The Big Experiment

Three-quarters of women report that menstrual symptoms impact their daily performance, yet until recently, no one had looked at the brain's role in these symptoms.In this eye-opening episode I am joined by Emilé Radyté, PhD—Harvard and Oxford-trained neuroscientist, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and co-founder/CEO of Samphire Neuroscience.Emilé reveals how a woman's brain during PMS can actually resemble that of someone with depression—with measurable neurological changes that affect mood, decision-making, and pain perception.She shares the fascinating development of Nettle, a groundbreaking medical device that uses gentle brain stimulation technology to address both the mental and physical symptoms of PMS.We explore why women's health issues that don't affect fertility or mortality have been historically neglected, despite severely impacting quality of life. Emilé discusses her mission to help women maintain consistency in exercise routines, workplace performance, and emotional well-being throughout their cycles.Listen now to discover how neuroscience is finally addressing what 76% of women experience monthly but have been told to "just deal with"—and what's next for this pioneering technology.“Women's brains during PMS look similar to those of depressed patients..” – Emilé RadytéYou'll hear about:·       How Nettle uses low-current neuromodulation to "train" the brain rather than overwrite it·       The clinical trials showing 97% efficacy rates among real-world users·       The engineering challenges of designing for diverse women's needs and hair types·       The rigorous EU medical device certification process it underwent Connect with Emilé Radyté:  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eradyte/ Samphire Neuro - https://samphireneuro.com/  Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/  Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Electrical monitoring and stimulation could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment for some of the most aggressive brain cancers and intractable neurological diseases.In glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain tumour that is hard to treat and almost invariably fatal, the impacts of an effective treatment would be huge.My guest in this episode, Dr Elise Jenkins, is working with a new class of therapeutic brain-computer-interface (BCI) that can measure and disrupt neural signalling within the body. With this technology she and her team are creating breakthroughs in new materials and electronics to develop safe, minimally invasive interfaces to interact with the complex biology of the brain. That will lead to earlier detection of new tumours, and could pave the way for new treatments. Elise shares her journey from aspiring medical doctor to electrical engineer to leading a neurotechnology startup. She discusses the many difficult challenges of engineering tiny bioelectronic devices, and the importance of understanding brain activity in cancer progression for them to be a success.We also touch on regulatory hurdles, funding strategies, and the future potential of the technology in both cancer and non-cancer applications.Elise and her team are looking to create a new approach to healthcare which will change the lives of millions.“We're looking at how to slow down cancer growth.” – Elise JenkinsYou'll hear about:01:06 - Elise Jenkins and OptoBioSystems02:30 - Elise's Journey into Science and Engineering05:42 - Understanding Bioelectronics and Neural Interfaces09:01 - Exploring Glioblastoma and Its Challenges12:18 - Measuring Brain Activity and Cancer Progression16:30 - The Role of Implants in Cancer Treatment19:14 - Engineering Challenges in Medical Devices22:57 - Wireless Power and Data Transmission Innovations25:20 - Regulatory Considerations for Medical Devices28:14 - Future Directions and Broader Applications33:24 - Funding and Company DevelopmentConnect with Elise Jenkins: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-jenkins-/Opto - https://www.opto.bio/Find out about opportunities with Opto - https://www.opto.bio/teamConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Imagine that we could make tissues indistinguishable from those produced by humans or animals, at will, and at comparable cost to the natural products. With the rate of progress being made, it won't be imaginary much longer.If we don't need to kill animals for food, leather, or other products, then we reduce animal suffering. We increase biodiversity because we don't need to devote huge land areas to feed farm animals. And we help climate change - the meat industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gases. This dream needs more than cultivated cells. We need to organise them into tissues, with multiple cell types in the correct places and doing the right things. Directing cells to organise into tissue structures such as leather, corneas and cultivated meat has huge implications for medicine, fashion and the food industry.Che Cannon joins me in this episode to share his work in this area. Che is the CEO of BSF Enterprise PLC, and we delve into the intersection of science and business in developing innovative technologies such as this.Che shares the complexity of tissue mechanics and the advantages of bottom-up methods over traditional top-down approaches. We also talk about the environmental benefits and ethical considerations of alternative leathers and cultivated meats. Additionally, Che explains the progress that has been made on the medical device front with corneal repair. On the business side, we also cover the unusual step by the company to raise funds by listing on the stock exchange.There are many practical applications of these technologies, and they are surely the future of sustainable materials in various industries, making these developments hugely important.“Cultivated meat has a good purpose and can lift lots of technologies.” – Che ConnonYou'll hear about:01:11 Exploring Cell and Material Interaction03:30 Tissue Engineering and Its Applications06:22 The Science Behind Lab-Grown Leather15:31 Cultivated Meat: Innovations and Challenges20:41 Macromolecular Crowding in Cell Culture25:27 The Future of Cultivated Meat28:49 Market Opportunities in Asia31:46 Corneal Repair Technology36:06 BSF Enterprise: A Unique Path to Funding40:01 Future Directions in Research and DevelopmentConnect with Che Connon:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/checonnon/ 3D Bio-Tissues - https://www.3dbiotissues.com/ Kerato - https://kerato.co.uk/ BSF Enterprise - https://bsfenterprise.com/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

In this episode of The Big Experiment, we are live, recording from the Synthetic Biology UK 2024 conference hosted by the Biochemical Society, at Hinxton Hall near Cambridge, home of the famous Genome Campus.Synthetic biology is the practice of manipulating biology to achieve outcomes that don't occur naturally or in some cases are not naturally possible. Common examples include producing new proteins for therapeutic use, but there are many other applications of lab-derived augmentation of living things.These include making meat without killing animals, altering plant photosynthesis to improve crop production, using bacteria to clean up contaminated soils, making new vaccines and antibiotics before we need them, and many more.See here for the Biochemical Society's useful resource page on this subject, which has lots of articles and info: Synthetic Biology.There were too many fantastic applications to cover in one show, but I hope this episode gives you an idea of the potential. I take my roving microphone on a tour of the event, talking to researchers showcasing their work. We hear about a wide range of studies including creating affordable CRISPR diagnostics, engineering synthetic microbial communities for enhanced bio-production, and much more.This episode showcases the future of synthetic biology and some of the great advances we can expect. In some cases, as you'll hear, I hope we don't ever need to use them.It also highlights some amazingly talented young scientists at the coalface of scientific discovery. The professors of tomorrow.“It's amazing we can do things in the lab that evolution hasn't thought of.” – MarkYou'll hear about:01:10 - What is synthetic biology?04:06 - Therapeutics from engineering biology: how and why 08:11 - Ana Pascual Cambridge Uni - CRISPR diagnostics for all?12:36 - Casey Chen UCL - Making new microbial communities15:58 - Mark's poster tour interlude19:48 - Gabrielle Admans Cambridge Uni - Predicting vaccines before pandemics22:08 - Giuliano Bonfa, Italian Inst Tech - T-rEx fights solid tumours?25:42 - Max Armitage Nottingham Uni - Finding new antibioticsConnect with the Biochemical Society:Website - https://www.biochemistry.org/X - https://x.com/BiochemSocConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Weight loss drugs are in the spotlight. Obesity is a huge and potentially profitable problem, attracting lots of scientific and medical resources.But there are circumstances where avoiding weight loss is crucial and where it is beneficial to put weight on. Cachexia is a serious condition affecting cancer patients, which is characterised by significant weight loss and muscle wasting. Appetite is often suppressed, but just eating more doesn't work anyway.The resulting frailty and weakening of the body has debilitating effects on the daily lives of cancer patients. Cachexia can even affect the outcome of the cancer itself, both by weakening immune systems and by making it harder for patients to tolerate harsh cancer treatments. Long thought to be just an inevitable side effect of cancer, the condition is now being studied separately with a view to fidnbing new treatments as adjuncts to cancer therapy.One company at the clinical trial stage for treating cachexia is Actimed Therapeutics, and I am thrilled to be joined by their CEO, Robin Bhattacherjee.We discuss the challenges of developing treatments to halt and reverse weight-loss when the mainstream drug industry is going the other way, the innovative approach of Actimed Therapeutics in working with the molecule S-pindolol, and the huge impacts this work can have for the survival rate of cancer patients.Robin also shares insights from his extensive career in the biopharma industry, and gives excellent advice to people starting their career in this field.“This could be transformational for cancer patients.” – RobinYou'll hear about:00:25 - An introduction to Robin01:59 - Robin on his journey into science06:41 - Advice for starting a career in pharmaceuticals11:15 - What is cachexia?17:01 - Treating cachexia to fight cancer18:40 - S-pindolol the lead molecule explained22:50 - Balancing catabolic and anabolic actions25:31 - Other mechanisms that need targeting26:32 - The progress of clinical trials33:16 - The challenges raising money for anti-weight loss productsConnect with Robin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-bhattacherjee-4b436613/ Actimed Therapeutics - https://actimedtherapeutics.com/home/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Heart valve surgery is one of the most complex procedures in medicine.Francis White and his company Heart Biotech Ltd are trying to change all of that, by making heart valves in a totally new way. This will make surgery simpler and more accessible globally.Building on the pioneering work of Professor Magdi Yacoub and colleagues, Heart Biotech are innovating the field by creating living tissue heart valves on a dissolving scaffold using the body's healing mechanisms. We explore the methods being used to produce these and the ways in which they will revolutionise both the procedure and patient's lives.Francis discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in tissue engineering, and how they create a biocompatible polymer scaffold that is absorbed by the body.Heart Biotech's work is in early stages, with animal studies showing promising results, and aims to secure FDA approval for human trials within three years.The technology could revolutionise cardiac surgery, reducing risks and improving patient quality of life.“We're mimicking the biology that's there already.” – Francis WhiteYou'll hear about:00:52 - An introduction to David and his company01:44 - How David got into science05:37 - The scourge of valve disease08:20 - The risk of repeat heart valve surgery09:08 - Heart Biotech's body led approach13:16 - The technology used to make the scaffold16:04 - The next steps to prove product safety19:12 - The dissolution of the cellular matrix25:03 - What's left to do in the lab?27:28 - What's the end point for Heart Biotech?Connect with Francis:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswhite/ Heart Biotech Ltd - https://heartbiotech.co.uk/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

This episode went live on World Menopause Day.Menopause is an inevitable aspect of life for half of the global population, but one that requires far more study. New genomic insights could empower women with better reproductive choices and insights into likely future health.In this episode, I talk with Dr Stasa Stankovic. She has a PhD in Genomic Medicine from Cambridge University, and is on a mission to reshape the future of women's health by developing, and eventually commercialising, prediction tools and next generation therapeutics for female reproductive disorders.We discuss the complexities of female reproductive health, particularly focusing on ovarian ageing and menopause. We also explore the genetic factors influencing menopause timing, and the importance of understanding reproductive health beyond fertility.Stasa shares her collaborative work on large-scale genomics, using samples from the UK Biobank to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These have highlighted many genes associated with menopause and thus pave the way for potential new diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions to give women greater control of their reproductive health.Menopause affects every woman, but also indirectly impacts husbands, partners, colleagues and friends. The work Stasa and her colleagues are doing will have implications not just for women but for all of us.“We need to empower women with knowledge.” – Stasa Stankovic You'll hear about:01:37 - Stasa's area of research04:14 - Why the science behind menopause is so important07:36 - The ovarian reserve and what that means12:26 - Contributing factors to menopause17:24 - The key findings of the genome-wide association (GWAS) study21:21 - Getting the right targets for intervention27:05 - The challenge of finding animal models for menopause28:22 - Turning lab science into commercial science31:40 - Stasa on the choices that women have38:38 - Is gene intervention possible? Connect with Stasa:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stasa-stankovic-93723a137/ OvartiX - https://ovartix.com/  Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/  If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/  Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

What role does 3D genomics have in drug discovery?In this episode I am joined by Hazel Jones, CEO of Enhanc3d Genomics, to find out more about this cutting-edge technology.Hazel is a dynamic and flexible senior leader with experience of oncology research, both in pharma/biotech and an academic/charity setting. Making her insights into the workings of not for profit and big pharma invaluable.We discuss her work at Enhanc3d Genomics and the role of 3D genomics in uncovering the regulatory elements of the genome. As well as its potential in identifying new drug targets and biomarkers. Hazel also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the biotech industry and the importance of networking and collaboration to help projects succeed.Hazel has a wealth of knowledge not just in her specialism but how the whole industry works, so sit tight and get ready to learn!“We've made huge discoveries both in drugs and diagnosis through genomics.” – Hazel JonesYou'll hear about:01:13 - What do Enhanc3d Genomics do?05:16 - Hazel's experience in not for profit10:11 - Behind the scenes in big pharma15:53 - How promoters and enhancers work24:36 - Regulators and the potential for side effects31:59 - Hazel on raising money36:40 - Prevention rather than the cure37:51 - Hazel on ConexenConnect with Hazel:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joneshazel/Enhanc3d Genomics - https://enhanc3d-genomics.com/Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

What does it take to get a new drug to market?I have been involved in the drug industry for 35 years. I've worked for big pharma like GlaxoSmithkline, contract research organisations (CROs) like Charles River and IQVIA, and for several biotech and “virtual” drug companies. I've consulted for many more. I now run a laboratory instruments company that supplies crucial equipment used by thousands of labs in the biomedical research industry. In my career, there have been many changes due to advances in technology, testing practices and more. But the key principles remain the same - proving that the drug is safe, and that it works as intended.In this episode I give an overview of how we get from the idea in the laboratory to the medicine in the bathroom cabinet. From the methods used to find new molecules, to testing them and bringing them to market.I explain the importance of patenting new molecules and the challenges of testing and developing drugs. The episode preclinical testing, including why some animal testing is still necessary. I talk about clinical trials, the regulatory approval process, the post-approval surveillance process, and more.Overall, this short introduction provides a glimpse into the complex and costly journey of turning an idea into a medicine. A great primer for anyone who needs to interact with this industry professionally, or is just curious about science or medicine. As always, the content is broken down into digestible chunks. “1 in 10 new drugs that enter clinical development will make it into a medicine” – Mark DavisonYou'll hear about:01:11 - When will it be a medicine?01:50 - A quick tour of how it works04:46 - Computer predictions and theoretical models08:02 - Figuring out if a molecule is unique11:42 - Reaching the point of testing the molecule13:19 - How am I going to give this medicine to patients?17:39 - The bar for success is high22:26 - Phase 3 studies26:43 - The patent clock28:49 - The post approval processConnect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

1 in 2 of us will be affected by dementia in our lives.Something so prevalent without a cure requires novel approaches for diagnosis.In this episode I am joined by Professor Zoe Kourtzi, from the University of Cambridge. Zoe is an expert in Cognitive Computational Neuroscience and a pioneer in translating Artificial intelligence to brain and mental health.We discuss new approaches to diagnosing people at an earlier stage of dementia. She explains how her research combines brain sciences and computational sciences to understand how the brain works and what goes wrong in the case of disease.Zoe gives insights into how AI can be used to predict dementia and what this early diagnosis can mean for patients and medical practitioners alike. Her work has the potential to improve the efficiency and efficacy of trials and lead to earlier interventions and treatments.Something we will all benefit from.“These models are three times more precise than the current standard of care” – Zoe KourtziYou'll hear about:01:04 - What does Zoe's research cover?02:12 - Zoe's journey into science09:15 - The flexibility of post-graduate study10:17 - What an MRI can see in the brain                                                           12:33 - The different types of dementia14:49 - Life-style factors to help during warning signs15:29 - How AI is helping patients20:54 - The role ethnicity plays in dementia26:55 - The accuracy of the model31:08 - Handling the new population of diagnosed patients33:54 - Taking this forward as a businessFollow Zoe:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kourtzi-45b59b19a/ Zoe's work at Cambridge University - https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-zoe-kourtzi Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Men's fertility is falling and fast.In the last 50 years sperm counts are down by 60%. Yet this is still a topic that no one is really talking about.My guest in this episode, Lily Elsner, is the co-founder and CEO of Jack Fertility. They are trying to break the taboo with thier product, the world's first postable sperm test kit.Lily discusses the importance of addressing male fertility and the lack of research in this area. We cover the gender imbalance in fertility support and the misconception that infertility is solely a woman's problem.We also discuss the reasons for the decline in sperm count over the years from environmental to lifestyle factors. Lily shares the origin story of Jack Fertility and the extensive research they conducted to understand the market and consumer needs. As well as problems they have had to overcome to keep sperm alive during transit.Solutions like Lily's need to be found to this problem, otherwise what's the alternative?“Sperm count is down 60% over the last 50 years” – Lily ElsnerYou'll hear about:01:08 - What does Jack Fertility do?02:03 - The current state of infertility06:16 - Lily's co-founder story11:11 - Prevention vs the cure13:49 - Lily's biology background17:23 - Lily on male infertility23:05 - Cultural variations around the world26:41 - Overcoming problems of sending sperm33:45 - Integrating with the NHS38:34 - When will this be available?41:42 - How is funding going?Follow Lily:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lelsner/ Jack Fertility on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jack-fertility/ Jack Fertility - https://www.jackfertility.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jackfertility/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jackfertility?lang=en Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

This edition of The Big Experiment is a little bit different to the usual format.I'm on the road visiting the famous University of Cambridge Judge Business School to talk to people at the Ignite program. It's an intensive weeklong boot camp for early-stage founders, generally in tech and sometimes in biotech, but can be all sorts of different tech themes.Ignite is about business and risk, which are the core themes of the podcast. But it's a slightly different flavour to usual. Science is all about predicting the future. As a scientist, you already know something, but usually not everything about your area of study. And from that fuzzy picture, you try to predict what else might be true. Well, this hunch or hypothesis drives your next experiments. If you fail, you adjust your prediction and you test again. Entrepreneurs take the same leap. In this episode I interview volunteers, delegates and course leaders to find out more about how the Ignite program supports early-stage founders in science and in business.“Ignite gives entrepreneurs a safe but challenging space to develop their ideas.” – Anne DavidsonYou'll hear about:01:33 Science, business, and risk03:00 Early-stage founders and their ideas at Ignite06:10 Intrapreneurship: Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives09:46 Delegates' impressions and takeaways from the Ignite program15:24 Pitching competition and the value of Ignite19:42 Approaching innovation and sustainability23:27 The role of mentors and volunteers in supporting delegates23:56 Creating a safe and challenging space for entrepreneurs27:37 Attracting a diverse range of delegates30:36 Effective communication and customer perspective33:18 Discovering roles within a startup37:38 Networking and knowledge exchange40:54 Anyone can learn and start a business Find out more about Ignite: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/entrepreneurship/programmes/ignite/who-is-ignite-for/  Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/  Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/  Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13.Which is why this episode is very close to my heart. There are big life-altering challenges for the patient and their family in managing type 1 diabetes. With limitations to the current insulin therapies that make the work of my guest in the episode, Mike Teiler, all the more important.Mike is the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at LeviCure, a startup focused on new approaches to type 1 diabetes. In this episode we discuss the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. And explore the development of LeviCure's triple therapy, which combines three existing drugs to improve glycaemic control and potentially achieve remission in type 1 diabetes patients.A therapy that has shown promising results in both recent onset and established patients. We discuss the potential of repurposing existing drugs for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. As well as the funding required and the clinical trial process that will be undertaken to be able to launch the therapy.“Many of them completely stopped insulin injections.” – Mike TeilerYou'll hear about:01:10 - The difference between type & type 2 diabetes04:03 - The lifechanging nature of type 1 diabetes06:40 - The LeviCure story11:16 - The effect of weening people off of insulin 15:08 - Oral drugs that could replace insulin18:48 - Disentangling the honeymoon effect20:15 - The effects on established patients                 25:02 - The pharmaceutical benefits of this therapy27:58 - The intellectual property perspective30:43 - The democratic nature of these new therapies34:15 - What are the clinical phases?41:08 - Making sure the therapies hit the target43:44 - The fundraising needed Follow Mike: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketeiler/ LeviCure on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/levicure-ltd/ LeviCure - https://www.levicure.com/  Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

The challenges of scientific entrepreneurship don't end when you get funding.In fact, a whole new set of challenges arise, from finding labs, to building your team and more.In this episode I talk to Dr. Kärt Tomberg, CEO and co-founder of ExpressionEdits. She is now at that exact moment, where she has just secured £10 million of funding. So, who better to talk us through the pitching process and how to be successful at it. Kärt discusses her journey into science from Estonia to Cambridge as well as her current work, where she is focusing on the importance of introns in gene expression to optimize protein production. She shares her experiences pitching to investors and why she actually enjoyed the process.She also talks about how ExpressionEdits are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize the placement of introns in artificial genes. As well as the next steps for the company now funding has been secured.“The vast majority of investors are not there to tell you how you should make your company” – Kärt TombergYou'll hear about:01:18 - Where does Kärt's love of science come from?02:11- Growing up in Estonia06:31 - What led Kärt to Cambridge?09:51- Kärt on co-founding expression edits17:45 - The mechanics behind Kärt's work20:36 - How is AI used within Kärt's work?25:16 - Therapeutics or tools27:36 - Kärt's recent fundraising success33:36 - How many pitches did Kärt have to make?37:14 - Problems you face after investmentFollow Kärt:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombergk/ ExpressionEdits on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/expressionedits/ ExpressionEdits - https://www.expressionedits.com/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Would you have the guts to pitch directly to the customer to sell your idea?You need to be prepared to hear no a lot, and learn from the experience to adapt for the next time, to get the yes you need.This was the reality faced by my guest in this episode, Ruchi Sharma, CEO & Founder of Stemnovate Limited. She used that customer-first approach and eventually got the funding needed to start her company that focuses on stem cell research.Ruchi's work at Stemonovate creates a unique platform for targeted drug development. Through this work she has been able to reduce animal testing and improve experimental outcomes. Her latest focus is on developing treatments that can support children with the most challenging of medical conditions.Ruchi shares her reasons for leaving academia to focus on entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced to get there. She also talks about her upbringing in India and what started her passion for science.“I started pitching to pharmaceutical companies on my own” – Ruchi SharmaYou'll hear about:01:01 - An introduction to Stemnovate02:25 - Ruchi's life in India05:24 - Why are stem cells important in medicine?11:20 - Ruchi's experience at Cambridge12:45 - Why and how Ruchi was called by entrepreneurship20:08 - Why Ruchi had to bootstrap her work29:23 - The evolution of our genome30:48 - Picking commercial winners37:28 - Ethics and the challenges of stem cells40:03 - What's next for Stemnovate?Follow Ruchi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchi-sharma-b6aba018/ Stemnovate - https://stemnovate.co.uk/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

It is a guilty secret that the pharma and biotech industry has a big carbon footprint. Single-use plastics are a huge problem. Sensitive experiments need clean, sterile labware. This has often meant using virgin plastic with little or no recycling or reuse.  Innovative approaches are needed to reduce plastic consumption in the lab.How bad is bad? On average, cell biologists produce several kg of plastic waste, each, per day. These include pipettes, plastic trays for cell growth, various wrappers, membranes, packaging, etc. Formats and workflows have changed, as some tasks have been automated for robots, but the plastic products used in those processes haven't changed much in decades. The world can't keep making and incinerating single-use plastics, even for medical research. In this episode I am joined by someone who is looking for a better way, Dr Joel Eichmann, CEO and co-founder of Green Elephant Biotech. How can cell growth yields be improved by better growth vessel design, so that you can grow more cells with less plastic? How can fossil fuel use be minimised by using plant-derived plastics for the labware? Can we combine those approaches for a double win?How to turn these technical ideas into a growing, sustainable business that provides meaningful jobs and profits?We discuss all these challenges and more. “We can generate a carbon footprint reduction of about 90%” – Joel EichmannYou'll hear about:01:56 – How Joel got to where he is today03:59 – The core question Joel was asking06:17 – Figuring out how to do things differently10:28 – Getting from the idea to the company16:06 – The benefits of using plant based materials24:31 – The traction Joel is getting with scientists28:09 – The life cycle of the products30:43 – The next stage of the businessFollow Joel:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-eichmann/ Green Elephant Biotech - https://www.greenelephantbiotech.com/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Imagine being able to internalise the pharmaceutical factory into the human.You could avoid the contamination risks and need for purification in biologic production.In this episode I am joined by Dr James Dooley who is doing just this with his work at Aila Biotech. James and his team developed technology to drive the production of immune-regulating biologics at the exact site of disease. Through precise spatial and temporal control over biologic expression, Aila Biotech can prevent neuroinflammatory damage in brain injury.James discusses his journey into science and how this work began. As well as the challenges that come with having to focus on the business, not just the science. He also reflects on what he might do differently if he were to start again. “We really think we can have a dramatic effect on people's quality of life long term” – James DooleyYou'll hear about:01:50 – James' journey into science06:52 – James on drug delivery by adeno associated viruses13:26 - What's the specificity of infection?19:38 - Is there an invisible downside?23:32 – James on the challenges of focusing on the business28:47 – Will James be taking the therapy into the clinic?36:25 – Would James do anything differently next time?Follow James:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dooley-96b4a62a/ Aila Biotech - https://www.ailabiotech.com/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

The global population is getting older and with that comes more disease.What if we could delay ageing as a way of treating those diseases?My guest in this episode is Janette Thomas, CEO of Five Alarm Bio Ltd., a drug discovery company focusing on novel approaches to anti-aging, with broad potential therapeutic applications.She discusses the applications of this approach and where the idea came from. She also shares how they put together the information to secure investors and the art of patenting the right drugs.Janette also gives insight into the challenges still facing the scientific industry in overcoming not just gender bias but inclusivity overall. She also suggests ways to encourage more women into STEM subjects.“Make sure that you challenge people when they haven't included others” - Janette ThomasYou'll hear about:1:10 – Janette's inspiration to become a scientist08:40 - Gender bias in science and academia13:16 – Janette's experiences in the Pharmaceutical industry17:26 – Why you need effective communication21:58 – Where the idea for Five Alarm Bio came from26:23 – Janette's work on chronic wounds29:43 – Carving out your square of the universe32:36 – Working with CROs38:23 – Janette on managing her mental healthFollow Janette:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janette-thomas-50a3766/ Five Alarm Bio Ltd. on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-alarm-bio-limited/ Five Alarm Bio website - http://www.fivealarm.bio/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Imagine having to climb a mountain every day just to get to school. This was the childhood of my guest George Adjabeng.George Adjabeng grew up in Ghana, the son of subsistence farmers. He excelled at chemistry in school and college, and emigrated to the USA to pursue a pharmaceutical career before turning entrepreneur. His successful company Ecodyst is now giving back to Ghana by donating equipment to universities there.In this episode George shares his experiences from that life on the farm to building his own company. He discusses his lightbulb moment that created Ecodyst and how he bootstrapped and got to market quickly and the challenges he faced.George has revolutionised the way people use chemistry labs but has done so in his own way that stands out and brings a sense of nature into the lab environment.Listen in to find out how. “I grew up with no electricity or water.” - George You'll hear about: 01:03 - George's early life in Ghana03:42 - From Ghana to Canada to US pharma industry 08:59 – George's career in the pharmaceutical industry16:36 – George's innovative idea for Ecodyst20:12 - Overcoming funding and technical challenges25:13 - Bootstrapping a business with limited resources28:15 – How George has revolutionizing lab equipment34:03 - Drug discovery technology and global growth Follow George:George's The Inspiring Story - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-subsistence-farming-global-impact-inspiring/ George's research - https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/George-M-Adjabeng-15755137  Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

What is the future of DNA and gene synthesis?Before the covid pandemic, nucleic acids were mostly research tools. Terms like mRNA vaccines (nucleic acids as clinical agents) were relatively unknown. But since then, RNA and DNA have been thrust into the limelight for both the public and investors alike. How will the field evolve?My guest in this episode, Steve Harvey, is working at the forefront of DNA synthesis, so who better to talk us through its evolution and future.Steve is the CEO of Camena Bioscience, where they focus on improving DNA and gene synthesis. This enables biotechnologists to use more accurate and pure starting points, so their results aren't held back by limited tools.In this episode Steve discusses his career in laboratory research and the biotech space, from manual experiments in a classical wet lab environment through to the evolution of artificial intelligence. He also talks about the quality challenges faced within DNA and gene synthesis, and how Camena Bio addresses those. Steve is just as committed to his people as to his science. He discusses the challenge of scaling a biotech company while keeping that all important dynamic and accountable culture.You'll hear about:00:56 - Biotechnology and DNA-based therapies07:29 – How AI is changing drug discoveries12:26 – Steve's biotech experiences 15:09 - DNA sequencing advancements and challenges20:50 – The problems with storing digital information in DNA29:47 – The evolution of DNA synthesis technology 33:56 - Company culture and growth strategies38:57 - Scaling a biotech company with a dynamic cultureFollow Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-harvey-camenabio/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/camenabio Camena Bioscience - https://www.camenabio.com/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

What are the biggest challenges facing scientific innovation?The path from science ideation to business execution is not an easy one. You will eventually need to translate great ideas into well-positioned products or services, and bring investment into the business from what can be a complex ecosystem of stakeholders.Knowing how to overcome these challenges is key to any innovation's success.In this episode I am joined by Dr Darrin Disley OBE. Darrin is a seasoned veteran of UK life sciences. He is currently CEO and investor in Mogrify Ltd, a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of in vivo reprogramming therapies that address chronic diseases of ageing, using a systematic direct cell conversion and maintenance platform powered by big-data.Before Mogrify, Darrin was CEO of Horizon Discovery, a discovery tools specialist, growing the company very quickly from start-up to UK AIM-listed PLC . We discuss his career journey, from school in London's East End through life as a semi-professional footballer to how he became a successful, multi award-winning entrepreneur. He also discusses the challenges faced in commercialising scientific innovation and how to grow a business in the biotech industry.This is a fascinating masterclass for any aspiring entrepreneur, or anyone with an unconventional start to their scientific career. Darrin proves that whatever your starting point, with application (and some good fortune along the way) you can achieve your dreams.You'll hear about:01:30 – Darren's nonlinear journey of self-discovery 05:07 – Darren's life as a semi-pro footballer08:55 – Darren on being inspired by his teacher14:59 – From a PhD to entrepreneurship21:20 - Technology and drug discovery24:59 - Challenges in commercialising scientific innovation30:56 – Growth in the biotech industry41:13 - Building a successful biotech company48:42 – Challenges faced in public marketsFollow Darrin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmdisley/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DarrinMDisley Mogrify - https://mogrify.co.uk/ Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

Welcome to The Big Experiment, where we explore the scientific business world, and find out how great ideas turn into great companies.I'm Mark Davison CEO of Grant Instruments, a scientific insurance (instruments) company based in Cambridge, UK. But I'm also a veteran of pharmaceutical and biotech roles from drug discovery, right through to medicine supply chains.Amazing science impacts our lives every day, but lab breakthroughs are just the first stage in a very long journey, we're going to go behind the scenes to look at the real people who turn new discoveries into business.Their personal stories are just as fascinating as a (the) science. And each week, I'll be inviting some great guests to share their career and their world, their triumphs and their failures.If you're a scientific entrepreneur, we'll give you some tips and tools to help you grow your business and avoid the traps. If you just love science and want to know more about how scientists and entrepreneurs work, you'll get plenty of human stories too.We'll be launching on Monday, the 18th of March. And If you enjoy the episodes remember to like, comment, review, share with your network and subscribe.Connect with Me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/