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Chelsea J. Smith walks into a studio and suddenly I feel like a smurf. She's six-foot-three of sharp humor, dancer's poise, and radioactive charm. A working actor and thyroid cancer survivor, Chelsea is the kind of guest who laughs while dropping truth bombs about what it means to be told you're “lucky” to have the “good cancer.” We talk about turning trauma into art, how Shakespeare saved her sanity during the pandemic, and why bartending might be the best acting class money can't buy. She drops the polite bullshit, dismantles survivor guilt with punchline precision, and reminds every listener that grace and rage can live in the same body. If you've ever been told to “walk it off” while your body betrayed you, this one hits close.RELATED LINKS• Chelsea J. Smith Website• Chelsea on Instagram• Chelsea on Backstage• Chelsea on YouTube• Cancer Hope Network• Artichokes and Grace – Book by Chelsea's motherFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For this episode I am joined by Megan and JC Leston, two parents who are fighting for their son Liam. The oldest of their five children, Liam was born with the rare Cri du Chat or 5p- syndrome. Through years of perseverance, they have created the Cri du Chat Foundation and started a movement to find a cure not only for Liam, but for all families affected by this genetic disease.Listen now to hear their story, and find out more about their work and how you can help at www.criduchatresearch.org.
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we'll explore the latest advances and strategic moves shaping the industry, providing you with insights into how these developments might influence drug development and patient care.The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are currently experiencing a wave of transformative changes. A significant development is the trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, which excludes medicines from import tariffs. This strategic move, orchestrated by the Trump administration, is set to reduce costs and bolster investments in pharma sectors across both nations. By enhancing market accessibility, it aims to stimulate cross-border investment in pharmaceutical research and production.On the clinical front, Eli Lilly is making headlines by joining Novo Nordisk in reducing self-pay prices for its GLP-1 receptor agonist, Zepbound. This reflects a broader industry trend towards patient-centric pricing models aimed at improving affordability. With healthcare costs on the rise, these measures could ease financial burdens for patients requiring long-term medication regimens.Regulatory updates are also making waves, with the FDA planning stricter vaccine regulations under Dr. Vinay Prasad's leadership at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). These updates come amid concerns over vaccine safety during COVID-19-related incidents, underscoring a commitment to maintaining public trust in vaccines. Regulatory scrutiny continues as Prasad focuses on COVID-19 vaccine safety in children amid reports linking 10 child deaths to vaccines via VAERS—emphasizing challenges interpreting safety data while highlighting the need for robust methodologies ensuring reliable causality conclusions.In corporate restructuring news, Valneva is streamlining its operations by closing a site and eliminating 30 roles. This move highlights an industry focus on optimizing resources to bolster vaccine development pipelines. Meanwhile, Microsize and Schedio's acquisition of Lonza's Swiss micronization plant underscores ongoing investments in advanced manufacturing technologies critical for high-quality pharmaceuticals.In ophthalmology, Belite Bio is advancing with promising Phase 3 results for tinlarebant in treating Stargardt disease—a rare genetic eye disorder. This success positions Belite to file for FDA approval, potentially expanding treatment options for this underserved patient population. Such advancements in targeted therapies emphasize the need for ongoing research in genetic disorders.Regeneron is betting $150 million on Tessera's gene writing technology targeting alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). This collaboration highlights the industry's growing interest in gene therapy as a frontier for treating rare diseases, marking a shift towards precision medicine where tailored genetic interventions offer hope for previously untreatable conditions. Regeneron's strategic move investing $275 million partnering with Tessera exploring gene editing capabilities—focusing on TSRA-196 targeting the SERPINA1 gene linked to AATD showcases potential advancing therapeutic options for genetic disorders through gene editing technologies offering new disease treatment avenues.AI-driven platforms were spotlighted at RSNA 2025 by industry leaders such as GE Healthcare, Philips, and Siemens. These innovations promise to revolutionize radiological workflows by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency through AI integration. As AI continues to permeate healthcare technologies, its potential to transform diagnostic processes marks a significant leap towards personalized medicine.Akebia Therapeutics' acquisition ofSupport the show
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode of the Business of Biotech, Dan Schmitt, President and CEO at Actuate Therapeutics, talks about building a company around elraglusib, a GSK-3β inhibitor for cancer. Dan describes his fast-fail approach to early product testing and development, using basket trials to evaluate chemotherapy combinations, and choosing pancreatic cancer as a lead program. He also talks about surviving an IPO during a brutal funding cycle for biotech, building lean teams and efficient operations, and potentially onshoring API in response to changing U.S. policy. Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world.Today, we're diving into a fascinating exploration of how the biotechnology industry might evolve by adopting a model inspired by Japan's keiretsu system. This concept, known as "biokeiretsu," is being proposed as a transformative strategy to address the structural inefficiencies that hinder the growth of biotech ventures today.To understand the potential impact of this model, we first need to consider the current landscape of the biotechnology sector. Despite rapid scientific advances, biotechnology struggles to scale effectively. This challenge is reminiscent of how petrochemicals became foundational in the 20th century. The sector is marked by deep fragmentation, with research, venture creation, and manufacturing often operating in silos. This isolation not only duplicates efforts but also slows down market adoption.Currently, enabling technologies like automation and data tools are primarily geared towards pharmaceutical clients. This leaves synthetic biology ventures grappling with inadequate platforms to support their growth. One critical issue identified in this landscape is the misalignment between venture capital interests and the inherently long-term nature of industrial biotechnology development. Investors frequently favor projects that promise quick returns, such as therapeutic endeavors, over those that require heavy infrastructure investment. This scenario creates what some refer to as an "hourglass economy," where there is plenty of funding for early research and late-stage commercialization, but a bottleneck occurs in the middle stages where scaling should take place.The biokeiretsu model proposes an integrated industrial architecture aimed at resolving these issues by aligning innovation, capital, and industry through shared infrastructure and coordinated scaling. The model emphasizes vertical coordination across value chains and horizontal efficiency through shared capabilities like data systems and regulatory platforms. By doing so, it seeks to reduce duplication and accelerate time-to-market for new biotechnologies.In addition to operational efficiencies, biokeiretsu stresses geographic flexibility—production should happen where it's most economically viable while retaining innovation and intellectual property in regions best suited for these activities. This approach encourages national specialization within a globally interconnected framework, promoting cooperation over protectionism.Governance within this model involves cross-equity stakes, shared services, and pooled contracts to align incentives among investors, start-ups, corporates, and governments. By reinforcing interdependence rather than competition, this structure aims to create a more cohesive industrial ecosystem. Investors play a crucial role by allocating capital along entire value chains rather than scattering it across unrelated start-ups.Start-ups benefit significantly from shared infrastructure, which allows them to concentrate on product-market fit rather than compliance or plant construction. Corporate partners act as demand anchors, offering early validation and de-risking innovation through agreements that guarantee offtake. The enabling layer of automation and design tools forms a connective tissue between discovery and production, ensuring that capacity evolves alongside demand.Governments are also instrumental in this framework by co-investing in shared infrastructure and setting strategic mission priorities focused on building long-term capability and resilience rather than just short-term job creation.Implementation of this model begins with small-scale experiments in coordination among synergistic start-ups. OvSupport the show
In this episode, Darin sits down with BioHarvest CEO Ilan Sobel, a leader who is redefining the future of plant compounds, human performance, and scalable biotech. Ilan shares the extraordinary origin story of BioHarvest's technology, how a single scientific breakthrough is disrupting global supply chains, and why "democratizing the power of the plant kingdom" has become his life mission. From hydration to longevity molecules to the French Paradox, Ilan reveals how his company is transforming ancient wisdom into modern, clinically validated solutions that can reach the masses. What You'll Learn 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:00:32 Sponsor: Thera Sage 00:02:10 Introducing Ilan Sobel (Bio Harvest Sciences) 00:03:37 Electrolyte Solution Powered by Circulation 00:04:37 Vinia's Baseline: Sea Salt, Coconut Water, Marine Magnesium 00:05:36 The Uniqueness of Pi-Seed Resveratrol 00:06:50 Solubility and Bioavailability: Lasting 12 Hours 00:08:48 Overview of Botanical Synthesis Technology and Cell Growth 00:13:58 Vinia's Potency: 1,000 Red Grapes in a Capsule 00:15:31 Why Blood Flow is Critical for Longevity 00:17:23 Increased Blood Flow to the Brain and Mental Alertness 00:19:00 Sponsor: Our Place Cookware 00:21:35 The Abuse of Nature and the Need for Preservation 00:24:15 Overcoming Pharma's Barriers: Consistency, Low Levels, and Patents 00:28:32 Vinia as a Validation of the Technology's Power 00:30:02 Scaling Production: 137 Bioreactors 00:32:21 Scaling Comparison: Manhattan Island's Worth of Resveratrol 00:34:26 Clinical Substantiation and Solubility 00:35:14 The Mechanism: Increasing Nitric Oxide and Reducing ET-1 00:38:33 The "Vinia Difference" - When Consumers Feel the Benefits 00:40:05 Unseen Benefits: Reducing Oxidative Damage 00:41:16 Low Churn Rate and Science-Backed Commitment 00:42:52 Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:44:46 Commitment to Mission and Customer Reviews as Fuel 00:48:01 Support for First Responders and Veterans 00:51:32 Ilan's Journey to CEO and Unlocking the Gold Mine 00:55:37 The Plan to Build a Second 100-Ton Facility 00:57:12 Democratization and Scaling: Software Economics in Biotech 01:00:21 The French Paradox and Red Wine Connection 01:01:33 Next in DTC: Olive Cells and Forbascoside for Liver Health 01:05:36 New Partnership: Creating a Super Saffron for Cognitive Health 01:13:02 Partnership with Tate & Lyle for Non-Nutritive Sweeteners 01:16:11 The Movement of Change and Legacy for Future Generations 01:18:52 Introducing the Vinia Blood Flow Hydration Stick Packs Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Go to their website at fromourplace.com/darin and get 35% off sitewide in their largest sale of the year. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order. Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Ilan Sobel Website: bioharvest.com Instagram: @ilansobel Red Grape Cell Product: vinia.com Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway "Democratizing the plant kingdom isn't just a business strategy — it's a responsibility. If science gives us the ability to help millions of people feel better, perform better, and live longer, then we have an obligation to scale it in a way the whole world can access."
Join us for this exciting episode of Hot Topics on the Edge of Show as host Josh Krieger dives deep into the latest developments in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Baha'i from TOTO and Michael Ros from Sleap.io, both of whom were key sponsors at the recent Future of Money, Governance, and Law Summit in Washington, D.C.Episode Highlights: The rise of altcoin ETFs and their potential to reshape the crypto landscape, especially in light of Bitcoin's recent struggles.Polymarket receiving regulatory approval from the CFTC, paving the way for a new era of prediction markets.How TOTO is leveraging blockchain to redefine civic engagement and governance.Impact of the upcoming FIFA World Cup on travel trends and how Sleep.io is revolutionizing travel bookings with crypto.Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a travel lover, or just curious about the future of governance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
Does your biotech resume pass the six-second test? That's all the time most recruiters spend deciding who gets rejected and who deserves more attention.In this episode, we show you how to build a resume first page that survives the scan and wins interviews in today's biotech job market.Carina breaks down exactly what needs to go at the very top of your resume so a busy recruiter can see you meet the bar in just a few seconds. Drawing on real applicant tracking system data and years of biotech recruiting experience, you'll learn how to design a sharp, focused top section that works in the real world.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Use the job title and language from the job description to create a clear one-line headlineHandle education, location, and work authorization without wasting valuable spaceBuild a tight highlight reel that acts like a movie trailer for your career, not a generic skills dumpChoose and place the right keywords so you work with, not against, applicant tracking systemsAvoid long paragraphs and formatting choices that backfire during recruiter scansWhether you're a scientist, operations professional, or business hire moving into biotech, this episode will help you avoid outdated advice and turn the top of your resume into a powerful hook instead of a missed opportunity.Learn more about the Collaboratory Career Hub community and access our free resources:Join our Skool CommunityTake the Free 7-day Interview Sprint ChallengeCheck out our sister podcast: Building BiotechsSend Carina a connection request on LinkedIn!Stay connected with us:
As doenças raras atravessam um momento decisivo no Brasil. De um lado, emergem novas terapias, tecnologias diagnósticas e modelos de cuidado capazes de encurtar jornadas e transformar prognósticos. De outro, persistem entraves estruturais que impedem que esses avanços cheguem às pessoas no tempo necessário. Entre regulação, capacidade de resposta do SUS, modelos de avaliação tecnológica e lacunas de coordenação, o futuro ainda depende de mudanças profundas.No novo episódio do podcast de Biotech and Health, com patrocínio da PTC Therapeutics Brasil, a repórter Carolina Abelin conversa com Antoine Daher, fundador e presidente da Casa Hunter, sobre os caminhos necessários para aproximar inovação, política pública e vida real do paciente.A conversa reforça que acesso, inovação e equidade são dimensões inseparáveis, e que transformar o futuro das doenças raras exige ação coordenada, diálogo entre governo, especialistas, indústria, Congresso Nacional e sociedade civil organizada.
Una empresa a caballo entre Uruguay y Navarra: Nanogrow Biotech, dedicada a desarrollar una nueva generación de terapias biológicas diana y accesibles a partir de nanoanticuerpos. Hablamos con Lucía Vanrell, directora científica de esta startup que trabaja desde las instalaciones del CEIN en Noain: "Tenía una necesidad imperiosa de impactar con mi ciencia en la salud de las personas. Y no lo podía hacer desde el plano académico. Por eso di el salto", explica en La Ventana de la Empresa navarra.
Join us for an insightful episode of The Edge of Show as we dive deep into the world of blockchain technology with Fahmi Syed, the president of Midnight Foundation. Recorded live at Creative Blockchain Week, Fahmi shares his journey from traditional finance to the innovative realm of blockchain, discussing the importance of privacy, governance, and the future of digital systems.In this episode, we explore:The role of token holders and DAOs in holding foundations accountable.How Midnight is leveraging zero-knowledge technology to create a permissionless public blockchain that prioritizes privacy.Real-world use cases in healthcare, finance, and GovTech that demonstrate the potential of Midnight's solutions.The evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on blockchain adoption.Ambitious goals for the future, including partnerships with major corporations and governments.Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast, a developer, or just curious about the future of digital systems, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking ideas.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
From pandemic-speed vaccine deployment to AI-powered process control, what separates hype from real manufacturing transformation?The biotech industry faces a fundamental challenge: how do you maintain rigorous quality standards while accelerating development timelines, personalizing therapies, and adopting transformative technologies? The answer isn't found in chasing every innovation trend, it's in understanding which changes create genuine value and when to implement them across the product lifecycle.Irina Ramos brings a perspective earned through high-stakes execution. After leading the global technology transfer of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, a project that compressed typical timelines while maintaining uncompromising quality standards, she's applying those lessons to the industry's next wave of challenges: phase-appropriate CMC strategy, the practical realities of AI integration, and building teams that bridge generational experience gaps in an era of rapid technological change.This conversation cuts through the noise. Irina discusses when continuous processing actually makes strategic sense (hint: it's not always the right answer), why AI in bioprocessing requires more human expertise rather than less, and the collaborative frameworks that enabled one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in history—lessons directly applicable to your current CMC challenges.Episode highlights:How the biotech community is constantly changing, and the importance of adaptability for future scientists (00:00)Navigating phase-appropriate CMC strategy: What to focus on in early clinical phases and which decisions set the foundation for compliance (02:36)Scenarios for switching from batch to continuous processing, including barriers and benefits for early-stage vs. established products (02:58)Lessons from leading AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine technology transfer: Collaboration, rapid regulatory communication, and mission-driven teams (05:20)Adapting lessons from the pandemic for ongoing drug development—balancing speed and risk while maintaining quality (08:24)Realistic perspectives on integrating AI in bioprocessing: demystifying its applications, emphasizing human-critical oversight, and practical use cases in manufacturing (10:40)Key skills for scientists in a biotech world shaped by AI—why foundational understanding and strong mentorship matter (13:51)Bridging experience gaps: How to foster collaboration and creativity between new and established professionals in regulated environments (15:45)Final takeaway: Start small, remain mission-driven, and remember that one size does not fit all in continuous manufacturing (17:15)Whether you're evaluating process platform decisions for Phase I programs, building cross-functional teams for tech transfer, or determining which digital tools deserve investment beyond the buzzword, this episode provides decision frameworks grounded in real-world execution at global scale.Connect with Irina Ramos:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/irinaramosNext step:Need fast CMC guidance? New on-demand CMC advisory: Get 20 expert answers/month in 1 day + monthly strategy call. → Learn more: https://stan.store/SmartBiotech/p/ondemand-cmc-expertise-for-biotech-foundersBook a 20-minute call to help you get s
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve deep into a series of transformative events that underscore the dynamic nature of our industry, where scientific innovation meets regulatory evolution and market adaptation.We begin with significant regulatory news from Medicare, which recently announced price reductions for 15 prescription drugs, including Novo Nordisk's semaglutide products, Ozempic and Wegovy. This initiative is part of the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at making essential medications more affordable. By potentially increasing accessibility to these treatments, this move highlights a growing trend towards cost containment in drug pricing within the U.S. healthcare system. It reflects a broader effort to ensure that life-saving treatments remain within reach for more patients, emphasizing the need for balance between innovation and affordability.Turning to approvals, Otsuka has secured FDA clearance for Voyxact, a first-in-class treatment targeting IgA nephropathy (IgAN). This positions Otsuka in an increasingly competitive market space populated by major players like Novartis and Vertex. The entry of Voyxact could pave the way for innovative therapeutics in kidney diseases, offering new hope to patients who have had limited treatment options until now.On the other side of the Atlantic, French authorities have conducted a raid on Sanofi's headquarters as part of a tax fraud investigation. This development sheds light on ongoing scrutiny in the pharmaceutical sector regarding financial practices and regulatory compliance. Such investigations can have far-reaching implications on corporate governance and transparency, reminding us of the importance of ethical practices in maintaining industry trust.Novo Nordisk has strategically used its FDA national priority voucher to expedite the review process for a high-dose formulation of Wegovy. This move underscores the importance of regulatory incentives in accelerating drug development timelines, allowing for quicker patient access to potentially life-changing therapies. It's a testament to how strategic navigation through regulatory pathways can significantly impact drug availability.In clinical trials, Sarepta Therapeutics received FDA clearance to conduct a study combining its gene therapy Elevidys with sirolimus in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study aims to address liver safety issues associated with Elevidys, which had led to previous label restrictions. This reflects the industry's commitment to enhancing therapeutic safety profiles while expanding treatment indications.In oncology advancements, AstraZeneca's Imfinzi received FDA approval for use in early-stage stomach cancer, marking its third perioperative indication. This approval underscores the expanding role of immunotherapy across various cancer types and stages, offering new treatment paradigms that could improve surgical outcomes and long-term patient survival.Despite these advances, there is skepticism regarding artificial intelligence's role in regulatory compliance submissions among pharmaceutical professionals. A survey reveals that 65% express distrust towards AI-generated outputs, highlighting challenges that AI technologies face in gaining acceptance within highly regulated environments such as pharmaceuticals. However, federal recommendations to revamp U.S. biotechnology research emphasize incorporating AI into scientific processes to maintain global competitiveness. This call reflects concerns over potential declines in innovation leadership and underscores the need for strategic investment in research infrastructure.In antitrust news, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) outlined its case agaiSupport the show
How can biotech startup founders navigate the intersection of science, technology, and data to build truly durable companies? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, talks with Cain McClary, MD, Founder and Managing Partner of KdT Ventures, a seed-stage venture firm investing at the convergence of science and technology. A Tulane alumnus and “supply chain junkie,” Cain shares how curiosity, data-driven insight, and strategic storytelling can set biotech innovators apart. In this episode, you'll learn: The biggest mistakes biotech startups make—and how to avoid them. Why understanding incentives, storytelling, and systems is key to scaling innovation. How AI, data ownership, and new consumer health models are reshaping the future of biotech. Tune in to discover how KdT Ventures is rethinking biotech investment—and what it takes to turn scientific insight into lasting impact. Links: Connect with Cain McClary, MD, and check out KdT Ventures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn more about PathAI. Check out our fireside chat with Walter Isaacson. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into a landscape rich with scientific innovation, regulatory scrutiny, and strategic business decisions shaping the future of healthcare.Let's begin with Novartis, which has achieved a significant milestone by securing FDA approval for Itvisma. This is an intrathecal formulation of its gene therapy Zolgensma, designed to treat older patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Priced at $2.59 million, this approval is a critical advancement in gene therapy for SMA, broadening the treatment horizon for a wider patient demographic. Gene therapies are increasingly crucial in addressing rare genetic disorders, offering transformative potential in patient care. Novartis's SMA market expansion post-FDA approval of Itvisma not only enhances its SMA portfolio but also signifies growing acceptance towards gene therapies as viable treatment options for genetic disorders. Meanwhile, Novartis is strategically restructuring, planning to cut 550 jobs at a Swiss plant by 2027 while expanding its workforce in North Carolina. This move reflects broader industry trends toward optimizing global operations and investing in regions with strategic manufacturing capabilities.In the sphere of regulatory scrutiny, lawmakers are questioning the FDA's National Priority Voucher Program amid concerns about corruption and expedited reviews. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within regulatory frameworks to balance innovation speed with rigorous safety assessments. An investigation into the FDA's new priority review voucher program has been initiated due to concerns over corruption and expedited review processes potentially compromising drug safety. This inquiry could influence future regulatory frameworks and underscores balancing accelerated drug approvals with rigorous safety standards. Richard Pazdur expressed concerns about expedited drug approval programs' safety and legality as he takes on his new role as director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. These initiatives aim to accelerate drug reviews but spark debate over patient safety implications—underscoring an ongoing tension between innovation speed and regulatory diligence.Turning to Novo Nordisk, their expansion of the Amycretin program demonstrates a commitment to tackling chronic conditions like diabetes. Following promising Phase 2 data showcasing dual agonist capabilities, Novo Nordisk is advancing pivotal trials focused on obesity. This strategic pivot aligns with market needs and scientific discoveries that could significantly enhance diabetes management options. Further emphasizing Novo Nordisk's commitment to diabetes management, their expansion of the amycretin program after promising Phase 2 results demonstrates the efficacy of a dual agonist originally focused on obesity. This underscores a trend toward multifunctional biologics addressing metabolic disorders by targeting multiple pathways—indicative of broader industry shifts towards integrated therapeutic approaches. Novo Nordisk's recent mid-stage clinical trial results for Amycretin—a weight loss treatment—are noteworthy as they demonstrated sustained efficacy over 36 weeks in type 2 diabetes patients without a plateau in weight loss. Analysts highlight its potential as a superior therapeutic option in the burgeoning weight loss market due to its durable solution for weight management.On a contrasting note, SK Life Science encounters regulatory hurdles as the FDA scrutinizes advertising practices related to its antiseizure medication Xcopri. This scenario underscores the complex interplay between marketing strategies and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceuticSupport the show
Kathryn Golden didn't set out to be a scientist. In fact, she made her parents promise she wouldn't have to become one when she enrolled at a science-focused high school. But a chemistry class changed everything, setting her on a path from MIT's bioprocessing labs to senior leadership roles in Biotech and pharma. Now VP of Technical Operations at Ottimo Pharma and co-founder of Sunflower Therapeutics, Kathryn's career has been shaped by a relentless curiosity, a deep commitment to patient access, and a willingness to step into the unknown. She shares her journey from building perfusion bioreactors in grad school, to leading global CMC teams, to launching portable manufacturing units for biologics in the developing world. In this conversation, Kathryn reflects on lessons in leadership, mentorship, and integrity - from creating a calm, learning-focused culture to knowing when to walk away. She talks openly about imposter syndrome, what it really takes to transition into executive roles, and how entrepreneurship, like science, is best approached as an experiment.
When Julia Stalder heard the words ductal carcinoma in situ, she was told she had the “best kind of breast cancer.” Which is like saying you got hit by the nicest bus. Julia's a lawyer turned mediator who now runs DCIS Understood, a new nonprofit born out of her own diagnosis. Instead of panicking and letting the system chew her up, she asked questions the industry would rather avoid. Why do women lose breasts for conditions that may never become invasive? Why is prostate cancer allowed patience while breast cancer gets the knife? We talked about doctors' fear of uncertainty, the epidemic of overtreatment, and what happens when you build a movement while still in the waiting room. Funny, fierce, unfiltered—this one sticks.RELATED LINKS• DCIS Understood• Stalder Mediation• Julia's story in CURE Today• PreludeDx DCISionRT feature• Julia on LinkedInFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission has just released its 2025 annual report to Congress. The annual report's analysis and recommendations are a crucial source of information for Congress, the executive branch, and observers of US-China relations. This year's report includes 28 key recommendations for Congress. On this episode of China Global, we have two Commissioners joining us to discuss the report, Commissioner Aaron Friedberg and Commissioner Mike Kuiken. Commissioner Friedberg is Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University and co-director of its Center for International Security Studies. He is also a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, counselor to the National Bureau of Asian Research, and previously served as Vice President Dick Cheney's Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs.Commissioner Kuiken is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and advisor to the Special Competitive Studies Project. He has over 20 years of experience shaping US national security policy, including 12 years on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Timestamps:[00:00] Intro[1:47] China's Role in the Axis of Autocracy[03:22] Best Response from US and Allies?[05:23] The Interlocking Innovation Flywheels Effect[07:47] Made in China 2025 Plan: 10 Years Later[10:25] Why Does Chinese Dominance Matter? [12:39] Policy Prescriptions for the US[16:24] Lessons Learned from China Shock 1.0 and Preparing for 2.0[21:09] Bipartisan Political Will on China Policy[24:06] Taiwan as a Vital Interest to the US[28:06] Assuaging Taiwanese Doubts in Congress[30:17] Taiwan's Defense Spending Debate
Synopsis: This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy. Biotech is undergoing a scientific redesign, and Jason Kelly reveals to host Alok Tayi how automation, AI-ready datasets, and modular lab technologies are reshaping the future of R&D. Jason explains why legacy biopharma data—messy, inconsistent, and lacking metadata—cannot power modern machine learning, and why the industry must generate entirely new, massively standardized experimental datasets to unlock AI's true potential. He walks through Ginkgo's evolution from platform partnerships to a next-generation CRO built for AI-driven discovery, offering industrialized functional genomics, mammalian engineering, CRISPR libraries, and high-throughput developability assays at unprecedented scale. Jason also describes how Ginkgo's reconfigurable automation systems—robotic building blocks that replace 18-month custom builds—are democratizing high-throughput experimentation and making advanced lab infrastructure as flexible as cloud computing. Together, Jason and Alok explore how the fusion of automation and AI can collapse R&D timelines, rewrite cost structures, and enable thousands of new biotech companies to test ideas faster than ever before. For scientists, engineers, and AI practitioners, this episode offers a compelling look at the new scientific architecture emerging at the intersection of robotics, data, and programmable biology. Biography: Dr. Jason Kelly is the co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks. He took the company public and raised $1.6B in the largest US biotech public listing to date in 2021. Today the company is pioneering autonomous labs that accelerate bioengineering across biopharma, agriculture, and industrial biotech industries. Jason also previously served as the Chair of the US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology which oversees how advancements in emerging biotechnology will shape current and future activities of the US Department of Defense. Prior to Ginkgo, Jason received B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biology and a PhD in Biological Engineering all from MIT.
The biotech industry operates under constant tension: we work with products that directly impact human lives, demanding rigorous controls and validation at every step. Yet standing still means falling behind. The question isn't whether to innovate, it's how to do it without compromising the quality and safety standards that define our industry.Irina Ramos has lived this paradox throughout her career. As a downstream processing leader who's guided CMC programs from early development through global regulatory filings, she helped orchestrate the worldwide transfer of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine—a masterclass in balancing speed, scale, and uncompromising quality standards. Now, she's championing a vision that sounds almost radical: lights-out biomanufacturing facilities where continuous processes run at steady state with minimal human intervention.In this conversation, Irina shares the unfiltered reality of building innovation cultures in conservative environments, the surprising drivers behind continuous processing adoption, and why the industry's careful nature isn't a barrier to transformation. It's the foundation for sustainable innovation.Discussion highlights:Why conservatism is vital in biotech—and how to balance it with innovation (00:00)The vision for "lights-out" manufacturing and if bioprocess facilities could run with minimal human intervention (02:50)Irina Ramos's career story and the lessons her "happy accidents" teach junior scientists (03:53)Mindset shifts: Transitioning from scientist to innovation leader in CMC development (06:29)Building an innovation culture in a conservative, highly regulated industry (08:07)Essential mindsets for scientists to thrive and innovate in biotech environments (11:22)Coordination strategies for effective communication across stakeholders, departments, and geographies (13:52)The misconceptions of continuous manufacturing and what actually drives its adoption (17:09)What's hot in continuous biomanufacturing: trends, global perspectives, and how real-time analytics can change process control (21:12)Guiding principles for choosing between hybrid or end-to-end continuous processes (23:46)Practical tips on implementing control strategies and real-time monitoring in manufacturing (25:01)If you're navigating the shift from batch to continuous processing, leading cross-functional innovation initiatives, or wondering how to advocate for new technologies without disrupting validated processes, this episode offers practical frameworks you can apply immediately.Connect with Irina Ramos:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/irinaramosNext step:Need fast CMC guidance? New on-demand CMC advisory: Get 20 expert answers/month in 1 day + monthly strategy call. → Learn more: https://stan.store/SmartBiotech/p/ondemand-cmc-expertise-for-biotech-foundersBook a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into a series of impactful events and breakthroughs that are shaping patient care and drug development.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted early approval for a combination therapy using Padcev and Keytruda for the perioperative treatment of bladder cancer, a decision made months ahead of schedule. This approval represents a significant advancement in the therapeutic landscape for this type of cancer, offering new hope to patients who have had limited treatment options. The combination of these two therapies underscores the growing trend of integrating multiple mechanisms of action to tackle complex diseases like cancer more effectively. It also highlights the potential of combination therapies to provide enhanced clinical benefits by leveraging different therapeutic targets.In another notable development, Merck's partner Kelun announced successful Phase 3 trial results for an antibody-drug conjugate combined with Keytruda in treating PD-L1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival compared to Keytruda alone. This finding reinforces the expanding role of antibody-drug conjugates in oncology and emphasizes the importance of biomarker-driven therapies in personalizing cancer treatment. These advancements reflect a broader industry shift towards precision medicine, which aims to improve patient outcomes by tailoring treatments based on individual patient profiles.Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk experienced setbacks as its shares fell nearly 9% following two unsuccessful Phase 3 trials of semaglutide for Alzheimer's disease. Despite these disappointing results, this outcome highlights the persistent challenges and complexities inherent in developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases—areas where unmet needs remain substantial. The market's reaction reflects investor sensitivity to clinical trial outcomes, particularly in high-stakes areas like Alzheimer's where breakthroughs are eagerly anticipated.Switching gears to AstraZeneca, the company is making a strategic move by expanding its manufacturing capabilities with a $2 billion investment in Maryland. This expansion reflects an ongoing trend among pharmaceutical companies to enhance their production infrastructure, driven by increasing demand for biologics and complex therapeutics. Such investments are crucial for supporting large-scale production needs and ensuring robust supply chains that are essential for meeting global health demands.In regulatory news, a collective letter from biotech CEOs addressed to FDA director Marty Makary has raised concerns about regulatory stability in the U.S., with 82% of biopharma respondents expressing apprehension over the FDA's ability to function predictably. This plea underscores how regulatory volatility can hinder innovation and emphasizes the importance of consistent policies that support long-term research and development efforts.In clinical trial updates, Bayer's oral FXIa inhibitor asundexian has shown promise in reducing stroke risk during Phase 3 trials. These findings revive interest in FXIa inhibitors as potentially blockbuster drugs after previous setbacks in this class. This development illustrates ongoing efforts to identify novel anticoagulant therapies that balance efficacy and safety, offering new hope for improved therapeutic options.Now turning our attention to Johnson & Johnson's recent setback with their anti-tau antibody posdinemab in a phase 2 trial targeting Alzheimer's disease. The trial was unable to demonstrate a significant slowing of clinical decline, leading JSupport the show
How can you write science-based fiction without info-dumping your research? How can you use AI tools in a creative way, while still focusing on a human-first approach? Why is adapting to the fast pace of change so difficult and how can we make the most of this time? Jamie Metzl talks about Superconvergence and more. In the intro, How to avoid author scams [Written Word Media]; Spotify vs Audible audiobook strategy [The New Publishing Standard]; Thoughts on Author Nation and why constraints are important in your author life [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; Alchemical History And Beautiful Architecture: Prague with Lisa M Lilly on my Books and Travel Podcast. Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Jamie Metzl is a technology futurist, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of sci-fi thrillers and futurist nonfiction books, including the revised and updated edition of Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How personal history shaped Jamie's fiction writing Writing science-based fiction without info-dumping The super convergence of three revolutions (genetics, biotech, AI) and why we need to understand them holistically Using fiction to explore the human side of genetic engineering, life extension, and robotics Collaborating with GPT-5 as a named co-author How to be a first-rate human rather than a second-rate machine You can find Jamie at JamieMetzl.com. Transcript of interview with Jamie Metzl Jo: Jamie Metzl is a technology futurist, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of sci-fi thrillers and futurist nonfiction books, including the revised and updated edition of Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World. So welcome, Jamie. Jamie: Thank you so much, Jo. Very happy to be here with you. Jo: There is so much we could talk about, but let's start with you telling us a bit more about you and how you got into writing. From History PhD to First Novel Jamie: Well, I think like a lot of writers, I didn't know I was a writer. I was just a kid who loved writing. Actually, just last week I was going through a bunch of boxes from my parents' house and I found my autobiography, which I wrote when I was nine years old. So I've been writing my whole life and loving it. It was always something that was very important to me. When I finished my DPhil, my PhD at Oxford, and my dissertation came out, it just got scooped up by Macmillan in like two minutes. And I thought, “God, that was easy.” That got me started thinking about writing books. I wanted to write a novel based on the same historical period – my PhD was in Southeast Asian history – and I wanted to write a historical novel set in the same period as my dissertation, because I felt like the dissertation had missed the human element of the story I was telling, which was related to the Cambodian genocide and its aftermath. So I wrote what became my first novel, and I thought, “Wow, now I'm a writer.” I thought, “All right, I've already published one book. I'm gonna get this other book out into the world.” And then I ran into the brick wall of: it's really hard to be a writer. It's almost easier to write something than to get it published. I had to learn a ton, and it took nine years from when I started writing that first novel, The Depths of the Sea, to when it finally came out. But it was such a positive experience, especially to have something so personal to me as that story. I'd lived in Cambodia for two years, I'd worked on the Thai-Cambodian border, and I'm the child of a Holocaust survivor. So there was a whole lot that was very emotional for me. That set a pattern for the rest of my life as a writer, at least where, in my nonfiction books, I'm thinking about whatever the issues are that are most important to me. Whether it was that historical book, which was my first book, or Hacking Darwin on the future of human genetic engineering, which was my last book, or Superconvergence, which, as you mentioned in the intro, is my current book. But in every one of those stories, the human element is so deep and so profound. You can get at some of that in nonfiction, but I've also loved exploring those issues in deeper ways in my fiction. So in my more recent novels, Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata, I've looked at the human side of the story of genetic engineering and human life extension. And now my agent has just submitted my new novel, Virtuoso, about the intersection of AI, robotics, and classical music. With all of this, who knows what's the real difference between fiction and nonfiction? We're all humans trying to figure things out on many different levels. Shifting from History to Future Tech Jo: I knew that you were a polymath, someone who's interested in so many things, but the music angle with robotics and AI is fascinating. I do just want to ask you, because I was also at Oxford – what college were you at? Jamie: I was in St. Antony's. Jo: I was at Mansfield, so we were in that slightly smaller, less famous college group, if people don't know. Jamie: You know, but we're small but proud. Jo: Exactly. That's fantastic. You mentioned that you were on the historical side of things at the beginning and now you've moved into technology and also science, because this book Superconvergence has a lot of science. So how did you go from history and the past into science and the future? Biology and Seeing the Future Coming Jamie: It's a great question. I'll start at the end and then back up. A few years ago I was speaking at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which is one of the big scientific labs here in the United States. I was a guest of the director and I was speaking to their 300 top scientists. I said to them, “I'm here to speak with you about the future of biology at the invitation of your director, and I'm really excited. But if you hear something wrong, please raise your hand and let me know, because I'm entirely self-taught. The last biology course I took was in 11th grade of high school in Kansas City.” Of course I wouldn't say that if I didn't have a lot of confidence in my process. But in many ways I'm self-taught in the sciences. As you know, Jo, and as all of your listeners know, the foundation of everything is curiosity and then a disciplined process for learning. Even our greatest super-specialists in the world now – whatever their background – the world is changing so fast that if anyone says, “Oh, I have a PhD in physics/chemistry/biology from 30 years ago,” the exact topic they learned 30 years ago is less significant than their process for continuous learning. More specifically, in the 1990s I was working on the National Security Council for President Clinton, which is the president's foreign policy staff. My then boss and now close friend, Richard Clarke – who became famous as the guy who had tragically predicted 9/11 – used to say that the key to efficacy in Washington and in life is to try to solve problems that other people can't see. For me, almost 30 years ago, I felt to my bones that this intersection of what we now call AI and the nascent genetics revolution and the nascent biotechnology revolution was going to have profound implications for humanity. So I just started obsessively educating myself. When I was ready, I started writing obscure national security articles. Those got a decent amount of attention, so I was invited to testify before the United States Congress. I was speaking out a lot, saying, “Hey, this is a really important story. A lot of people are missing it. Here are the things we should be thinking about for the future.” I wasn't getting the kind of traction that I wanted. I mentioned before that my first book had been this dry Oxford PhD dissertation, and that had led to my first novel. So I thought, why don't I try the same approach again – writing novels to tell this story about the genetics, biotech, and what later became known popularly as the AI revolution? That led to my two near-term sci-fi novels, Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata. On my book tours for those novels, when I explained the underlying science to people in my way, as someone who taught myself, I could see in their eyes that they were recognizing not just that something big was happening, but that they could understand it and feel like they were part of that story. That's what led me to write Hacking Darwin, as I mentioned. That book really unlocked a lot of things. I had essentially predicted the CRISPR babies that were born in China before it happened – down to the specific gene I thought would be targeted, which in fact was the case. After that book was published, Dr. Tedros, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, invited me to join the WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Human Genome Editing, which I did. It was a really great experience and got me thinking a lot about the upside of this revolution and the downside. The Birth of Superconvergence Jamie: I get a lot of wonderful invitations to speak, and I have two basic rules for speaking: Never use notes. Never ever. Never stand behind a podium. Never ever. Because of that, when I speak, my talks tend to migrate. I'd be speaking with people about the genetics revolution as it applied to humans, and I'd say, “Well, this is just a little piece of a much bigger story.” The bigger story is that after nearly four billion years of life on Earth, our one species has the increasing ability to engineer novel intelligence and re-engineer life. The big question for us, and frankly for the world, is whether we're going to be able to use that almost godlike superpower wisely. As that idea got bigger and bigger, it became this inevitable force. You write so many books, Jo, that I think it's second nature for you. Every time I finish a book, I think, “Wow, that was really hard. I'm never doing that again.” And then the books creep up on you. They call to you. At some point you say, “All right, now I'm going to do it.” So that was my current book, Superconvergence. Like everything, every journey you take a step, and that step inspires another step and another. That's why writing and living creatively is such a wonderfully exciting thing – there's always more to learn and always great opportunities to push ourselves in new ways. Balancing Deep Research with Good Storytelling Jo: Yeah, absolutely. I love that you've followed your curiosity and then done this disciplined process for learning. I completely understand that. But one of the big issues with people like us who love the research – and having read your Superconvergence, I know how deeply you go into this and how deeply you care that it's correct – is that with fiction, one of the big problems with too much research is the danger of brain-dumping. Readers go to fiction for escapism. They want the interesting side of it, but they want a story first. What are your tips for authors who might feel like, “Where's the line between putting in my research so that it's interesting for readers, but not going too far and turning it into a textbook?” How do you find that balance? Jamie: It's such a great question. I live in New York now, but I used to live in Washington when I was working for the U.S. government, and there were a number of people I served with who later wrote novels. Some of those novels felt like policy memos with a few sex scenes – and that's not what to do. To write something that's informed by science or really by anything, everything needs to be subservient to the story and the characters. The question is: what is the essential piece of information that can convey something that's both important to your story and your character development, and is also an accurate representation of the world as you want it to be? I certainly write novels that are set in the future – although some of them were a future that's now already happened because I wrote them a long time ago. You can make stuff up, but as an author you have to decide what your connection to existing science and existing technology and the existing world is going to be. I come at it from two angles. One: I read a huge number of scientific papers and think, “What does this mean for now, and if you extrapolate into the future, where might that go?” Two: I think about how to condense things. We've all read books where you're humming along because people read fiction for story and emotional connection, and then you hit a bit like: “I sat down in front of the president, and the president said, ‘Tell me what I need to know about the nuclear threat.'” And then it's like: insert memo. That's a deal-killer. It's like all things – how do you have a meaningful relationship with another person? It's not by just telling them your story. Even when you're telling them something about you, you need to be imagining yourself sitting in their shoes, hearing you. These are very different disciplines, fiction and nonfiction. But for the speculative nonfiction I write – “here's where things are now, and here's where the world is heading” – there's a lot of imagination that goes into that too. It feels in many ways like we're living in a sci-fi world because the rate of technological change has been accelerating continuously, certainly for the last 12,000 years since the dawn of agriculture. It's a balance. For me, I feel like I'm a better fiction writer because I write nonfiction, and I'm a better nonfiction writer because I write fiction. When I'm writing nonfiction, I don't want it to be boring either – I want people to feel like there's a story and characters and that they can feel themselves inside that story. Jo: Yeah, definitely. I think having some distance helps as well. If you're really deep into your topics, as you are, you have to leave that manuscript a little bit so you can go back with the eyes of the reader as opposed to your eyes as the expert. Then you can get their experience, which is great. Looking Beyond Author-Focused AI Fears Jo: I want to come to your technical knowledge, because AI is a big thing in the author and creative community, like everywhere else. One of the issues is that creators are focusing on just this tiny part of the impact of AI, and there's a much bigger picture. For example, in 2024, Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind and his collaborative partner John Jumper won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry with AlphaFold. It feels to me like there's this massive world of what's happening with AI in health, climate, and other areas, and yet we are so focused on a lot of the negative stuff. Maybe you could give us a couple of things about what there is to be excited and optimistic about in terms of AI-powered science? Jamie: Sure. I'm so excited about all of the new opportunities that AI creates. But I also think there's a reason why evolution has preserved this very human feeling of anxiety: because there are real dangers. Anybody who's Pollyanna-ish and says, “Oh, the AI story is inevitably positive,” I'd be distrustful. And anyone who says, “We're absolutely doomed, this is the end of humanity,” I'd also be distrustful. So let me tell you the positives and the negatives, and maybe some thoughts about how we navigate toward the former and away from the latter. AI as the New Electricity Jamie: When people think of AI right now, they're thinking very narrowly about these AI tools and ChatGPT. But we don't think of electricity that way. Nobody says, “I know electricity – electricity is what happens at the power station.” We've internalised the idea that electricity is woven into not just our communication systems or our houses, but into our clothes, our glasses – it's woven into everything and has super-empowered almost everything in our modern lives. That's what AI is. In Superconvergence, the majority of the book is about positive opportunities: In healthcare, moving from generalised healthcare based on population averages to personalised or precision healthcare based on a molecular understanding of each person's individual biology. As we build these massive datasets like the UK Biobank, we can take a next jump toward predictive and preventive healthcare, where we're able to address health issues far earlier in the process, when interventions can be far more benign. I'm really excited about that, not to mention the incredible new kinds of treatments – gene therapies, or pharmaceuticals based on genetics and systems-biology analyses of patients. Then there's agriculture. Over the last hundred years, because of the technologies of the Green Revolution and synthetic fertilisers, we've had an incredible increase in agricultural productivity. That's what's allowed us to quadruple the global population. But if we just continue agriculture as it is, as we get towards ten billion wealthier, more empowered people wanting to eat like we eat, we're going to have to wipe out all the wild spaces on Earth to feed them. These technologies help provide different paths toward increasing agricultural productivity with fewer inputs of land, water, fertiliser, insecticides, and pesticides. That's really positive. I could go on and on about these positives – and I do – but there are very real negatives. I was a member of the WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Human Genome Editing after the first CRISPR babies were very unethically created in China. I'm extremely aware that these same capabilities have potentially incredible upsides and very real downsides. That's the same as every technology in the past, but this is happening so quickly that it's triggering a lot of anxieties. Governance, Responsibility, and Why Everyone Has a Role Jamie: The question now is: how do we optimise the benefits and minimise the harms? The short, unsexy word for that is governance. Governance is not just what governments do; it's what all of us do. That's why I try to write books, both fiction and nonfiction, to bring people into this story. If people “other” this story – if they say, “There's a technology revolution, it has nothing to do with me, I'm going to keep my head down” – I think that's dangerous. The way we're going to handle this as responsibly as possible is if everybody says, “I have some role. Maybe it's small, maybe it's big. The first step is I need to educate myself. Then I need to have conversations with people around me. I need to express my desires, wishes, and thoughts – with political leaders, organisations I'm part of, businesses.” That has to happen at every level. You're in the UK – you know the anti-slavery movement started with a handful of people in Cambridge and grew into a global movement. I really believe in the power of ideas, but ideas don't spread on their own. These are very human networks, and that's why writing, speaking, communicating – probably for every single person listening to this podcast – is so important. Jo: Mm, yeah. Fiction Like AI 2041 and Thinking Through the Issues Jo: Have you read AI 2041 by Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan? Jamie: No. I heard a bunch of their interviews when the book came out, but I haven't read it. Jo: I think that's another good one because it's fiction – a whole load of short stories. It came out a few years ago now, but the issues they cover in the stories, about different people in different countries – I remember one about deepfakes – make you think more about the topics and help you figure out where you stand. I think that's the issue right now: it's so complex, there are so many things. I'm generally positive about AI, but of course I don't want autonomous drone weapons, you know? The Messy Reality of “Bad” Technologies Jamie: Can I ask you about that? Because this is why it's so complicated. Like you, I think nobody wants autonomous killer drones anywhere in the world. But if you right now were the defence minister of Ukraine, and your children are being kidnapped, your country is being destroyed, you're fighting for your survival, you're getting attacked every night – and you're getting attacked by the Russians, who are investing more and more in autonomous killer robots – you kind of have two choices. You can say, “I'm going to surrender,” or, “I'm going to use what technology I have available to defend myself, and hopefully fight to either victory or some kind of stand-off.” That's what our societies did with nuclear weapons. Maybe not every American recognises that Churchill gave Britain's nuclear secrets to America as a way of greasing the wheels of the Anglo-American alliance during the Second World War – but that was our programme: we couldn't afford to lose that war, and we couldn't afford to let the Nazis get nuclear weapons before we did. So there's the abstract feeling of, “I'm against all war in the abstract. I'm against autonomous killer robots in the abstract.” But if I were the defence minister of Ukraine, I would say, “What will it take for us to build the weapons we can use to defend ourselves?” That's why all this stuff gets so complicated. And frankly, it's why the relationship between fiction and nonfiction is so important. If every novel had a situation where every character said, “Oh, I know exactly the right answer,” and then they just did the right answer and it was obviously right, it wouldn't make for great fiction. We're dealing with really complex humans. We have conflicting impulses. We're not perfect. Maybe there are no perfect answers – but how do we strive toward better rather than worse? That's the question. Jo: Absolutely. I don't want to get too political on things. How AI Is Changing the Writing Life Jo: Let's come back to authors. In terms of the creative process, the writing process, the research process, and the business of being an author – what are some of the ways that you already use AI tools, and some of the ways, given your futurist brain, that you think things are going to change for us? Jamie: Great question. I'll start with a little middle piece. I found you, Jo, through GPT-5. I asked ChatGPT, “I'm coming out with this book and I want to connect with podcasters who are a little different from the ones I've done in the past. I've been a guest on Joe Rogan twice and some of the bigger podcasts. Make me a list of really interesting people I can have great conversations with.” That's how I found you. So this is one reward of that process. Let me say that in the last year I've worked on three books, and I'll explain how my relationship with AI has changed over those books. Cleaning Up Citations (and Getting Burned) Jamie: First is the highly revised paperback edition of Superconvergence. When the hardback came out, I had – I don't normally work with research assistants because I like to dig into everything myself – but the one thing I do use a research assistant for is that I can't be bothered, when I'm writing something, to do the full Chicago-style footnote if I'm already referencing an academic paper. So I'd just put the URL as the footnote and then hire a research assistant and say, “Go to this URL and change it into a Chicago-style citation. That's it.” Unfortunately, my research assistant on the hardback used early-days ChatGPT for that work. He did the whole thing, came back, everything looked perfect. I said, “Wow, amazing job.” It was only later, as I was going through them, that I realised something like 50% of them were invented footnotes. It was very painful to go back and fix, and it took ten times more time. With the paperback edition, I didn't use AI that much, but I did say things like, “Here's all the information – generate a Chicago-style citation.” That was better. I noticed there were a few things where I stopped using the thesaurus function on Microsoft Word because I'd just put the whole paragraph into the AI and say, “Give me ten other options for this one word,” and it would be like a contextual thesaurus. That was pretty good. Talking to a Robot Pianist Character Jamie: Then, for my new novel Virtuoso, I was writing a character who is a futurist robot that plays the piano very beautifully – not just humanly, but almost finding new things in the music we've written and composing music that resonates with us. I described the actions of that robot in the novel, but I didn't describe the inner workings of the robot's mind. In thinking about that character, I realised I was the first science-fiction writer in history who could interrogate a machine about what it was “thinking” in a particular context. I had the most beautiful conversations with ChatGPT, where I would give scenarios and ask, “What are you thinking? What are you feeling in this context?” It was all background for that character, but it was truly profound. Co-Authoring The AI Ten Commandments with GPT-5 Jamie: Third, I have another book coming out in May in the United States. I gave a talk this summer at the Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York about AI and spirituality. I talked about the history of our human relationship with our technology, about how all our religious and spiritual traditions have deep technological underpinnings – certainly our Abrahamic religions are deeply connected to farming, and Protestantism to the printing press. Then I had a section about the role of AI in generating moral codes that would resonate with humans. Everybody went nuts for this talk, and I thought, “I think I'm going to write a book.” I decided to write it differently, with GPT-5 as my named co-author. The first thing I did was outline the entire book based on the talk, which I'd already spent a huge amount of time thinking about and organising. Then I did a full outline of the arguments and structures. Then I trained GPT-5 on my writing style. The way I did it – which I fully describe in the introduction to the book – was that I'd handle all the framing: the full introduction, the argument, the structure. But if there was a section where, for a few paragraphs, I was summarising a huge field of data, even something I knew well, I'd give GPT-5 the intro sentence and say, “In my writing style, prepare four paragraphs on this.” For example, I might write: “AI has the potential to see us humans like we humans see ant colonies.” Then I'd say, “Give me four paragraphs on the relationship between the individual and the collective in ant colonies.” I could have written those four paragraphs myself, but it would've taken a month to read the life's work of E.O. Wilson and then write them. GPT-5 wrote them in seconds or minutes, in its thinking mode. I'd then say, “It's not quite right – change this, change that,” and we'd go back and forth three or four times. Then I'd edit the whole thing and put it into the text. So this book that I could have written on my own in a year, I wrote a first draft of with GPT-5 as my named co-author in two days. The whole project will take about six months from start to finish, and I'm having massive human editing – multiple edits from me, plus a professional editor. It's not a magic AI button. But I feel strongly about listing GPT-5 as a co-author because I've written it differently than previous books. I'm a huge believer in the old-fashioned lone author struggling and suffering – that's in my novels, and in Virtuoso I explore that. But other forms are going to emerge, just like video games are a creative, artistic form deeply connected to technology. The novel hasn't been around forever – the current format is only a few centuries old – and forms are always changing. There are real opportunities for authors, and there will be so much crap flooding the market because everybody can write something and put it up on Amazon. But I think there will be a very special place for thoughtful human authors who have an idea of what humans do at our best, and who translate that into content other humans can enjoy. Traditional vs Indie: Why This Book Will Be Self-Published Jo: I'm interested – you mentioned that it's your named co-author. Is this book going through a traditional publisher, and what do they think about that? Or are you going to publish it yourself? Jamie: It's such a smart question. What I found quickly is that when you get to be an author later in your career, you have all the infrastructure – a track record, a fantastic agent, all of that. But there were two things that were really important to me here: I wanted to get this book out really fast – six months instead of a year and a half. It was essential to me to have GPT-5 listed as my co-author, because if it were just my name, I feel like it would be dishonest. Readers who are used to reading my books – I didn't want to present something different than what it was. I spoke with my agent, who I absolutely love, and she said that for this particular project it was going to be really hard in traditional publishing. So I did a huge amount of research, because I'd never done anything in the self-publishing world before. I looked at different models. There was one hybrid model that's basically the same as traditional, but you pay for the things the publisher would normally pay for. I ended up not doing that. Instead, I decided on a self-publishing route where I disaggregated the publishing process. I found three teams: one for producing the book, one for getting the book out into the world, and a smaller one for the audiobook. I still believe in traditional publishing – there's a lot of wonderful human value-add. But some works just don't lend themselves to traditional publishing. For this book, which is called The AI Ten Commandments, that's the path I've chosen. Jo: And when's that out? I think people will be interested. Jamie: April 26th. Those of us used to traditional publishing think, “I've finished the book, sold the proposal, it'll be out any day now,” and then it can be a year and a half. It's frustrating. With this, the process can be much faster because it's possible to control more of the variables. But the key – as I was saying – is to make sure it's as good a book as everything else you've written. It's great to speed up, but you don't want to compromise on quality. The Coming Flood of Excellent AI-Generated Work Jo: Yeah, absolutely. We're almost out of time, but I want to come back to your “flood of crap” and the “AI slop” idea that's going around. Because you are working with GPT-5 – and I do as well, and I work with Claude and Gemini – and right now there are still issues. Like you said about referencing, there are still hallucinations, though fewer. But fast-forward two, five years: it's not a flood of crap. It's a flood of excellent. It's a flood of stuff that's better than us. Jamie: We're humans. It's better than us in certain ways. If you have farm machinery, it's better than us at certain aspects of farming. I'm a true humanist. I think there will be lots of things machines do better than us, but there will be tons of things we do better than them. There's a reason humans still care about chess, even though machines can beat humans at chess. Some people are saying things I fully disagree with, like this concept of AGI – artificial general intelligence – where machines do everything better than humans. I've summarised my position in seven letters: “AGI is BS.” The only way you can believe in AGI in that sense is if your concept of what a human is and what a human mind is is so narrow that you think it's just a narrow range of analytical skills. We are so much more than that. Humans represent almost four billion years of embodied evolution. There's so much about ourselves that we don't know. As incredible as these machines are and will become, there will always be wonderful things humans can do that are different from machines. What I always tell people is: whatever you're doing, don't be a second-rate machine. Be a first-rate human. If you're doing something and a machine is doing that thing much better than you, then shift to something where your unique capacities as a human give you the opportunity to do something better. So yes, I totally agree that the quality of AI-generated stuff will get better. But I think the most creative and successful humans will be the ones who say, “I recognise that this is creating new opportunities, and I'm going to insert my core humanity to do something magical and new.” People are “othering” these technologies, but the technologies themselves are magnificent human-generated artefacts. They're not alien UFOs that landed here. It's a scary moment for creatives, no doubt, because there are things all of us did in the past that machines can now do really well. But this is the moment where the most creative people ask themselves, “What does it mean for me to be a great human?” The pat answers won't apply. In my Virtuoso novel I explore that a lot. The idea that “machines don't do creativity” – they will do incredible creativity; it just won't be exactly human creativity. We will be potentially huge beneficiaries of these capabilities, but we really have to believe in and invest in the magic of our core humanity. Where to Find Jamie and His Books Jo: Brilliant. So where can people find you and your books online? Jamie: Thank you so much for asking. My website is jamiemetzl.com – and my books are available everywhere. Jo: Fantastic. Thanks so much for your time, Jamie. That was great. Jamie: Thank you, Joanna.The post Writing The Future, And Being More Human In An Age of AI With Jamie Metzl first appeared on The Creative Penn.
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode, Cyril Konto, M.D., president, executive director, and CEO at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI) talks about the promise of multi-specific antibodies, funding the company during the 'biotech winter,' closing a $700 million upfront licensing deal with AbbVie, the impact of China's rising biotech sector, and the keys to successful collaboration. Cyril also discusses IGI's focus on developing innovative therapies for emerging markets, and the shift from animal models to in silico modeling in preclinical research. Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/
Inato: https://go.inato.com/3VnSro6CRIO: http://www.clinicalresearch.ioMy PatientACE recruitment company: https://patientace.com/Join me at my conference! http://www.saveoursites.comText Me: (949) 415-6256Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JF6FNvoLnBpfIrLNCcg7aGET THE BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Guide-Clinical-Research-Practical/dp/1090349521/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Dan+Sfera&qid=1691974540&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorrText "guru" to 855-942-5288 to join VIP list!My blog: http://www.TheClinicalTrialsGuru.comMy CRO and Site Network: http://www.DSCScro.comMy CRA Academy: http://www.TheCRAacademy.comMy CRC Academy: http://www.TheCRCacademy.comLatinos In Clinical Research: http://www.LatinosinClinicalResearch.comThe University Of Clinical Research: https://www.theuniversityofclinicalresearch.com/My TikTok: DanSfera
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we dive into a series of significant stories shaping the future of healthcare, from innovative financing strategies to groundbreaking scientific advancements.The biotech industry in 2025 has experienced a notable shift in funding strategies, particularly through the rising trend of royalty financing. This approach, involving the exchange of future drug revenue for immediate capital, has surged to approximately $3.5 billion in disclosed upfront volume in just the first half of the year. According to health economist Julien Willard, this represents a transformative shift from a niche option to a mainstream strategy amid challenging equity and credit markets. Royalty financing provides biotech companies with a lifeline, allowing them to avoid the pitfalls of equity dilution or high-interest debt while retaining control over their clinical developments. Firms like Royalty Pharma and Healthcare Royalty Partners are at the forefront, offering upfront cash for future sales royalties, typically ranging from 2.5% to 7.5%.This trend has accelerated due to economic pressures like low stock valuations and rising interest rates, making traditional funding routes less viable. A closer look at this year's deals reveals a cautious approach among investors, who are focusing on phase 3 trials or candidates awaiting FDA approval rather than early-stage assets. Oncology takes center stage as the leading therapeutic area, accounting for about 70% of total disclosed funding, thanks to its potential for large revenue streams. Other areas like rare genetic diseases and immunology also attract significant attention.Interestingly, even large pharmaceutical companies such as Biogen have ventured into royalty financing—an unconventional move for well-capitalized firms. Biogen's collaboration with Royalty Pharma for lupus drug development illustrates innovative financial engineering by transferring clinical trial risk through milestone-tied payments. As this strategy gains traction globally, especially in cash-strapped regions like Asia, it serves as a crucial tool for companies prioritizing survival and continued innovation amidst financial uncertainties.Turning now to regulatory dynamics and strategic shifts within the industry. The legal controversy between GSK's subsidiary Tesaro and AnaptysBio over Jemperli highlights complexities in collaborative agreements within drug development. Such disputes could reshape how companies negotiate intellectual property rights and revenue sharing in future co-development deals.The FDA's investigation into Takeda's Adzynma following a pediatric patient's death underscores the critical role of post-market surveillance in drug safety. This incident could potentially impact Takeda's market position while emphasizing the need for robust adverse event monitoring systems across biopharmaceutical firms.In Australia, the government's decision to block Cosette's proposed $430 million acquisition of Mayne Pharma reflects increasing scrutiny on foreign investments in healthcare companies, prioritizing national interest. This move signals a growing trend that could reshape global M&A strategies within the sector.Meanwhile, Moderna's strategic financial maneuvering is noteworthy. By securing a $1.5 billion loan aimed at supporting its commercial and R&D endeavors with an eye on breaking even by 2028, Moderna demonstrates its commitment to diversifying its mRNA technology applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines—a move likely to influence innovation trajectories across biotech landscapes. Additionally, Moderna's decision to discontinue three clinical mRNA programs showcases strategic pipeline management amidSupport the show
TG Watkins, Director of Stocks at Simpler Trading and editor of the Profit Pilot service, joins the KE Report to break down the market pullback, crypto's sharp reversal, and where he's positioning into year-end. AI repricing & Fed shift - Why stretched AI leaders and rising rate-cut odds triggered a broad reset across markets. Small caps & oversold setups - How TG identifies when downside risk is exhausted and where buyers may re-engage. Crypto liquidation wave - What drove the waterfall moves in BTC, ETH, MSTR, and why prices may now be approaching “on sale” levels. Options flows, leverage & volatility - How MSTR options, 0DTE flows, and leveraged ETFs can amplify both rallies and selloffs. Biotech strength & new trade ideas - LABU, XBI momentum, and relative-strength names like UPWK that held up during the correction. Avoiding falling knives - TG's “first move vs. second move” method for confirming turns instead of guessing bottoms. Stocks & symbols mentioned: NVDA, SPX, MSTR, BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, LABU, XBI, UPWK, TSLL, SOXL, BMNR. Click here to visit TG's site - Profit Pilot ----------- For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.
Discover why nitric oxide may be the most important molecule for human health, yet one of the most overlooked. Dr. Ron Ehrlich sits down with pioneering scientist Dr. Nathan Bryan, whose groundbreaking research is reshaping longevity science, cardiovascular health, athletic performance, and even sexual function. Learn how nitric oxide regulates blood flow, immune function, mitochondrial energy, blood pressure, and chronic disease, and why modern habits like mouthwash, fluoride, poor diet, and mouth breathing are silently shutting it down. This transformative episode exposes common myths, reveals simple evidence-based strategies to restore nitric oxide, and explores the surprising connection between nitric oxide, nasal breathing, ED, and overall vitality. ◉
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve into a landscape marked by significant scientific advancements, regulatory approvals, and strategic shifts that are reshaping the industry.Starting with Regeneron, the company's ophthalmic drug Eylea HD has recently secured two FDA approvals. These endorsements not only grant a new indication but also introduce a more flexible dosing regimen. This positions Eylea HD competitively against Roche's Vabysmo, highlighting the importance of regulatory navigation and strategic positioning in the pharmaceutical sector. These approvals come after extensive negotiations with both the FDA and third-party manufacturers, emphasizing the intricate processes involved in bringing a drug to market.In oncology, Bayer has achieved an accelerated FDA approval for Hyrnuo, a treatment targeting HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. This move allows Bayer to challenge Boehringer Ingelheim's Hernexeos, underscoring the fiercely competitive nature of the oncology market. Such advancements are driven by innovative treatments that address specific genetic mutations in cancer patients, reflecting a broader trend towards precision medicine.Meanwhile, Moderna is investing heavily in mRNA production capabilities with a new $140 million facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. This development underscores Moderna's commitment to mRNA technology, which gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility aims to establish robust domestic manufacturing infrastructures to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities—a critical move considering recent global disruptions.Novartis is also making headlines with its plans for a flagship production hub in North Carolina. This expansion is expected to create 700 jobs and expand its manufacturing footprint by 700,000 square feet, highlighting Novartis's strategic emphasis on scaling up operations to meet growing demands and enhance production efficiency.In another strategic collaboration, Antheia has joined forces with Teva's TAPI division to enhance the commercialization prospects for its biosynthetic pipeline. This alliance marks a significant step toward advancing biologically derived pharmaceuticals, promising to revolutionize drug production through more sustainable and scalable alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis.On the regulatory front, Merck has received broad EU approval for a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda. This development could significantly expand Keytruda's market reach across Europe, demonstrating how regulatory agility can extend drug lifecycles and maximize therapeutic impact across diverse patient populations.Compliance challenges remain prevalent, as illustrated by Pfizer and Tris Pharma's settlement of allegations related to ADHD medication Quillivant's quality control issues for $41.5 million. This case highlights ongoing efforts to ensure stringent quality standards within pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.Abbott is expanding its diagnostics portfolio through a $23 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences, known for its Cologuard colorectal cancer test. This acquisition indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing diagnostic capabilities alongside therapeutic offerings—a trend increasingly evident in holistic healthcare solutions.GSK is embarking on a $7 billion collaboration with biotechs Quotient and Profound through Flagship Pioneering. This partnership aims to leverage novel protein and genomic technologies to drive innovation in drug discovery and development, illustrating the industry's focus on integrating advanced biotechnological insights into traditional pharmaceutical frameworks.These developments collectively underscore crSupport the show
An early rally in stocks gave way to a rough sell-off on Wall Street. How Nvidia's reversal, and a delayed jobs report gave way to a market meltdown, and how Walmart became a bright spot in the down day. Plus, Biotech more than doubling the performance of the broader market, as M&A action lights up the space. Where our next guest sees the most opportunity in the space, and if the biotech boom can continue into year end.Fast Money Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. Rachel Gatlin entered neuroscience with curiosity and optimism. Then came chaos. She started her PhD at the University of Utah in March 2020—right as the world shut down. Her lab barely existed. Her advisor was on leave. Her project focused on isolation stress in mice, and then every human on earth became her control group. Rachel fought through supply shortages, grant freezes, and the brutal postdoc job market that treats scientists like disposable parts. When her first offer vanished under a hiring freeze, she doubled down, rewrote her plan, and won her own NIH training grant. Her story is about survival in the most literal sense—how to keep your brain intact when the system built to train you keeps collapsing.RELATED LINKS• Dr. Rachel Gatlin on LinkedIn• Dr. Gatlin's Paper Preprint• Dr. Eric Nestler on Wikipedia• News Coverage: Class of 2025 – PhD Students Redefine PrioritiesFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Synopsis: In a conversation rich with strategic insight, Coya Therapeutics CEO Arun Swaminathan unpacks the intersections of scientific innovation, business development discipline, and capital-efficient execution that define today's most resilient biotechs. With a 25-year foundation spanning R&D, clinical pharmacology, marketing, and BD, Arun offers investors a rare systems-level lens on how neurodegenerative programs progress from hypothesis to value inflection. Through his dialogue with host Alok Tayi, he breaks down Coya's differentiated Treg-modulating platform and the data emerging across ALS, FTD, and Alzheimer's. He explains why Coya's dual-mechanism approach—restoring regulatory T-cell function while reshaping the neuroinflammatory environment—is uniquely poised to change patient trajectories. Arun also delves into the structural logic behind Coya's partnership with Dr. Reddy's, demonstrating how complementary strengths in manufacturing, commercialization, and regulatory strategy can dramatically shift both timelines and capital needs. For investors tracking macro trends, he contextualizes shifting interest rates, pipeline gaps, and rising M&A momentum—and why 2026 may mark the beginning of a healthier biotech cycle. A must-listen for anyone evaluating platform durability, risk mitigation strategies, and next-generation neurodegenerative therapeutics. Biography: Arun Swaminathan, Ph.D., has over 20 years of hands-on healthcare business executive experience with an emphasis on corporate and business development, strategy, and finance. He possesses a demonstrated history of prospecting, evaluating, structuring, and closing company validating transactions that augment both organizational and shareholder value. Prior to joining Coya, Arun served as Chief Business Officer (CBO) for Actinium Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: ATNM) where he was responsible for all business development. Within 1 year of joining Actinium, he successfully moved forward negotiations to closure and executed a $452M deal with $35M upfront. Prior to Actinium, he was the CBO at Alteogen (196170.KQ) where he spearheaded over $6B in deals, including deals with two of the top 10 global pharma companies and a $1B+ deal within the first year of assuming the role of CBO. Prior to this, he co-founded and served as CEO of Lynkogen Inc, a pre-clinical stage biotech. Arun began his career in clinical development and commercial roles of increasing responsibility at BristolMyers Squibb and Covance. He obtained his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.
In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with John Liberty, Senior Bioanalysis Technical Sales Consultant at Thermo Fisher Scientific. They dive deep into how Watson LIMS™ supports regulated bioanalysis workflows, the evolving role of lab automation, and how Connect Enterprise aims to unify biotech digital ecosystems. What you'll learn in this episode: >> Why Watson LIMS is purpose-built for bioanalysis and how it enhances compliance and data traceability. >> The role of lab automation in boosting productivity and reducing manual tasks. >> How Connect Enterprise integrates lab systems across vendors into a seamless workflow. >> Key considerations for implementing LIMS in startup versus established biotech environments. >> The ROI of digital lab solutions in supporting scalable, compliant biotech operations. Meet Our Guests John Liberty is a GMP-trained scientist with a strong focus on ELISA method development, validation, and transfer. He pairs his hands-on scientific background with experience in project management, CRO coordination, data analysis, and training, making him someone who really understands how work moves from the lab bench to real-world application. John has also spent time on the product and customer side, doing technical sales and demos for Watson LIMS™ software, giving him a rare blend of technical depth and communication skills. About The Host Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation. Connect with Our Guest: Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancyConnect with John Liberty on LinkedIn Connect with Us: Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn Sponsored by… This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.
InflaRx CEO Dr. Niels Riedmann joins Rx for Biotech to discuss how the company is pioneering complement-directed therapies to control severe inflammation and autoimmune disease. We break down the science behind INF904, and why C5a is such a powerful immune driver, and how precision immunology is shaping the next wave of treatment innovation.
Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve into the intricate tapestry of scientific advancements, regulatory decisions, and strategic maneuvers shaping our industry.One of the notable stories involves Agios Pharmaceuticals, which is pushing forward with its sickle cell disease treatment, Pyrukynd, for FDA approval. This comes despite mixed results from their Phase 3 clinical trials, which led to a significant drop in their stock value. This scenario underscores the complexities of navigating clinical trial outcomes while pursuing breakthroughs in treating challenging diseases like sickle cell.Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals has marked a significant milestone with the FDA's approval of Plozasiran. This achievement not only marks Arrowhead's entry into the commercial sector but also highlights the competitive dynamics within biotech, as companies like Ionis Pharmaceuticals vie for market dominance with innovative therapies. Further strengthening its position, Arrowhead also received FDA approval for Redemplo, a siRNA-based therapeutic for rare genetic metabolic disorders. Despite facing volatility due to safety concerns in its partnership with Sarepta Therapeutics, this approval underscores RNA interference therapies' potential in precision medicine.In corporate strategy news, Alkermes is making moves to acquire Avadel Pharmaceuticals, offering up to $2.37 billion and overshadowing a competing bid from Lundbeck. Such acquisitions are part of a broader trend of consolidation in the industry aimed at expanding portfolios and market reach. Avadel's decision to accept Alkermes' revised offer over Lundbeck's bid highlights ongoing consolidation trends as companies expand their portfolios in competitive markets like narcolepsy drugs.On the investment front, Celltrion has committed $478 million to upgrade a U.S. manufacturing facility acquired from Eli Lilly. This expansion is crucial for increasing manufacturing capabilities within the biosimilars sector, where demand for cost-effective therapeutics is on the rise. Additionally, Celltrion's exploration beyond biosimilars with a potential $350 million deal involving Trioar's antibody platform demonstrates ambition to diversify its portfolio towards innovative biologics.Teva Pharmaceuticals is fostering innovation by inviting startups to tackle key challenges within biopharma through a global platform. This initiative reflects a growing trend toward open innovation and collaboration, seeking novel solutions to complex issues across research and development and manufacturing efficiencies.In regulatory news, the controversial $7.4 billion settlement plan involving the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma has received approval from a bankruptcy judge. This paves the way for Purdue's transformation into Knoa Pharma and highlights ongoing legal and ethical reckonings related to opioid liabilities within the industry.Cytokinetics remains committed to its independent path as it awaits FDA approval for its cardiovascular drug Aficamtem. The company's determination to commercialize without big pharma support reflects a trend where smaller biotech firms strive for autonomy while bringing first-in-class drugs to market.On an infectious disease front, Merck has demonstrated significant progress with its HIV treatment Islatravir in Phase 3 trials. This places Islatravir as a potential competitor against Gilead's Biktarvy, showcasing ongoing innovation within antiviral drug development.Additionally, Dexcom has gained clearance for its type 2 diabetes software integrating continuous glucose monitoring technology. This advancement exemplifies how digital health technologies are transforming chronic disease management bySupport the show
Get the Side Hustle Ideas Database [free]: https://clickhubspot.com/ckf Episode 765: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) talk about every business Shaan tried before he made his first million. — Show Notes: (0:00) #1 Chipotle of Sushi (5:00) #2 Selling Wristbands Online (9:34) #3 Biotech with a billionaire (12:54) #4 Making the next billion dollar app (17:30) #5 Ride a wave (22:37) Shaan applies to Stripe (25:29) Going from 0/12 to 5/5 (26:35) Project selection (40:00) Your last dollar (46:00) Uncle Shaan's advice for 20 year olds (52:12) New segment: Life happens — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano //
Join us for an insightful episode of The Edge of Show, where we dive deep as part of a media partnership into the world of decentralized identity, AI, and the future of digital trust with Billy Luedtke, the founder of Intuition Protocol. Billy shares his journey from angel investing to creating a decentralized trust layer for the Internet, reimagining identity, reputation, and verifiable information in the age of AI.In this episode, we explore:The intersection of decentralized identity and AIThe inspiration behind launching Intuition ProtocolHow decentralized identity can reshape our online interactionsThe concept of the "agentic internet" and its implications for our digital livesThe importance of verifiable data and decentralized reputation systemsThe future of knowledge sharing and the role of AI in our decision-making processesBilly also discusses the challenges of competing with big tech and the potential for a more decentralized and user-centric internet. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a Web3 pioneer, or just curious about the future of digital identity, this episode is packed with bold ideas and real-world impact.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends who are excited about the future of technology and culture!Resources Intuition Website: https://www.intuition.systems/ Twitte/X: https://x.com/0xintuition Connect with Billy LuedtkeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-luedtke-b0a3bb5a/ Twitter: https://x.com/0xbilly Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
Are you tired of competition and struggling to find collaborators in biotech? In this episode, returning host Patrick Reed, RTTP, talks with Christiaan Engstrom, MBA, Founder and CEO of BLPN, a member-led club connecting life science dealmakers with one goal: helping each other succeed. Christiaan shares how BLPN has built a thriving community where collaboration, mentorship, and trust come first — creating opportunities that go far beyond business cards and conference booths. In this episode, you'll discover: How a simple mantra — “Find someone to help, repeat” — is reshaping biotech networking. Why connection, not competition, is the key to sustainable industry growth. How leaders can strengthen regional biotech ecosystems and bring coastal innovation energy inland. Tune in to learn how genuine collaboration can transform biotech partnerships – and why the most powerful deals start with helping someone else. Links: Connect with Christiaan Engstrom, MBA, and check out BLPN. Connect with Patrick Reed, RTTP, and learn about Auburn University IPX. Learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and Tamika Jackson. Check out JPM, BioAlabama, and The Beautiful Way Foundation. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.
Join host Justin Forman in Nairobi, Kenya, as he sits down with Jean-Paul Nageri, co-founder of KaFresh, for an extraordinary conversation about finding divine solutions hidden in plain sight. When Jean-Paul watched his father's banana harvest spoil while waiting for traders, he didn't just see a problem—he saw a calling. What followed was a journey of "God Engineering" that led to a breakthrough preserving produce 10x longer using only natural plant oils.This episode explores how entrepreneurs can look to creation itself for answers to massive problems, why cold storage isn't always the answer for Africa, and how one biotech solution is transforming food security for millions. From Genesis 1:29 inspiration to cutting-edge agricultural innovation, this conversation reveals how faith, science, and entrepreneurship combine to solve real-world challenges.Key Topics:How watching his father lose 50% of harvests to spoilage launched an entrepreneurial journeyThe "God Engineering" discovery: unlocking preservation secrets from orange peelsWhy expensive Western solutions (cold storage) don't work for African farmersKaFresh breakthrough: Extending tomato shelf life from 1 week to 3+ months at room temperatureThe $1 trillion problem: Sub-Saharan Africa loses 37% of food production to post-harvest spoilageFrom synthetic chemicals to natural plant oils: reversing the globalization of food preservationHow monks in 1800s monasteries pioneered natural food coating techniquesBuilding an agricultural biotech platform: From preservation to accelerated seed germinationMaking insects "invisible" to produce instead of killing them with pesticidesUganda's 2 million smallholder farmers and the mindset shift that changes everythingNotable Quotes:"I like to use the term God Engineering. He literally leaves clues, but you have to have that discernment to be able to see the clues." - Jean-Paul Nageri"Why me, why me, why not some other big company? But that's God's plan. He normally takes the underdogs." - Jean-Paul Nageri"Anything that is good for you should be easy to pronounce." - Jean-Paul Nageri
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONBefore she was raising millions to preserve fertility for cancer patients, Tracy Weiss was filming reenactments in her apartment for the Maury Povich Show using her grandmother's china. Her origin story includes Jerry Springer, cervical cancer, and a full-body allergic reaction to bullshit. Now, she's Executive Director of The Chick Mission, where she weaponizes sarcasm, spreadsheets, and the rage of every woman who's ever been told “you're fine” while actively bleeding out in a one-stall office bathroom.We get into all of it. The diagnosis. The misdiagnosis. The second opinion that saved her life. Why fertility preservation is still a luxury item. Why half of oncologists still don't mention it. And what it takes to turn permission to be pissed into a platform that actually pays for women's futures.This episode is blunt, hilarious, and very Jewish. There's chopped liver, Carrie Bradshaw slander, and more than one “fuck you” to the status quo. You've been warned.RELATED LINKSThe Chick MissionTracy Weiss on LinkedInFertility Preservation Interview (Dr. Aimee Podcast)Tracy's Story in Authority MagazineNBC DFW FeatureStork'd Podcast EpisodeNuDetroit ProfileChick Mission 2024 Gala RecapFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship, email podcast@matthewzachary.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if one decision could make or break your drug's success? Join Charles River's Sarah Gould as she unpacks the high-stakes, emotion-filled world of species selection—and why it's about so much more than science. Discover how this critical choice shapes safety, speeds development, and drives innovation in today's evolving research landscape.Show Notes Alternative Methods Advancement Project | Charles River Animals in Research | Charles River Research Models and Services | Charles River Research Animals Models | Charles River
China is investing heavily in cutting-edge genetic experiments. It’s part of their quest to become a biotech superpower. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha, Bloomberg’s Karoline Kan and Oxford University geneticist Andy Greenfield discuss China’s pharmaceutical ambitions and the loose regulatory environment that allows the animal testing industry to thrive. Read more: China Pushes Boundaries With Animal Testing to Win Global Biotech RaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. Allan Shaw, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer at Create Medicines, is back on the Business of Biotech this week, with a temperature check on biotech funding and the IPO market. We discuss the implications of recent blockbuster acquisitions, strategies for managing the current funding environment for biotech, what to look for in the IPO market in the coming months, alternative financing opportunities, and what besides lower interest rates might bring generalist investors back into the sector. Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/
The best biotech and pharmaceutical innovations mean nothing if they can't be protected—and protected fast. Our next guest, Josh Goldberg, is solving this challenge as co-managing partner at Nath, Goldberg & Meyer, the #1 ranked patent law firm for biotech and pharmaceutical technologies. With nearly three decades of IP law experience and a unique background as a lab researcher, Josh brings an insider's understanding of how innovation actually happens. He's helped industry leaders like Amgen, Takeda, and GlaxoSmithKline turn breakthrough treatments into patent-protected portfolios—often in under a year instead of the typical four-year timeline. Driven by a passion for focus and strategic IP timing, Josh shares his pioneering approach to biotech and pharmaceutical patent prosecution. Join us to discover how smart IP strategy drives licensing power, regulatory success, and company valuation. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Focus drives success – Companies fail by trying to do everything at once; staying deliberate and focused is key to making real impactOne-year patent timelines vs. four years – Josh uses USPTO's Track 1 program to secure patents in record time, improving fundraising and M&A positioningClient-centered approach wins – Listening to unique client needs instead of one-size-fits-all strategies earned the firm its #1 rankingDiagnostic patents are back – New USPTO Director signals the patent office is "open for business" again after a decade of restrictionsScientist turned patent attorney – Josh's lab background gives him insider understanding of how innovation actually happensAbout our Guest: Joshua is the patent attorney innovation-driven pharmaceutical companies call when they need to turn complicated technologies into protected assets in record time.As co-managing partner at Nath, Goldberg & Meyer—the #1 ranked patent law firm for biotech and pharmaceutical technologies in both 2024 and 2025—Joshua leads IP efforts across industries like biotech, pharma, agriculture, renewable energy, and advanced materials. Whether it's a blockbuster acne treatment like DUAC, a vitamin D analog lotion like Sorilux, OTC solutions like Salonpas and Germagic, or a leading drug used to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD, ulcers, and heartburn—like Protonix—Joshua helps turn high-stakes R&D into patent-protected portfolios, often in under a year instead of the typical four-year timeline.Though his climate and agricultre IP expertise has made him famous as the “green patent guy,” Joshua moves between disciplines skillfully and has helped industry leaders like Amgen, Takeda, Guilford Pharmaceuticals, Mayne, and Stiefel Laboratories (which was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline) build pharma portfolios that hold up under investor, acquirer, and FDA scrutiny.His journey didn't begin in IP law, but in the lab, researching experimental pharmaceutical delivery systems. It gave him an edge most attorneys don't have: understanding how innovation actually happens, and how to protect it without slowing a business down. Links Supporting This Episode: Nath, Goldberg & Meyer Website: CLICK HEREJoshua Goldberg LinkedIn page: CLICK HERENath, Goldberg & Meyer LinkedIn: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page:...
Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance
We're living longer than ever, but are we staying healthy longer? In this season finale, we explore how genomics, phenomics, and lifestyle choices intertwine to shape not just how long we live, but how well we live. Guests Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy of Phenome Health and HudsonAlpha's Nick and Meagan Cochran share how research projects like HOPE-AD are using big data, wearable tech, and personalized multimodal interventions to redefine wellness and bring new hope to Alzheimer's disease prevention.To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “From Lifespan to Healthspan: Rethinking Brain Wellness.” If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to Youtube. Thanks for listening! We're now on YouTube- follow us here. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.
Want a legal career blending Intellectual Property (IP), Biotechnology, and Business? We sit down with Jenna Matheny (Vice-President & Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for law students and those interested in patent law who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life.In this episode, we discuss:The Innovation Lifecycle: How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization.The Business of IP: The critical, often-overlooked importance of contracting and compliance in developing and licensing medical technology.Finding Your Niche: Jenna's unique career path through university Tech Transfer offices, incubators, and accelerators—and how law students can get their foot in the door.Beyond Science: The growing field of social innovation and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark.Practical Law School Advice: Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies.(00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career (01:43) - Meet Jenna Matheny: Expert in Medical Technology IP and Tech Consulting (04:28) - Defining Biotech vs. MedTech: Law's Role in FDA Approval (05:42) - The Core Practice Areas: Patents, Contracting, and Regulatory Compliance (10:09) - Career Pivot: From Medicine Interest to Patent Attorney Path (11:32) - Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs): How Law Students Can Gain Experience (14:28) - Incubators & Accelerators: Consulting and Internship Roles for Attorneys (20:39) - Practical Advice: Essential Law School Courses (Securities, Tax) and Clinics (24:26) - Serendipity & Networking: How Connections Change the Course of a Legal Career (25:59) - Social Innovation: IP Opportunities without a Science Background (Copyright & Trademark) Click here to view the episode transcript.
In this episode of The Top Line, Fierce’s Chris Hayden speaks with Foresight Diagnostics co-founders Dr. Jake Chabon and Dr. Max Diehn about how their company is delivering the next generation of minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in cancer care. Born from research at Stanford University, Foresight’s PhasED-Seq technology delivers ultra-sensitive detection—down to parts per ten million—enabling clinicians to identify microscopic traces of cancer that traditional imaging misses. The discussion explores how Foresight’s MRD platform, CLARITY, can have the ability to support more confident decision-making, from determining curative success in early-stage cancers to guiding consolidation treatment in lymphoma. Chabon and Diehn highlight the company’s biopharma collaborations, clinical trial integration, and evidence-driven approach to guideline inclusion. They also look ahead to a future where MRD testing becomes central to oncology surveillance, accelerating therapy approvals and complementing genomic and digital pathology tools to advance precision medicine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two venture capitalists dissect why biotech burns billions while China runs trials in weeks—and why the next Genentech won't look anything like the last one. Elliot Hershberg reveals the "three horsemen" strangling drug development as costs explode to $2.5 billion per approval, while Lada Nuzhna exposes how investigator-initiated trials in Shanghai are rewriting the competitive playbook faster than American founders can file INDs. When the infrastructure that built monoclonal antibodies becomes the commodity threatening to hollow out an entire industry, the only path forward demands inventing medicines that are literally impossible to make without tools that don't exist yet—and they're betting everything on which approach survives. Resources:Follow Jorge on X: https://x.com/JorgeCondeBioFollow Lada on X: https://x.com/ladanuzhnaFollow Elliot on X: https://x.com/ElliotHershbergFollow Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Podcast on SpotifyListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this week's Hot Topics we break down the biggest stories shaping crypto and finance, with special guest James Wo, Founder & CEO of DFG.From the Senate's long-awaited crypto market structure bill to the Trump administration's plan for crypto-backed mortgages, this episode explores how policy, innovation, and real-world adoption are converging fast. James also shares DFG's strategy for the next market cycle, including their Bitcoin reserve, investment outlook for 2026 IPOs, and the projects leading the charge in DeFi and tokenization.TakeawaysRegulation is finally catching up with innovation.Stablecoins and real-world assets are leading the next wave.Long-term conviction still defines the builders shaping Web3.Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
In this episode of The Edge of Show, host Josh Kriger sits down with William Fey, founder of Ammalgam, to explore how his team is merging lending and trading into one seamless DeFi experience. With a background in math, software engineering, and crypto markets, William shares the journey behind creating a Decentralized Lending Exchange (DeLEx) that's setting new standards for capital efficiency, accessibility, and user experience ahead of its mainnet launch on Sonic.Key TakeawaysA deep look at the evolution from DeFi Summer to the next wave of unified on-chain tradingHow security innovation and design simplicity drive mainstream adoptionWhy impermanent gain may become the new framework for liquidity provisionWhether you're a DeFi veteran or exploring the next generation of financial systems, this episode breaks down complex concepts into real-world impact — a must-listen for anyone following the future of decentralized finance.Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
Today's guest is Chris Clark. Chris was a biotech PM for 10 years at RS Investments, managing $4.5 billion. In today's episode, Chris discusses the complexities of the biotech sector, which has suffered a dramatic drawdown the past few years. He begins by explaining how biotech works, why it's such a unique sector, and what has kept investors and companies frozen the past few years. He also explains the different perspectives of venture capitalists and public market investors, the current regulatory environment and how AI may reshape drug development. (0:00) Starts (1:20) Biotech industry overview (18:09) Can you be a quant in biotech? (25:09) Biotech market cap distribution and benchmark underweighting (34:47) Addressing biotech volatility, market outlook, and non-pro investing tips (47:02) Private vs. public biotech investments (1:01:32) Global biotech markets (China) (1:09:48) AI and regulatory impact on biotech (1:21:14) US healthcare spending (1:33:48) Chris' most memorable investment ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Follow The Idea Farm: X | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok ----- Interested in sponsoring the show? Email us at Feedback@TheMebFaberShow.com ----- Past guests include Ed Thorp, Richard Thaler, Jeremy Grantham, Joel Greenblatt, Campbell Harvey, Ivy Zelman, Kathryn Kaminski, Jason Calacanis, Whitney Baker, Aswath Damodaran, Howard Marks, Tom Barton, and many more. ----- Meb's invested in some awesome startups that have passed along discounts to our listeners. Check them out here! ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices