RealPharma: Conversations with Pharma Pathfinders

Dr. Khalil Ramadi, an assistant professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, discusses the field of bioengineering and his work in neuromodulation and ingestible electronics. He explains that bioengineering encompasses tinkering with biology and physiology, and its focus has shifted from building hardware tools for the clinic to devices that can be implanted in the body.Dr. Ramadi's interest in neuromodulation stems from the need to improve brain technologies and find non-invasive ways to target specific areas of the body. He also explores the potential applications of neuromodulation in areas such as obesity, eating disorders, and diabetes. The challenges in bioengineering include regulatory issues, access to innovations, and the scalability of devices. In this conversation, Khalil Ramadi discusses the field of bioengineering and its potential impact on healthcare. He shares insights on the future of bioengineering education, emphasizing the need for innovation and commercialization.Khalil also predicts advancements in personalized care and the potential for new technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. He highlights the importance of finding inspiration and overcoming challenges in the field. Lastly, he introduces Project Prana Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on developing technologies for decentralized care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Khalil Ramadi03:47 Defining Bioengineering06:33 Dr. Ramadi's Journey into Bioengineering10:30 The Role of a Bioengineer11:56 Focus on Neuromodulation and Ingestible Electronics16:41 The Gut-Brain Connection17:26 Applications of Neuromodulation20:38 Neuralink and the Future of Bioengineering25:05 Neuromodulation and GLP-1 Agonists29:27 Challenges in Bioengineering33:33 The Future of Pharma and Bioengineering36:18 Ensuring Access to Bioengineering Innovations40:20 The FLASH Pill and Appetite Stimulation47:02 The Future of Bioengineering Education51:10 Predictions for the Next 10 Years55:00 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges58:31 Project Prana FoundationResourcesDr. Khalil Ramadi:https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalil-ramadi/Ramadi Lab:RamadiLab.comIngestible electronics: Science Robotics paper for gastric stimulation: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.ade9676Project Prana: https://www.projectprana.org/isaveNano Robots Shrink Bladder Cancer: https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/news/scientific/nanorobots-shrink-bladder-tumours-90Light Powered Yeast:https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-engineer-first-light-powered-yeastDNA Detection Advances:https://scitechdaily.com/rapid-disease-diagnosis-bioengineering-breakthrough-boosts-dna-detection-sensitivity-by-100x/

This episode discusses the biopharmaceutical job market and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the state of the job market, including layoffs and hiring trends in the industry. The conversation also delves into the role of recruiters in the life sciences industry and provides insights into their day-to-day activities.Additionally, it offers advice for candidates on how to approach working with recruiters and highlights the importance of building long-term relationships. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of technology on job applications. In this conversation, Kristiaan discusses the current hot areas in the industry, including GLP-1s, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, and respiratory. He also talks about the trend of title deflation and how candidates should focus on the responsibilities and long-term opportunities rather than just the title. Kristiaan provides insights into compensation trends, including base salaries, bonuses, and long-term incentives.He also addresses the topic of work onsite vs. remote and how companies are expecting employees to be onsite two to three times a week. Finally, he shares advice on charting your path and being willing to do what others won't to achieve your goals.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Biopharmaceutical Job Market02:05 - State of the Job Market and Layoffs in the Biopharmaceutical Industry03:31 - The Impact of the Great Resignation on the Pharmaceutical Industry06:07 - The Influence of Disease Areas on Hiring Trends08:30 - The Commercial Space in the Biopharmaceutical Industry12:55 - A Day in the Life of a Life Sciences Recruiter19:33 - Different Approaches and Business Models of Recruiters24:51 - How Candidates Should Approach Working with Recruiters27:49 - Building Long-Term Relationships with Recruiters32:00 - Success Stories of Candidates Who Overcame Challenges37:13 - The Impact of Technology on Job Applications43:48 - Hot Areas in the Industry48:23 - Title Deflation57:26 - Compensation Trends01:02:33 - Work Onsite vs. Remote01:09:01 - Charting Your PathResourcesKristiaan Rawlings LinkedInEPM ScientificBiopharma Layoff Tracker 2023BioSpace: How to Prepare for Your Biopharma Job Search

Dr. Arthur Caplan, a distinguished bioethicist, discusses various topics related to bioethics. He highlights the importance of bioethics in areas such as organ transplantation, genetic testing, artificial intelligence, and personalized medicine.Dr. Caplan emphasizes the need for informed consent in research ethics and the importance of providing research participants with the results of studies. He also addresses the ethical considerations in organ transplantation, including the allocation of scarce resources and the role of living donors. Additionally, he discusses the ethical implications of expensive treatments and the allocation of limited resources in healthcare. The conversation explores the disparity in healthcare attention given to rare diseases compared to chronic conditions. It highlights the need for organized advocacy and lobbying for conditions that lack representation.The discussion also delves into the balance between investing in genetic therapies for rare diseases and preventive measures for chronic conditions. The ethical considerations of gene editing using CRISPR technology are examined, including the need for monitoring and surveillance of adverse effects. The potential for societal inequalities in access to gene editing is discussed, raising concerns about eugenics and the widening gap between those who can afford the technology and those who cannot.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Arthur Caplan01:35 The Importance of Bioethics in Various Areas09:25 Informed Consent in Research Ethics17:29 Balancing Scientific Progress and Ethical Considerations in Human Subject Research33:41 Ethical Considerations in Organ Transplantation47:22 Healthcare Resource Utilization and Pricing48:25 Disparity in Healthcare Attention51:18 Balancing Rare Diseases and Chronic Conditions53:36 Genetics vs. Environmental Intervention58:26 CRISPR and Bioethical Concerns01:05:13 Societal Inequalities in Access to Gene Editing01:06:03 Inspiration from Ben FranklinResourcesDr. Arthur CaplanSuccumbing to AI with a whimper, not a bangWorking Group on Compassionate Use and Preapproval Access (CUPA)Vaccine Working Group on Ethics and PolicyWorking Group on Pediatric Gene Therapy & Medical EthicsTransplant Ethics and Policy If you donate DNA, what should scientists give in return? A ‘pathbreaking' new modelTreating the dead; how far ought medicine go to obtain transplantable organs?Consideration and Disclosure of Group Risks in Genomics and Other Data-Centric Research: Does the Common Rule Need Revision?Research involving the recently deceased: ethics questions that must be answeredRegaining Trust in Public Health and Biomedical Science following Covid: The Role of ScientistsProtect newborn screening programsWhy the Gene Was (Mis)Placed at the Center of American Health Policy

Dr. Ben Sessa, a renowned psychiatrist and leading researcher in the field of psychedelics, discusses the therapeutic potential of substances like MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD in treating mental health disorders. He shares his journey in psychedelic research and highlights the history of psychedelics, from their ancient use to the recent psychedelic renaissance.Dr. Sessa emphasizes the need for regulation and ethical considerations in the use of psychedelics, while also addressing the cultural shift and growing acceptance of these substances. He explains the mechanisms of action and commonalities among different psychedelics, and discusses the exciting developments and future possibilities in psychedelic research. In this conversation, Dr. Ben Sessa discusses the challenges of delivering psychedelic therapy and the need for a new approach to mental healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the economic benefits of psychedelics and calls for government support in making these changes.Dr. Sessa also explores the potential for collaborations with the military, particularly in the treatment of PTSD. He highlights the unique position of the United States in terms of healthcare and discusses the international focus on PTSD related to child abuse. The conversation concludes with Dr. Sessa sharing advice for young people interested in the field and expressing his inspiration from his patients' experiences.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ben Sessa and the Field of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy03:04 - Dr. Ben Sessa's Journey in Psychedelic Research08:13 - The History of Psychedelics13:06 - The Psychedelic Renaissance and Cultural Shift19:42 - The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics25:24 - Ethical Considerations in Psychedelic Therapy31:22 - Mechanisms of Action and Commonalities Among Psychedelics43:47 - Long-Term Effects and Ethical Considerations48:56 - Exciting Developments in Psychedelic Research50:41 - The Challenge of Delivering Psychedelic Therapy52:00 - Collaborations with the Military54:00 - The Need for Cultural Change and Political Support55:00 - Final Thoughts and Future OpportunitiesResources:Dr. Ben Sessa on LinkedInDr. Ben Sessa's web siteConsultancy Agency for Psychedelic ServicesCybin Reports Positive Topline Data from Phase 2 Study of CYB003 in Major Depressive Disorder with 79% of Patients in Remission after Two 12mg DosesHow To Change Your Mind (Netflix)MAPS PBC Announces Submission of New Drug Application to the FDA for MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSDFDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression; available only at a certified doctor's office or clinic

Coming January 2024! RealPharma Podcast is your gateway to the world of biopharmaceuticals and healthcare. Your hosts are two industry veterans who engage in in-depth conversations with pharma pathfinders/leaders who are shaping the future of medicine. Hear the stories behind the news that challenge traditional viewpoints and offer fresh perspectives that will make you rethink what you know about the healthcare industry.