapeutic pipeline.The company recently closed a £35 million Series B financing round, bringing its total funding to date to £58 million. The hype around generative AI and machine learning is driving unprecedented investor interest in AI. But are investors, and other drug discovery biotech companies, knowledgeable about AI and its role in drug discovery? To look at how AI is making a difference in medicine, and where the hype doesn't meet expectations, we had a conversation with LabGenius founder and CEO, Dr. James Field. 01:09-02:38: About LabGenius02:38-05:45: What does your recent funding mean for your AI platform and pipeline?05:45-08:14: Do the terms AI and ML create and confusion?08:14-10:06: The positives of AI in drug discovery10:06-11:07: How to ask the right questions for AI to work11:07-12:44: Are investors up to speed on the use of AI in medicine?12:44-14:09: Where can AI help the most in the drug discovery process?14:09-15:18: Are there any areas where AI is just hype?15:18-16:37: Are you working towards clinical trials?16:37-19:16: How do companies plan an AI strategy?19:16-19:57: How useful are results from AI? 19:57-21:48: Should companies outsource AI?21:48-23:02: Do investors need advice on investment in AI companies?23:02-24:02: How do you see the evolution of AI in drug discovery?24:02-25:27: And how do you see the evolution of LabGenius?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Acute on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a significant healthcare issue with high unmet needs for patients and clinicians, and a massive burden for healthcare systems. It cost more than $6bn in the US alone in 2021, with a drastic increase over the last 10 years. Genfit is a late-stage biopharma company taking on rare, life-threatening liver diseases with a range of therapeutic targets based on pathophysiology. The company has five assets in its portfolio, from preclinical up to phase 2.Its ACLF portfolio includes five assets under development: VS-01, NTZ, SRT-015, CLM-022 and VS-02-HE, based on complementary mechanisms of action using different routes of administration. Other assets target other diseases, such as cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), urea cycle disorder (UCD) and organic acidemia (OA). Genfit carried out a successful 52-week phase 3 ELATIVE study evaluating elafibranor in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It also has a diagnostic franchise including NIS2+ in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as NASH or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and TS-01 focusing on blood ammonia levels.On the podcast this week to talk to us about the latest in liver disease treatment is Dean Hum, the chief scientific officer at Genfit.00:45-05:09: About Genfit05:09-06:59: What is acute on-chronic liver disease (ACLF)?06:59-08:30: What is the prognosis for those with ACLF?08:30-08:52: Are there any current treatments for ACLF?08:52-10:13: What is EF-CLIF?10:13-12:41: What is the EASL-CLIF general assembly?12:41-14:01: What is your connection to Ipsen's work with elafibrinor?14:01-16:00: Why has there been so little work on ACLF?16:00-16:46: Are others working on ACLF?16:46-19:25: What is your approach to developing ACLF treatments?19:25-24:31: How do your ACLF treatments work?24:31-25:08: Will you need to do trials on the effect of the combination of your assets?25:08-28:37: What are your hopes for patients with ACLF?

The field of radiotherapeutics is a hot topic currently, and so who better to talk about the subject than Ken Herrmann, a radiopharmaceutical academic expert, who is Professor of Nuclear Medicine at the Universitätsklinikum Essen, in Essen Germany, and two people from the company Molecular Partners: Patrick Amstutz, who is a co-founder and the CEO, and Dani Steiner, SVP of R&D.Molecular Partners recently shared a preclinical package supporting MP0712, its radioligand candidate. Based on the small protein class they pioneered, DARPins, the company is looking to tackle the historic kidney toxicity of small protein vectors while preserving a good binding and specificity profile. This will have repercussions across its radioligand (or Radio-DARPin) portfolio, which has programs in partnership with Novartis and (in the case of MP0712) Orano Med. MP0712's key tumor target is DLL3, also the target of tarlatamab, the first bispecific against DLL3, which was approved recently. The program is focused on small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), a highly aggressive lung cancer with a five-year survival rate of about 3%. Molecular Partners said its data show strong and homogenous tumor uptake of 212PB-DLL3 targeted MP0712, as well as significant and durable inhibition of tumor growth. The data also show good tolerance at all dosing levels and an enhanced tumor-to-kidney uptake ratio. MP0712 is the first Radio-DARPin expected to enter the clinic with first-in-human data expected in 2025.  01:12-04:20: About Molecular Partners 04:20-06:34: What are radiotherapeutics, and what can they treat?06:34-11:36: What are some of the challenges facing radiopharma?11:36-13:20: Has there been a shortage of radioligands?13:20-16:38: How has Molecular Partners addressed challenges?16:38-27:59: What was the SNMMI conference, and what did it address?27:59-32:50: Where are you at with clinical trials?32:50-34:11: What do you see as the current trends?34:11-35:54: How are the treatments delivered to patients?35:54-36:50: How frequently are treatments needed?36:50-39:03: Where is radiotherapy headed? Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

US-based biotech company Priovant Therapeutics is dedicated to developing novel therapies for autoimmune diseases with high morbidity and few available treatment options. The company's lead asset, brepocitinib, is a dual selective inhibitor of TYK2 and JAK1. Through dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibition, brepocitinib suppresses key cytokines linked to autoimmunity—including type I IFN, type II IFN, IL6, IL12, and IL23—with a single, targeted therapy. Brepocitinib has generated positive data in seven phase 2 studies with oral once-daily administration. It is currently being evaluated in a phase 3 program for dermatomyositis and is entering a phase 3 program for non-infectious uveitis.This week on the podcast we have a conversation with Priovant's CEO Benjamin Zimmer about dermatomyositis, non-infectious uveitis, current treatments, potential options, and how brepocitinib is making a difference. 00:55-02:34: About Priovant02:34-06:38: What are dermatomyositis and non-infectious uveitis?06:38-08:35: What are the current treatments?08:35-12:32: What is brepocitinib?12:32-15:36: Are there other treatments in development? 15:36-17:50: What is your relationship with Pfizer?17:50-20:48: Brepocitinib clinical trials20:48-24:06: Future plans and timeline24:06-27:59: Finding patients for clinical trials27:59-29:19: Future opportunities Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Heidelberg Pharma is a clinical stage biotech company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).Its lead amanitin-based ADC product candidate, HDP-101, targets relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. HDP-101 recently received orphan drug designation; it is currently in a phase I/IIa clinical trial, demonstrating first signs of clinical efficacy. The company is also expanding its therapeutic product pipeline with a further four programs across a variety of malignant hematologic and solid tumors.To tell us about how HDP-101 works, and what Heidelberg Pharma is doing in the space, we had a conversation with the company's CEO, Prof. Andreas Pahl.00:55-02:05: About Heidelberg Pharma02:05-03:41: What are antibody-drug conjugates?03:41-05:27: Why are antibody-drug conjugates in the news currently?05:27-06:15: What is big pharma's involvement in the field?06:15-07:04: Will there be more antibody-drug conjugate approvals?07:04-08:42: What can antibody-drug conjugates be used to treat?08:42-09:48: How do you avoid toxicity issues?09:48-10:31: How important is the linker?10:31-12:06: What is alpha-amanitin?12:06-13:28: How do you make a toxin not toxic?13:28-14:11: What tumor types can be targeted?14:11-15:59: How do you discover a toxin can treat a disease?15:59-17:38: How is alpha-amanitin delivered?17:38-19:27: Is alpha-amanitin a monotherapy?19:27-22:16: What clinical trials are you doing?22:16-23:31: What are the next steps now you have orphan drug designation?23:31-24:14: What are the timelines?24:14-25:36: Where are antibody-drug conjugates headed?25:36-27:14: Are AI and machine learning making an impact?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Diamyd Medical develops precision medicine therapies for the prevention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes and LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). Diamyd is an antigen-specific immunomodulatory therapeutic for the preservation of endogenous insulin production. It has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. as well as Fast Track Designation. DIAGNODE-3, a confirmatory phase 3 trial, uses injections into a superficial lymph node can to optimize the treatment response. This week on the podcast we have a conversation about treatments of type 1 diabetes, including the company's development of Diamyd. Our guest is Anders Essen-Möller, founder and chairman of Diamyd Medical.00:51-19:16: Diamyd Medical's approach to Type 1 diabetes19:16-21:03: Other approaches to tackling Type 1 diabetes21:03-22:08: Keeping costs of Type 1 diabetes treatment low22:08-22:53: Can Type 1 diabetes be cured?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Rare diseases affect around 1 in 2,000 people. Many of the thousands of rare diseases are difficult to diagnose. Of the known rare diseases, about 80% have genetic causes.  Leukodystrophies are a group of rare genetic disorders for which there is currently no curative therapy.This week on the podcast we are discussing novel treatments of rare pediatric diseases in a conversation with Dan Williams, CEO, executive director and co-founder of Synaptix Bio. Synaptix Bio is working on developing treatments for severe leukodystrophies. The company has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to take a TUBB4a leukodystrophy therapy to the clinic and beyond. 01:41-05:08: About Synaptix Bio05:08-07:07: What are rare diseases?07:07-09:36: How do you develop treatments for rare diseases?09:36-11:15: How many rare diseases have treatments?11:15-13:32: What is the space looking like for companies looking to develop rare disease treatments?13:32-14:10: How does the fact that many rare diseases are genetic affect drug development?14:10-16:21: Do the low numbers of people with rare diseases affect funding and research? 16:21-17:55: Are the drugs being developed useful in treating other diseases?17:55-22:44: What is H-ABC?22:44-23:25: Are there any treatments for H-ABC? 23:25-25:15: Where is Synaptix Bio with clinical trials?25-15-27:40: How do you design clinical trials for H-ABC with the number of patients being low?This week's podcast was sponsored by KBI Biopharma. Visit their facility in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 27, to join the discussion on solving biotherapeutic challenges. Register at kbibiopharma.com/conferences.Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Hearing loss is a huge – and growing – global challenge.Using its OSPREY platform, UK-based Rinri Therapeutics is developing a portfolio of off-the-shelf regenerative cell therapy products to address sensorineural hearing loss, a significant global medical challenge. The company's lead asset, Rincell-1, is designed to regenerate auditory neurons and provide a novel treatment for patients with severe-to-profound age-related hearing loss or auditory neuropathy. The company is looking to start first-in-human trials in 2025.Today, on the podcast we have a conversation with Rinri CEO Simon Chandler about the different kinds of hearing loss, what's being done to tackle them, and Rinri's novel approach to treatments.01:08-03:19: About Rinri Therapeutics03:19-05:16: About hearing loss05:16-07:31: Mental health and hearing loss07:31-10:22: The different kinds of hearing loss10:22-11:37: The importance of early intervention11:37-13:46: What is Rinri doing to tackle hearing loss?13:46-15:58: The difficulty of accessing the cochlea15:58-19:12: Is your treatment a cure for hearing loss?19:12-20:45: Would repeat treatment be necessary?20:45-23:30: Are other companies working on hearing loss?23:30-25:27: The cost of treating hearing loss25:27-27:13: The economic costs of hearing loss27:13-28:33: Rinri treatment timelines28:33-30:15: The rest of Rinri's pipeline Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

June is myasthenia gravis awareness month. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle, and this results in weakness of the skeletal muscles. It especially affects the voluntary muscles of the eyes, mouth, throat and/or limbs. It is most frequent in women from 20 and 30 and men aged 50 and older. To talk about the disease, how it is being treated, and what is in the pipeline for future treatments, we had a conversation with Dana Vigier, head of Central Eastern and Northern Europe at Alexion.01:07-04:26: Background on Dr Dana Vigier04:26-07:07: What is myasthenia gravis?07:07-09:43: What is the prognosis for someone diagnosed with myasthenia gravis?09:43-11:33: How effective are current treatments for myasthenia gravis?11:33-12:56: Do all the myasthenia gravis drugs work in the same way?  12:56-18:35: What R&D is taking place in myasthenia gravis?18:35-21:14: Alexion and its work on myasthenia gravis21:14-22:01: Myasthenia gravis clinical trials22:01-23:58: The importance of myasthenia gravis awareness month23:58-25:31: Would early diagnosis make a difference?25:31-27:54: Transformation through new treatmentsInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

German-headquartered Isarna Therapeutics is developing a portfolio of antisense therapies targeting an emerging therapeutic field in human biology – transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) signaling. Precise modulation of TGF-B pathways using antisense therapy may result in safer and more effective treatment options for a broad range of indications.The company's lead compound, ISTH0036, is in clinical development in ophthalmology.On the podcast this week we chat with René Rückert, chief operating officer at Isarna Therapeutics, who explains TGF-B and antisense oligonucleotides' role in tackling disease.00:59-02:45: About Isarna Therapeutics02:45-05:05: What is transforming growth factor beta?05:05-06:16: Why is TGF a good target?06:16-09:00: What are antisense oligonucleotides?09:00-10:02: What are antisense oligonucleotides useful for treating?10:02-11:21: What advantages do antisense oligonucleotides have?11:21-13:00: How can antisense oligonucleotides be delivered?13:00-14:58: Are antisense oligonucleotides still being researched?14:58-16:31: Are there challenges with using antisense oligonucleotides?16:31-16:56: Are many companies working on antisense oligonucleotides?16:56-18:06: Are antisense oligonucleotides best used as a monotherapy or with other treatments?18:06-20:42: What is Isarna's pipeline?20:42-22:47: How does your AMD treatment work?22:47-23:50: What is the timeline for your treatment?23:50-26:34: What can patients expect?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Cytokinetics is a late-stage, specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class muscle activators and next-in-class muscle inhibitors as potential treatments for debilitating diseases in which cardiac muscle performance is compromised.This week, we have a conversation with the CEO of Cytokinetics, Robert Blum, about the company's aficamten, its next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, prior to results from a phase 3 clinical trial in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 00:54-02:32: About Cytokinetics02:32-04:11: What are the current treatments for cardiovascular conditions?04:11-05:44: About cardiovascular disease05:44-08:59: What is aficamten?08:59-09:12: How is it administered?09:12-10:04: Where is aficamten on the path to commercialization?10:04-12:06: What does this mean for patients?12:06-12:42: What will you be presenting in Portugal?12:42-16:06: Could aficamten have other applications?16:06-16:50: What is CK-136?16:50-18:02: What is omecamtiv mecarbil?18:02-20:26: Cytokinetics' business modelInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder with progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to changes in the protein dystrophin, which helps keep muscle cells intact. There are few treatments for DMD, although recent advances mean that males – who are primarily affected by DMD – can now sometimes survive into their 30s.More drugs are being developed in the fight against DMD, and this week we had a conversation with Frank Gleeson, CEO of Satellos Bioscience, about recent work on addressing DMD, including the company's own work in the field.00:47-02:01: About Satellos Bioscience02:01-04:33: What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?04:33-05:43: What are the challenges in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy?05:43-09:08: What are the new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?  09:08-11:20: What is your treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?11:20-13:42: Are there different approaches to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy?13:42-14:06: How is your treatment delivered?14:06-17:32: How important is early intervention?17:32-18:56: Where is Satellos at with clinical trials?18:56-20:41: Preclinical trial results20:41-21:44: Outreach to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community21:44-23:12: Is a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy possible?Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter