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Avi Feldman is a former hedge fund manager and host of the 1000x Podcast. In this conversation, we discuss why he sold all of his bitcoin and crypto after nearly a decade in the industry, how he's thinking about the AI trade and what comes after the memory stock boom, why he believes the financialization of everyday life is accelerating, his current positions in biotech, defense, rare earth minerals, and the psychology of trading in volatile markets.========================BitcoinIRA: Save up to 37% in capital gains taxes on your retirement investments. Take 3 minutes to open your account & get connected to a team of IRA specialists that will guide you through every step of the process. Go to lp.bitcoinira.com/after-crypto to win up to $4,000 in rewards.========================Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users with access to over 2M+ crypto tokens, and TradFi markets. Bitget's Stocks 2.0 brings 500 major equities and ETFs (like Tesla and NVIDIA) directly to your portfolio. Enjoy 1:1 mapping, deep liquidity, and USDT dividend payouts with ultra-low 0.04% fees. Upgrade your portfolio on Bitget.com today!========================Arch Public is an agentic trading platform that automates the buying and selling of your preferred crypto strategies. Sign up today at https://www.archpublic.com and start your automated trading strategy for free. No catch. No hidden fees. Just smarter trading.========================0:00 - Intro1:03 - Why he sold all his bitcoin & crypto6:52 - The Hyperliquid thesis & the broken social contract20:01 - What would make him buy bitcoin again?21:58 - Strategy + STRC & how to gain an edge in the markets 33:40 - What comes after the memory stock boom?37:58 - Biotech, defense, & rare earth minerals39:29 - Robostrategy, private markets & NAV premiums44:08 - Why index fund returns may be lower going forward55:40 - Contrarian investing & spotting a bubble1:07:44 - Meme stocks, retail & future outlook1:13:25 - The 1000x Podcast
Send us Fan MailKey Discussion Highlights & TakeawaysThe Post-Challenger NASA Optimization: Following the 1986 disaster, Tamim engineered an automated laser measurement system that replaced slow manual shims on 25,000 silica tiles—slashing inspection processing time from 30 days down to just three days.The Authentic Stanford AI Era: Studying at Stanford's AI Institute in 1989, Tamim developed "Expert Systems" utilizing object-oriented programming, algorithmic edge detection, and heuristic modeling decades before today's modern large language models hit the mainstream.Biomedical Disruption & The Camera Pill: As Head of R&D for a prominent endoscopy firm, Tamim shrank camera tech to help engineer the world's first swallowable camera pill—transmitting 24 frames per second wirelessly to a belt pack receiver.The Architecture of Cardiac Output: Transitioning to cardiac care, Tamim engineered a novel diagnostic application utilizing industrial accelerometers placed on the trachea to directly track the mechanical pumping power of the heart's left ventricle.The Science of Theradome: Replicating a forgotten 1965 cold laser study on rats, Tamim custom-grew a specialized 680-nanometer cold laser chip in Silicon Valley. This safe, visible light spectrum device specifically targets and stimulates the mitochondria inside individual hair follicles to halt hair loss in two to three weeks. Key Timestamps & Moments of Gold00:00:00 - Episode Intro: A Legendary Geek-Out Session00:01:15 - A Lifetime on the Cutting Edge of Global Tech00:03:36 - The Core Power of Cold Lasers vs. Burning Lights00:04:50 - Affiliate Sponsor Intermission: MyPillow Special Offers00:05:52 - Origin Story: From Afghanistan to Electrical Engineering00:07:45 - Re-Engineering NASA Space Shuttle Inspections Post-Challenger00:13:58 - Top-Secret Clearances & The Reality of Atlantic Ocean Recovery Wreckage00:16:40 - The Stanford AI Era: Architectural Roots of Expert Systems00:18:40 - Miniaturizing Medicine: Inventing the Swallowable Camera Pill00:22:50 - Edge Detection, Image Processing, and Human Cognition00:26:55 - Why Large Language Models Don't Possess Consciousness Yet00:28:50 - The True Future of Automation and Robotic Assistance00:32:20 - MIPS Power: Microprocessing Demands of the AI Grid00:34:40 - Global Data Centers, Environmental Needs, & Nuclear Energy00:37:30 - The Silicon Valley Startup Shift: Wavelet Compression Realities00:41:50 - The Technological Vanguard: Turning Down the Adult Entertainment Industry00:45:00 - Tracking the Heart Mechanically: The Trachea-Accelerometer Connection00:51:30 - Re-Discovering the 1965 Cold Laser Rat Research Paper00:54:20 - Etching Semiconductor Chips: Creating the Theradome Laser Wavelength00:56:45 - The Indiegogo Launch: Disrupting Global Hair Loss Treatment00:58:20 - "Grow It Back": Reversing Cellular Aging via Mitochondrial Stimulation01:03:40 - Demystifying Laser Dangers: Safety in the Visible Light Spectrum01:06:50 - The Timeline of Hair Restoration: From Shampoos to Full Recovery01:12:20 - From Oncology to Inventions: Honoring a Father's Medical Legacy01:17:35 - Why Doctors Don't Learn Laser Physics in Medical School01:21:50 - Microelectronic Manufacturing Systems (MEMS) and Semiconductor Cityscapes01:27:00 - Moving Forward in Time: The Ultimate Technological Shift01:32:50 - The Automated AI Quiz and a Bulletproof One-Year Guarantee01:35:10 - Combating Morality: Faith, Integrity, and the Pinata Theory01:38:00 - Wrap-Up: Applying Intentional Action For LifeFor full episode details and special offers, please visit our website at https://DavidPasqualone.com/TH
In 2020, Emily Mendenhall drove from Washington, DC to Okoboji, Iowa, a town of 800 that swells to 200,000 every summer, and walked into a pandemic that looked nothing like the one dominating national headlines. Inside gas stations and bars, masks marked you as an outsider. In one stop, a man told her family they would not be served if they kept theirs on. Her 6 year old daughter cried, confused. Mendenhall, a medical anthropologist at Georgetown University, did what she always does. She started asking questions. Over months, she interviewed neighbors, former classmates, and local officials, including her own brother in law who helped lead the local COVID response. The result became Unmasked, a case study in how community identity, economics, and politics shaped public health decisions in real time. That work led directly into her latest book, Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID, where she tracks a much older problem. Patients with chronic illness, especially women, often fail to meet medicine's demand for proof. Without a clear diagnosis, they lose access to care, insurance coverage, and legitimacy. Mendenhall argues that long COVID did not create this failure. It exposed it.This conversation centers on how healthcare systems reward certainty and punish complexity. Long COVID clinics send patients to 17 specialists without resolution. Insurance structures require diagnoses that many conditions cannot provide. Medical training still struggles to integrate trauma, mental health, and chronic disease into a coherent model of care.Mendenhall brings lived experience into the conversation. After COVID, she dealt with months of fatigue and escalating anxiety that altered her baseline health. She does not claim the label of long COVID, but she understands how quickly the system becomes harder to navigate once symptoms stop fitting clean categories. The stakes are not theoretical. In the United States, access to healthcare, disability benefits, and treatment still depends on whether a condition can be measured, coded, and reimbursed. For millions living with invisible illness, the burden of proof becomes the illness itself.RELATED LINKSEmily MendenhallInvisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVIDScience PoliticsGeorgetown UniversityFEEDBACKLike 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.
Join Dima Romashin, CEO and Co-Founder of Efferon, for an unvarnished examination of the execution bottleneck threatening modern life sciences. While the biotech sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom in discovery, an industry-wide crisis looms at the industrialization layer: brilliant therapeutics and medical devices frequently fail not because the science is flawed, but because it cannot be reliably replicated at scale. Bringing a background as a manufacturing executive at a $100M+ enterprise to the deep-tech ecosystem, Dima argues that true clinical impact only occurs when a breakthrough can be successfully manufactured by the millions. In this episode, we explore how Efferon is scaling its revolutionary blood purification platform and redefining the rules of biotech capital formation.
An AI and Software slump kicking off the week in a tech sell-off with Google, Amazon and Microsoft all ending the day in the red. The traders break down what tech investors can expect from the losses and if this is the start of a bigger trend. Then, will a luxury property tax in New York City spark market unrest? Sotheby's International Realty president and CEO Philip White breaks down NYC's ‘pied-à-terre tax' taking effect next week, and how he believes people will react. Plus, Chevron and Microsoft strike a deal, why now is the best time to invest in biotech, and can Netflix recover from its losing streak? 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.
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode of the Business of Biotech, William Ho, CEO of IN8bio, explains why gamma delta T cells may have an edge against cancer, including solid tumors like glioblastoma. He also offers up a candid and step-by-step look at what it takes to finance an early clinical-stage cell therapy company through a punishing IPO market and a long cash crunch. 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/
Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" on WGN Plus
Kelly sits down with Dr. Jeremy Levin, Executive Chairman and founder of Ovid Therapeutics, a public company focused on medicines for epilepsies and seizure-related brain disorders. He has a fantastic new book titled “Biotech in the Balance: Saving a Strategic Industry in an Age of Distrust.” “Misinformation spreads faster than corrections.” “Talented people learn that candor carries risk.” “Medicines […]
On today's episode, host Mark Longo and the all-star panel break down a fascinating "ho-hum" macro day that is hiding massive, wild swings under the surface of individual single-name equities. First, the crew tests their wits with an official geography question from a 1980s Trivial Pursuit deck that leaves everyone questioning the data. Then, Mike Tosaw and Andrew Giovinazzi dive deep into the trading floor to look at the massive rotation into small caps (IWM), unusual vertical action in September VIX options, and why the tech giants (MSFT, GOOGL, AMZN) are shedding serious weight from their recent all-time highs while AI chip darlings like SanDisk (WDC) and Micron (MU) steal all the oxygen in the room. On the Trading Block & Odd Block: SpaceX Tears: Andrew's mama, Mama Lobster, is in mourning as SpaceX plunges roughly 11% in a single session. Is the air coming out of the IPO bubble, or is the premium vastly underpriced for single-leg buyers? Biotech Calls (ERAS): Heavy upside call buying hits the October 20 lines for Erasca Inc. Andrew breaks down why this early-stage oncology player is seeing big institutional accumulation. Pizza Puts (PZZA): Massive volume hits the August 25 puts for Papa John's. The panel breaks down why the entire restaurant and fast-food sector is getting squeezed eight ways from Sunday. Fiserv (FI): The continuation of the massive July 40 put saga. Is paper finally getting assigned on this "stair-step" downward trend? The Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw breaks his own golden rule of spreading to discuss why the extreme volatility and massive price extensions in SpaceX make a rare, compelling case for buying single-leg options instead of spreads.
On today's episode, host Mark Longo and the all-star panel break down a fascinating "ho-hum" macro day that is hiding massive, wild swings under the surface of individual single-name equities. First, the crew tests their wits with an official geography question from a 1980s Trivial Pursuit deck that leaves everyone questioning the data. Then, Mike Tosaw and Andrew Giovinazzi dive deep into the trading floor to look at the massive rotation into small caps (IWM), unusual vertical action in September VIX options, and why the tech giants (MSFT, GOOGL, AMZN) are shedding serious weight from their recent all-time highs while AI chip darlings like SanDisk (WDC) and Micron (MU) steal all the oxygen in the room. On the Trading Block & Odd Block: SpaceX Tears: Andrew's mama, Mama Lobster, is in mourning as SpaceX plunges roughly 11% in a single session. Is the air coming out of the IPO bubble, or is the premium vastly underpriced for single-leg buyers? Biotech Calls (ERAS): Heavy upside call buying hits the October 20 lines for Erasca Inc. Andrew breaks down why this early-stage oncology player is seeing big institutional accumulation. Pizza Puts (PZZA): Massive volume hits the August 25 puts for Papa John's. The panel breaks down why the entire restaurant and fast-food sector is getting squeezed eight ways from Sunday. Fiserv (FI): The continuation of the massive July 40 put saga. Is paper finally getting assigned on this "stair-step" downward trend? The Strategy Block: Mike Tosaw breaks his own golden rule of spreading to discuss why the extreme volatility and massive price extensions in SpaceX make a rare, compelling case for buying single-leg options instead of spreads.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into some of the most exciting stories shaping the industry right now. Let's start with a groundbreaking advancement in gene therapy. Researchers have achieved a significant milestone by successfully using CRISPR technology to treat a rare genetic disorder in humans. This marks one of the first times that CRISPR has been applied directly to patients in such a way, offering hope for those suffering from conditions previously thought untreatable. This development is not just about treating one disorder; it opens up a world of possibilities for addressing various genetic diseases. By precisely editing genes at their source, scientists are paving the way for therapies that could revolutionize how we approach genetic disorders. Shifting gears to regulatory news, the FDA has granted accelerated approval to a new Alzheimer's drug that targets amyloid plaques in the brain. This drug, through its unique mechanism of action, aims to slow down cognitive decline in patients diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. While there remains debate about the amyloid hypothesis itself, this approval signals a hopeful step forward in treating a condition that affects millions worldwide. As researchers continue to explore and understand Alzheimer's pathology, such approvals encourage further innovation and investment into neurodegenerative research. In clinical trial news, a biotech company has announced promising results from its Phase 3 trial of an mRNA-based vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The trial demonstrated high efficacy in preventing severe RSV infections among older adults, a population particularly vulnerable to this virus. These results not only underscore the versatility of mRNA technology but also highlight how quickly platforms developed during the COVID-19 pandemic can be adapted for other infectious diseases. This advancement suggests a future where rapid response to emerging viral threats becomes more feasible. Meanwhile, in the realm of oncology, there's been an exciting development with a novel immunotherapy showing potential in treating pancreatic cancer. This approach involves modifying patients' own immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells, a technique known as CAR-T cell therapy. Although traditionally successful in blood cancers, applying it to solid tumors like pancreatic cancer has been challenging due to their dense and protective tumor microenvironments. Early data indicate that this immunotherapy may penetrate these barriers more effectively, offering new hope for patients facing one of the deadliest forms of cancer. On a broader scale, the industry continues to see an increase in collaborative efforts between pharmaceutical giants and smaller biotech firms. These partnerships are essential for fostering innovation and speeding up drug development processes. By combining resources and expertise, companies can tackle complex health challenges more efficiently than ever before. Such collaborations also reflect an industry trend towards open innovation models that prioritize agility and shared knowledge over traditional competition. Finally, let's touch on an emerging trend that's capturing attention: personalized medicine's growing influence on drug development strategies. With advances in genomics and data analytics, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly tailoring therapies to individual patient profiles rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This shift not only improves treatment efficacy but also reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare systems. These stories illustrate an industry at the cutting edge of science and technology, driven by a relentless pursuit of new ways to improve human health. Each breakthrough not only represents progress but also carries profound implications for future research directions and therapeutic possibilities. That's all for today's edition of Pharma Daily. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you more updates on these exciting developments in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Thank you for listening, and we'll be back soon with more insights from this dynamic field.Support the show
Let us know what you think!Security Halt's Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5QsClick the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help. How do you turn military experience into a thriving career in business, science, and entrepreneurship?In Episode 442 of the Security Halt! Podcast, Deny Caballero sits down with Marine Corps veteran, biotech scientist, and startup strategist Kenny Rienecker to discuss the mindset, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of growth that helped him navigate life after military service.From his early days as a college athlete and Marine to working in cutting-edge biotech and startup ecosystems, Kenny shares practical lessons on networking, education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and leveraging military skills to build success in the civilian world.Whether you're transitioning out of the military, launching a business, or searching for your next mission, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for long-term personal and professional growth.Chapters:00:00 From Athlete to Marine: Kenny Rienecker's Journey 04:58 Military Service and Leadership Development 10:02 Navigating the Military-to-Civilian Transition 14:48 Why Team Dynamics Drive Long-Term Success 19:59 How Military Skills Translate to Business and Marketing 26:02 Self-Discovery, Purpose, and Career Growth 29:10 Building a Powerful Professional Network 30:43 Education, Mentorship, and Continuous Learning 35:15 Inside the World of Biotechnology and Stem Cell Research 36:50 Avoiding Burnout While Chasing Success 41:14 Balancing Family, Ambition, and Well-Being 49:37 Why Veterans Should Consider an MBA and Advanced Education Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ Security Halt Mediahttps://www.securityhaltmedia.com/Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.podLinkedIn: Deny Caballero Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/ Support the showProduced by Security Halt Media
This is my fifth interview with Peter Mantas. I learn something new each time I talk to Peter. This week, we discuss Peter's views on where the Left Tail lies in biotech, why bubbles are great for biotech's long-term success, and how to spot the real AI winners from vaporware in the biotech space. I loved recording this episode and learned a ton, I know you will too.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOTHING IS INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN WORK. NOTHING IS ADVICE ON THIS PODCAST.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. The industry continues to evolve, with significant scientific advancements, regulatory updates, and strategic business moves shaping the landscape. Let's delve into these developments, starting with some key insights from oncology. In the realm of oncology, minimal residual disease (MRD) is becoming increasingly pivotal. Tumor-informed MRD is being leveraged to design more intelligent trials and interpret early responses, aiding in navigating developmental risks more effectively. This approach was a focal point of discussions at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, where experts emphasized the need to translate precision oncology discoveries into patient care, aiming to surmount existing challenges. The focus on MRD in oncology could lead to earlier detection of treatment responses and personalized therapeutic approaches. Verastem Oncology recently revisited its strategy concerning its combination treatment of avutometinib plus defactinib for metastatic pancreatic cancer. While clinical trials produced moderate results, the company is now redirecting focus toward other promising candidates in its pipeline. Similarly, Novocure faced setbacks as its tumor-treating electric fields device did not achieve its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 glioblastoma trial. These outcomes highlight the persistent challenges in tackling aggressive brain cancers. On the regulatory front, Spero Therapeutics achieved a significant milestone with FDA approval for Utebzi to treat complicated urinary tract infections. This approval marks a turnaround from a previous rejection four years ago, facilitated through a partnership with GSK. Meanwhile, in Europe, Cinnagen secured approval for Zandoriah, a biosimilar of teriparatide, to treat osteoporosis in adults—a testament to their investment in infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. The industry also sees growing interest in cell therapy automation, with companies like Cellares and Ori Biotech leading the charge. These advancements reflect an industry-wide push towards more efficient manufacturing processes for cell therapies. In metabolic health, Novo Nordisk's oral GLP-1 drug Wegovy has gained significant traction due to its brand familiarity among healthcare providers, crucial in its competition with Eli Lilly's Foundayo. Market trends reveal competitive dynamics within obesity treatments as Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy outpaces Eli Lilly's offerings due to strong brand recognition. Biogen's acquisition of Raythera for $1 billion underscores its strategic intent to enhance its portfolio with promising preclinical immunology assets. Such acquisitions highlight broader industry strategies focusing on expanding pipelines through targeted investments. This move aligns with Biogen's focus on autoimmune diseases and enhances its preclinical portfolio. In business development news, LabGenius Therapeutics partnered with LG Chem to utilize AI and machine learning for designing multispecific antibodies targeting tumors. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence in accelerating drug discovery processes within oncology. Clinical trials continue to yield promising results. F2G and Shionogi's antifungal small molecule olorofim demonstrated efficacy comparable to Ambisome in treating invasive aspergillosis—an advancement crucial for infectious diseases with limited treatment options. D&D Pharmatech's Zabopegdutide showed an impressive improvement rate in fibrosis during Phase 2 trials for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, emphasizing the potential of protein-based therapies in treating metabolic liver disorders. Corporate launches reflect strategic maneuvers aimed at advancing therapeutic developments. Innoviva introduced Nortiva Bio to focus on long-acting oral medicines using acquired platform technology from Lyndra Therapeutics—aiming to revolutionize women's health through sustained-release formulations. The financial landscape also shows active movement, exemplified by Kardigan's $400 million IPO aimed at progressing cardiovascular drugs into advanced trials. Alvotech's public offering signals a commitment to biosimilar medicines—a sector poised for growth due to rising demand for cost-effective biologic therapies. Overall, these developments reflect a robust innovation pipeline within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as they strategically address complex diseases through novel therapies and technologies. As scientific progress accelerates alongside strategic corporate actions, these changes promise enhanced patient care outcomes through groundbreaking treatments that cater to unmet medical needs worldwide.Support the show
A full circle moment for markets as crude oil stoops to its lowest levels since the start of the Iran war and average gas prices drop less than $4 a gallon. Can consumers breathe a sigh of relief or will prices bounce back? Then, biotech stocks soaring from new products and blockbuster drugs hitting the market. Senior pharma and biotechnology analyst at UBS Michael Yee breaks down what investors can expect from an upcoming biotech boom. Plus, the Apple and Intel chip design partnership, housing and restaurant stocks leveling up, and could Toy Story 5 be Disney's only hope after a Mandalorian disappointment? 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.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve into a rapidly evolving landscape marked by significant scientific breakthroughs, regulatory shifts, and strategic business maneuvers. The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are buzzing with renewed vigor, as evidenced by an impressive resurgence in mergers and acquisitions. A recent analysis by PwC reports that M&A activity has reached over $65 billion in deal value during the first quarter of 2026, marking the strongest quarter since 2020. This uptick underscores a robust confidence within the industry, with companies strategically leveraging these mergers to bolster their pipelines and explore new therapeutic territories. Eli Lilly's acquisition of non-opioid pain drugmaker 4E is a case in point, as it reflects a broader industry shift towards precision medicine and non-opioid pain management solutions—a response to growing concerns over opioid addiction. On the regulatory front, notable developments include Colorado's drug import plan receiving FDA approval. This marks a bold step in curbing drug costs across the U.S., although implementation challenges remain due to complex logistical and regulatory landscapes. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is expanding its global manufacturing footprint with a new plant in the Czech Republic for diabetes and obesity drugs, alongside a $29 million investment to upgrade its Chinese facility. This expansion aligns with Novo's strategic preparation to seek Chinese regulatory approval for its Wegovy pill, potentially transforming the obesity treatment landscape. In a move that could reshape vaccine development, Moderna is advancing its mRNA-based influenza vaccine candidate through regulatory channels. The FDA's favorable reviews ahead of an advisory committee meeting highlight the growing acceptance of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines. This technology holds promise for transforming vaccine development across various infectious diseases. Precision oncology continues to grapple with translating scientific discoveries into practical applications that genuinely improve patient outcomes. The ASCO 2026 conference emphasized this critical transition from discovery to implementation as essential for advancing precision medicine. Turning to gene therapy, UniQure is preparing for a significant milestone—submitting an accelerated Biologics License Application for its Huntington's disease therapy. This follows a reversal by the FDA, which now considers UniQure's Phase 1/2 trial data sufficient for submission. Should this therapy gain approval, it would be groundbreaking as the first genetic medicine for Huntington's disease, setting a precedent for future gene therapies targeting other genetic disorders. In another strategic partnership, Jazz Pharmaceuticals has teamed up with AbCellera to develop T-cell-engaging antibodies for oncology indications, illustrating the potential financial rewards associated with innovative cancer therapies. This collaboration could yield up to $820 million per program and highlights how partnerships are crucial in expediting drug development timelines. These stories reflect broader industry trends emphasizing innovation and strategic partnerships while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The focus on precision medicine and advanced biologics continues to drive scientific advancements, with companies like Vedana Therapeutics targeting unmet needs in neurology through novel therapeutic approaches. Meanwhile, international collaboration is gaining traction in regulatory processes. The newly launched transatlantic liaison program between the FDA and MHRA aims to accelerate drug approvals and foster innovation across borders—an initiative that underscores the importance of collaborative frameworks. However, not all news is optimistic. Be Biopharma's decision to terminate its hemophilia B cell therapy trial highlights the challenges companies face in competitive therapeutic areas. Despite previous optimism, similar withdrawals by Pfizer and BioMarin indicate the necessity for robust clinical data and clear market differentiation strategies. Furthermore, Merck's recent agreement with Protillion Technologies marks an increased focus on integrating artificial intelligence into drug discovery processes—a trend promising accelerated timelines and improved trial success rates. As these developments unfold, it's evident that the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are at an intersection where scientific innovation meets strategic business decisions. The potential approval of UniQure's gene therapy could catalyze further advancements in genetic medicine—while M&A activities suggest an industry poised for transformative growth. For stakeholders—from researchers to executives—the ability to adapt to these dynamic changes will be crucial in shaping the future of drug development and patient care. In conclusion, these stories collectively paint a picture of an industry evolving through scientific breakthroughs while adapting through strategic business decisions. As new technologies integrate into this space alongside regulatory advancements in gene therapy, this period of transformation holds promising implications for addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing therapeutic outcomes globally.Support the show
Kasra Ghanbari might just be the most interesting man in comics. He's been: a Biotech CEO, a cancer and Alzheimer's researcher, written comics for IDW, an art agent to industry titans like: Scott Radke & Clive Barker, and now he's the organizer of several comic art shows like Original Art Expo (OAX) and Indie Comic Creator Con (IC3). Kasra is on the show to talk about his journey from Biotech to the Dark Arts, the upcoming IC3 and First Coast Comic Con collabo event, the vision behind the Jack Kirby Awards, how Comic Art Fans (CAF) changed his life, and his expert advice for navigating the original art market todayWatch the uncut video version of this episode: HERELINKS: Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping online at Gotham City Limit!Join our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free comics, and other rewards! Try a FREE 7-day trial: HEREThe Schiller Kessler GroupClick here to text us Fan Mail! Presented by CovrPriceProudly sponsored by Gotham City LimitDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showREACH OUT AND FOLLOW FOR MORE
I coach women through interviews all the time. So when I had to sit in one myself, for the first time in over 12 years, I learned something I want you to hear. Even though interviewing is something I teach regularly, doing it myself, under pressure, with the outcome out of my hands, was a different experience. So I recorded a raw voice memo the moment I walked out, before I knew if I got in. In this episode I play you that unedited memo, then break down exactly what I did so you can do it too.In this episode, you'll learn:Why I prepared with bullets instead of a script, and what I put on that list before I had my panel interviewThe kinds of questions I asked that took the interrogation feeling out of the room and got me real answersWhat I watched for across everyone I talked to, and what that one pattern told me about the cultureThe question almost nobody asks at the end of an interview, and why one interviewer lit up when I asked itWhy the confidence I felt walking out had nothing to do with whether I got the spotI received the outcome two months later. I'll tell you how it went, and why the answer matters less than you think.REGISTER: The next Strategy Hour for Women in Pharma and Biotech is July 9th. Secure your spot here.Get the Book: Your Worthy Career: A Science-Backed Method to Build a Meaningful Career in Pharma and Biotech here.Work with Me: Learn more and apply to work with me here.Love the podcast? Share your feedback by leaving us a review. Thank you!Connect on SocialsLinkedInInstagram
In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with Paul Finn, Chief Scientific Officer at Oxford Drug Design, for a conversation on what it actually takes to find a drug molecule that works not just on paper but also in the lab, in the cell, and, ultimately, in the clinic. Paul brings four decades of experience across what became GSK, Pfizer, and a series of Oxford-area spinouts and has shepherded a compound all the way to a marketed drug. That perspective gives him a particular kind of skepticism toward AI results that look too good to be true because he's done the work of checking whether they are. The conversation moves through synthesizability as a first-class constraint, why chemistry has proven so much harder for AI than biology, how 3D molecular representation gets closer to the physics that actually matters, and what rigorous multi-parameter optimization looks like when you're trying to kill cancer cells and drug-resistant bacteria at the same time. What you'll learn in this episode: >> Why synthesizability is chronically underestimated and why changing a single atom in a structure can take a molecule from trivially easy to make to practically impossible >> How Oxford Drug Design constrains the generative search to reaction schemes and purchasable building blocks, and why that chemical space is still so vast that novelty is not meaningfully sacrificed >> Why most generative AI models learn from a 2D string representation of a molecule; two steps removed from the 3D physics that govern how a drug actually binds to its target >> How Bayesian optimization over reagent space, rather than molecular space, allows an active learning loop to focus on the structural patterns associated with activity >> Why benchmarking complex models against simple ones is the discipline that exposes false correlations and why Paul and his co-authors were able to recover the Halicin result using methods decades older than deep learning >> What a pharma company should actually ask an AI drug discovery vendor before buying what they're selling Meet our guest: Paul Finn is Chief Scientific Officer at Oxford Drug Design, a computational drug discovery company with roots in Oxford's chemistry department. His career spans over 40 years of computational drug discovery, from early structure-activity modeling in the 1980s through to modern generative AI methods, with deep experience at what became GSK and Pfizer before moving into the Oxford spinout ecosystem. At Oxford Drug Design, Paul leads internal programs in oncology and antibacterial resistance, combining novel computational methods with a rigorous, synthesizability-first approach to multi-parameter optimization. Connect with Paul Finn on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-finn-2250616 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 Ross Katz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ross-katz/ 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! 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. https://www.linkedin.com/company/corrdyn/
What does it take to move from the lab bench to the venture side of biotech, and what are investors looking for in the next generation of breakthrough companies?In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kevin White, PhD, Executive Director of the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, to discuss his journey from academic science to pharmaceutical R&D and ultimately to venture investing. Kevin shares how his scientific background shapes his investment philosophy, what it's like joining one of biotech's leading corporate venture funds, and the therapeutic areas he believes will define the future of healthcare. Along the way, he offers candid advice for founders navigating today's investment landscape and explains why curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort are essential for success. In this episode, you'll discover:Why being uncomfortable can be one of the best catalysts for growth. How the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund approaches investing, from exploring "white space" opportunities to supporting innovations aligned with the company's therapeutic priorities. Why emerging areas such as women's health, targeted drug delivery, in vivo cell engineering, and healthy aging are attracting growing attention from investors.Tune in to hear Kevin's perspective on the future of biotech investing and what it takes to turn breakthrough discoveries into transformative therapies.Links: Connect with Kevin White, PhD, and learn about the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn about the Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Precision Medicine. Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine's panel on Tuesday 6/23. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. 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.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we delve into a series of compelling advancements and strategic maneuvers transforming the industry landscape. Intellia Therapeutics has made remarkable progress with lonvoguran ziclumeran, achieving an 89% reduction in attack rates in its Phase 3 trial for hereditary angioedema. This gene therapy utilizes CRISPR technology combined with antisense oligonucleotides, highlighting the transformative potential of genetic editing techniques. The success of this approach underscores CRISPR's promise in offering long-term solutions through single-dose treatments, setting a benchmark for future therapies targeting genetic disorders. Regulatory dynamics are also shifting, as evidenced by Germany's move to abandon its variable drug discount plans after major pharmaceutical companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly withdrew investments. This decision highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges in drug pricing policies, which are vital for maintaining equitable access to medications while ensuring economic sustainability for pharmaceutical companies. On the manufacturing front, Recipharm is investing significantly to upgrade its U.S. production capabilities in response to rising demand for biologics. This trend reflects an industry-wide push towards expanding biologic drug manufacturing infrastructure, driven by biologics' potential for personalized medicine applications. Similarly, Eisai has secured a UK government grant to expand its Hatfield plant for monoclonal antibody production, while Johnson & Johnson is investing $1 billion to enhance Acuvue contact lens production. These expansions illustrate how major companies are bolstering manufacturing capabilities to support strategic growth and meet increasing product demand. Merck & Co.'s partnership with Protillion Biosciences, valued at $510 million, exemplifies the growing integration of AI/ML technology in drug discovery. This collaboration aims to leverage Protillion's Prot-map protein design platform to enhance data generation and accelerate biologics development, illustrating how artificial intelligence is streamlining drug discovery processes. In clinical trials, promising developments continue to emerge. Spyre Therapeutics reported that SPY002 met its Phase 2 primary endpoint in ulcerative colitis with anti-TL1A results, positioning it as a potential leader in autoimmune disease therapies. Edgewise Therapeutics also presented supportive Phase 2 data for EDG-7500, which targets hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, paving the way for Phase 3 trials. These advancements highlight the potential of small molecules and combination therapies in addressing complex diseases. Additionally, Alto Neuroscience's ALTO-207 has shown benefits for anhedonia in major depressive disorder patients through independent Phase 2 data. This underscores ongoing progress in treating neurological disorders using innovative combinations of established compounds like dopamine agonists and ondansetron. The landscape is further enriched by Moderna's expansion plans. Anticipating up to three new product launches between 2027 and 2028, Moderna is restructuring its operations under new leadership. This strategic realignment aims to streamline processes across commercial, manufacturing, and R&D divisions ahead of significant product launches. Regulatory collaboration is advancing, with the FDA and UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) initiating a new liaison program. This initiative aims to harmonize regulatory responses across borders, potentially accelerating drug approvals.Support the show
"We had to start our own lab because the standards I wanted I couldn't find in any product, aging can be a joy, empowering, and beautiful." —Daniella Inbar What if your age isn't the problem? In this episode, Justine sits down with Daniella Inbar—cosmetic chemist, product developer, and founder of Inbar+Co. and Resonance Marin Spa. After 30 years inside the luxury beauty industry building brands and developing products, Daniela did something radical: she walked away from the "dishonest" luxury beauty machine. As the daughter of a pioneer in the German aromatherapy movement, Daniela grew up with a holistic approach to wellness rooted in authenticity and tradition, rather than beauty ads. Today, she isn't selling traditional anti-aging products. Instead, she forms skincare that actually listens to your skin's microbiome rather than lecturing it. Tune in as Justine and Daniella pull back the curtain on the "clean beauty" myth, explore why aggressive actives and harsh cleansers might actually be aging your skin faster, and discuss the complex reality of building a truly sustainable consumer brand. In this episode, you'll learn: • How over-complicating your routine and using aggressive products disrupts your skin barrier, causing congestion and accelerated aging. • Why "chemical-free" is a marketing gimmick and why lab-made synthetics can sometimes be safer and more sustainable for the planet than trendy natural ingredients. • The complex logistics of running an eco-conscious spa and skincare line—from choosing cotton over microfiber to the carbon footprint debate of glass vs. aluminum packaging. • Why the best skincare approach is to do less, work in systems, and support your skin's natural biology. Meet Daniella: Daniella leads the INBAR+co system as Founder + Formulator. Her work begins with formulation: creating products for professional-use logic, refining them through the Resonance Marin spa environment, and releasing them as retail formulas only when they hold beyond the spa. The lab sits inside Resonance Marin, and clients pass it on their way to treatments. That proximity matters. Formulation, service, feedback, and quality control are not abstractly connected. They share a physical space. At 58, with no invasive procedures, Daniella lives the brand's age-positive position herself: support the skin, do not erase the face. Her guardrails are restraint, barrier respect, material responsibility, and visible results over time. LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Inbar+Co: Website Instagram Connect with Resonance Marin: Website Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: 04:49 Challenges and Changes in Sustainability 07:41 The Role of Authenticity and Tradition in Skin Care 13:54 The Evolution of Skin Care Products 21:09 Consumer Perception and the Importance of Education 31:56 The Future of Sustainable Beauty 38:00 The Impact of Sustainable Choices on the Planet 53:54 The Role of Biotech in Sustainable Skin Care 01:00:34 The Importance of Consistent and Thoughtful Practices 01:01:36 The Role of Policy in Supporting Sustainable Practices
At 25, Jace Yawnick was building a career in health and wellness sales, chasing growth, status, and the usual young adult fantasy of getting somewhere fast. Then his body stopped cooperating. Fatigue turned into chemotherapy. The diagnosis was primary mediastinal B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma, and the rest of his life split into before and after. Now in remission, he talks about cancer the way people actually live it, not the way nonprofits package it. He gets into survivorship, mental health, young adult isolation, and the deadening absurdity of prior authorization. One of the sharpest parts of the conversation lands on a simple American insult disguised as policy: treatment innovation means very little when insurance can still deny the scan, the drug, or the next step. Jace has seen that firsthand, including during routine monitoring after active treatment. This episode tracks what happens when a young cancer patient becomes a public voice and refuses to play mascot. It covers oncology, insurance, remission, advocacy, and the long mental hangover that follows survival. It also names the part too many institutions dodge: the system works great right up until it doesn't, and when it fails, patients get handed the bill, the panic, and a camera if they want anyone to care. RELATED LINKSJace Beats CancerJace Yawnick on LinkedImConquer Cancer ArticleCURE Today ArticlePyure BrandsFEEDBACKLike 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.
Biotech IPOs that are getting out remain hot — but will that continue into the fall? On the latest BioCentury This Week podcast, BioCentury's analysts discuss the market for fresh biotech paper on NASDAQ, including the $770 million debut by Parabilis, the largest IPO in the sector's history.The analysts also discuss the Biosecure Act and U.S. policy toward China; the cachexia pipeline; and BioCentury's updated Innovation Distillery.View full story: https://www.biocentury.com/article/659773 #BiotechIPO #NASDAQ #BiosecureAct #Cachexia #ChinaBiotech 00:36 - Innovation Distillery03:56 - Biotech IPOs10:13 - Biosecure Act, WuXi AppTec16:03 - Cachexia Pipeline22:03 - Ouster for RFK Jr.?To submit a question to BioCentury's editors, email the BioCentury This Week team at podcasts@biocentury.com.Reach us by sending a text
On this week's Tech Nation, Biotech Entrepreneur, Dr. Jake Glanville, Founder, Chair and CEO of Centivax, gives us the insider's view of the first real breakthrough in snake antivenom in 125 years, all thanks to a man who's been bitten by over 200 venomous snakes. Then, Robert Blum, CEO of CytoKinetics, shares the latest in heart failure treatment and what it could mean for extending quality of life.
FOXG1 Research Foundation CEO Nasha Fitter returns to Sounds of Science with extraordinary updates: FDA Fast Track designation, IND clearance, and the first‑ever clinical trial for a FOX G1 gene therapy now within reach. In this episode, hear how science, community, and a mother's determination are rewriting what's possible. Show Notes Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO Solutions | Charles River Viral Vector Manufacturing Charles River AAV Production for Rare Disease Therapies: From Challenge to Solution | Webcast Rare Disease | Charles River Rare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles River FOX G1: A Mom's Mission | Podcast
CNBC reports that health care investment bankers see a selective biotech IPO window reopening while big pharma M&A continues to lead exits. Recent deals include Pfizer buying Seagen for $43 billion, Bristol Myers Squibb acquiring Karuna Therapeutics for about $14 billion, Merck purchasing Prometheus Biosciences for $10.8 billion, and Bristol Myers Squibb acquiring RayzeBio for $4.1 billion. IPO activity has included CG Oncology raising about $380 million in January 2024, Kyverna Therapeutics raising roughly $319 million in February 2024, and Tempus AI raising about $410 million in June 2024. Bankers say offerings that price well feature crossover anchors, late-stage data, and twelve to eighteen month catalysts. Strategic buyers maintain pricing power due to patent cliffs and policy pressure, with oncology and immunology assets favored. Founders are advised to prepare for dual-track processes, manage burn, and build a crossover base before filing an S-1.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode of the Business of Biotech, William Soliman, Founder and CEO of the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), and Founder and CIO of White Manna Capital Partners, talks about why biotech drug launches so often miss expectations, and how to build an integrated commercialization plan that holds up with physicians, patients, and payers. William also describes the evolution in medical affairs, why standards and certification matter, and how AI and new media channels are reshaping how drug information reaches patients and prescribers. 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/
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we'll explore a series of pivotal advancements and challenges shaping the industry landscape—ranging from scientific breakthroughs to regulatory maneuvers, all underscoring the sector's dynamic evolution. Novartis has made headlines with its investigational drug, Delpacibart Braxlosiran, which successfully met primary endpoints in a Phase 1/2 trial for treating Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). This RNA therapy utilizes an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate to target the DUX4 gene, a significant cause of FSHD. The promising results not only mark a potential therapeutic breakthrough for this debilitating neuromuscular disease but also highlight Novartis' commitment to innovative treatments in rare diseases. In parallel, Enliven Therapeutics has reported positive outcomes from a Phase 1 trial of ELVN-001 for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), who are heavily pretreated. This small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor shows improved efficacy, offering hope for those who have exhausted existing treatment options. As ELVN-001 progresses into later-stage trials, it may significantly enhance therapeutic options and outcomes for CML patients. Regulatory activities remain at the forefront, exemplified by Amgen's engagement with the Duke Clinical Research Institute to defend Tavneos amid an FDA push for market withdrawal. This illustrates the intricate complexity of regulatory processes and the importance of evidence-based advocacy in preserving access to critical therapies. In another regulatory development, Guardant Health's Guardant360 CDx has received FDA approval as a companion diagnostic for Boehringer Ingelheim's Hernexeos targeting HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The approval emphasizes the growing significance of liquid biopsy technologies in personalized oncology care, offering precise and less invasive diagnostic solutions. In business development news, strategic collaborations are gaining momentum. Simcere Pharmaceutical has partnered with Stanford Medicine to develop first-in-class therapies for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Meanwhile, Ildong Pharmaceutical and Welt are joining forces to create AI-driven digital therapeutics. These alliances reflect an increasing trend towards integrating cutting-edge technology and cross-disciplinary expertise to accelerate drug discovery and development. Funding dynamics within the sector are evolving, as seen with Neion Bio's successful Series A fundraising of $23 million aimed at enhancing its biologics manufacturing platform. Similarly, Human Continuum secured $5.13 million to advance its exosome-based regenerative medicine platform. These investments underscore a strong focus on innovative platform technologies promising to transform therapeutic modalities and manufacturing processes. Not all news is positive, however; Jazz Pharmaceuticals and PharmaMar faced setbacks as their Phase 3 trial for Zepzelca (Lurbinectedin) failed to meet its overall survival endpoint in metastatic small cell lung cancer. This highlights the inherent challenges in oncology drug development and underscores the need for continuous innovation. Regulatory hurdles persist as well, evidenced by Camurus receiving a second complete response letter from the FDA regarding Oclaiz (Octreotide) due to manufacturing concerns. The industry is also navigating cybersecurity challenges, as seen with Novo Nordisk's recent data breach incident. This breach underscores vulnerabilities within biopharma companies concerning intellectual property and patient data protection. It serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information critical to clinical trials and corporate integrity. Meanwhile, strategic planning remains essential as Astellas confronts a looming $6 billion patent cliff with Xtandi, its prostate cancer drug. The company's five-year strategy focuses on cost savings while sustaining innovation and competitiveness amidst impending revenue declines. The biotechnology sector continues to thrive amidst these challenges, evidenced by record levels of initial public offerings (IPOs). Despite broader economic uncertainties, investor confidence remains robust, highlighting biotech's potential for groundbreaking advancements and lucrative returns. Finally, artificial intelligence is making significant strides across health agencies, with a reported 148% increase at the FDA by 2025 alone. This surge in AI integration highlights its transformative potential in regulatory processes and healthcare delivery—offering opportunities to enhance efficiency and decision-making within the sector. In summary, today's developments encapsulate the vibrant pharmaceutical and biotech industries characterized by scientific innovation, regulatory intricacies, strategic collaborations, and financial maneuvers. These advancements offer new hope for patients while navigating complex landscapes that demand continuous innovation and compliance—a balance that defines success in this ever-evolving sector.Support the show
A growing number of biotechs are defying the perception that you need the might of big pharma to launch a new drug. But there's always the prospect of an offer that simply can't be refused. Three leaders who recently sold companies – Whit Bernard (Metsera), Mike MacLean (Avidity), and Gregory Kunst (Aurion) – shared their experiences, and their views on M&A trends in the sector, at RBC's recent Global Healthcare Conference.Key points:Metsera managed to stay focused on business through a high-stakes bidding war.A strong sense of its own value helped Avidity to its Novartis buyout.In a tough capital-raising landscape, biotechs need to be open to partnerships with bigger firms.While the patent cliff is spurring pharma deals, corporates have a variety of M&A objectives.A series of successful drug launches by small innovators may signal the end of investors' ‘short the launch' strategy.Introductions [00:07]Host Joe Colletti introduces highlights from the M&A panel at RBC's Global Healthcare Conference, featuring Brian Abrahams and colleagues posing questions to Whit Bernard (Metsera), Mike MacLean (Avidity), and Gregory Kunst (Aurion).Biotech histories [01:01]Each of the execs outlines the background to their former companies and the therapies they developed.Avidity's experiences [05:43]Mike MacLean discusses the experience of negotiating with Novartis, through multiple bids and a decision by Avidity to pursue its own capital raise before the eventual acquisition.Metsera's experiences [09:32]Whit Bernard recalls how Metsera responded to becoming the subject of a competitive deal between Pfizer and Novo Nordisk. Capital raising methods [11:53]Gregory Kunst suggests CEOs should be open to raising capital through strategic partnerships as well as traditional institutional funding.What pharmas want [14:07]Big pharma is broadly incentivized by the patent cliff, but biotechs need to understand the varying objectives of different companies.Short the launch strategy [23:42]Investors are taking a different view of start-ups' capabilities as more small and mid-sized biotechs commercialize their own innovations.
Good 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 remarkable updates that highlight the dynamic evolution of drug development, regulatory landscapes, and industry strategies. Takeda has made waves with its TYK2 inhibitor, Zasocitinib, which recently outperformed Bristol Myers Squibb's Sotyktu in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for plaque psoriasis. This trial is particularly noteworthy as it involves TYK2 inhibitors, a class of drugs targeting tyrosine kinase 2 to modulate immune responses. The success of Zasocitinib not only strengthens Takeda's competitive position but also underscores the potential of these inhibitors in treating autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. As we look forward to its market launch next year, this development represents a significant stride in the realm of targeted therapies aimed at complex diseases. Shifting gears to regulatory advancements, Johnson & Johnson's Darzalex (daratumumab) has received endorsement from NICE for its quadruplet therapy in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma cases. This approval is based on favorable Phase 3 trial results and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting CD38 on myeloma cells. This marks a crucial step in offering potent treatment options to patients who cannot undergo transplants, emphasizing the growing importance of combination therapies in oncology. In another significant development, Johnson & Johnson is expanding its rare disease portfolio with promising Phase 2/3 trial data for Imaavy. Poised to become the first approved treatment for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, this advancement highlights the industry's pivot towards addressing rare diseases with limited treatment options. In India, AstraZeneca has secured CDSCO approval for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) combined with pertuzumab as a first-line treatment for HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer. This approval signifies a milestone in HER2-targeted therapies, spotlighting the pivotal role of antibody-drug conjugates that deliver cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells, enhancing efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure. Moving on to business developments, Servier's partnership with N-Lorem Foundation to develop antisense oligonucleotide therapies for rare neurological disorders reflects the industry's increasing focus on precision medicine. This collaboration underscores the burgeoning interest in nucleic acid-based therapies aimed at addressing genetic disorders lacking effective treatments. On the financial front, Kardigan's planned $320 million IPO signals robust confidence in advancing cardiovascular pipeline assets. This move highlights Kardigan's commitment to tackling substantial unmet needs in cardiovascular diseases—an area still rife with challenges despite existing therapies. From a regulatory perspective, China's update of its Good Clinical Practice guidelines aims to streamline clinical trial processes, fostering biotech innovation. This change is expected to enhance drug development efficiency and attract global biotech investments to China's rapidly growing pharmaceutical market. Meanwhile, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has raised concerns about Germany's healthcare reform plans, warning that they might deter future investments. His comments underscore the delicate balance between cost containment policies and maintaining an environment conducive to pharmaceutical innovation. Additionally, Novo Nordisk's CEO Mike Doustdar expressed optimism about the company's strategic focus on market positioning through innovation and efficiency improvements. This aligns with broader industry trends where large pharma companies strive to maintain leadership roles amid fierce competition. Eli Lilly's sponsorship of short films premiered at Tribeca Festival illustrates an industry-wide trend toward patient-centric approaches and authentic portrayals of people with diseases onscreen. Such efforts aim to enhance communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Furthermore, transformative technologies like cell and gene therapies are gradually moving towards mainstream clinical adoption. This transition necessitates zero-tolerance logistics to ensure these complex therapies reach patients safely and effectively—a paradigm shift offering potential cures but also posing logistical challenges. Finally, industry events such as ASCO continue to spotlight cutting-edge research developments in oncology. Such conferences are pivotal in advancing treatment paradigms and fostering collaborations that drive innovation across the sector. These updates reflect a period marked by groundbreaking scientific advances and strategic initiatives poised to reshape patient care and global healthcare solutions. As companies navigate these complexities while addressing regulatory and economic challenges, maintaining a focus on innovation will be key in charting future growth trajectories within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.Support the show
At 20 years old, newly arrived from Puerto Rico and trying to build a future in science, Benjamin Suarez Jimenez found himself sitting in front of two senior faculty members accused of plagiarism. He knew the material. He had done the work. His mistake came from failing to cite class notes during an exam because nobody had told him that was expected. In a matter of minutes, he watched what felt like his entire career flash before him.On this episode of Standard Deviation, host Oliver Bogler examines the hidden architecture of academic science through the experiences of Dr. Benjamin Suarez Jimenez, Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester and a neuroscientist studying PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and spatial cognition through virtual reality and video game environments.Benjamin traces his path from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, through the NIH, Columbia University, and eventually to leading his own laboratory. Along the way, he encountered a series of barriers that had little to do with scientific ability and everything to do with access to unwritten rules. From academic gatekeeping to grant writing expectations, he learned that success in biomedical research often depends on knowledge that never appears in a textbook.Oliver explores how those invisible obstacles shape careers, influence research funding, and determine who gains access to opportunity. The conversation also examines the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program at the Life Science Editors Foundation, which pairs scientists from underrepresented backgrounds with experienced scientific editors. Through that mentorship, Benjamin transformed a critical grant proposal into a successful pilot award that helped launch an NIH R01 application.The discussion extends beyond one scientist's experience. Benjamin describes helping a former mentee navigate dissertation roadblocks that threatened her graduation, illustrating how institutional bureaucracy can delay careers and discourage talented researchers. Together, they explore the hidden administrative burden, cultural barriers, and bias that many scientists carry alongside their research, and what happens when someone who receives support turns around and opens the door for others.RELATED LINKSLife Science Editors FoundationBenjamin Suarez Jimenez LabDr. Benjamin Suarez JimenezBenjamin Suarez JimenezFEEDBACKLike 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.
Alissa Coram and Ken Shreve walk through Thursday's market action and discuss key stocks to watch in Stock Market Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. The pharmaceutical and biotech industries are undergoing significant transformations, driven by scientific advancements, regulatory changes, and strategic investments. These developments are shaping the landscape of drug development and patient care in profound ways. In recent news, Pfizer's CEO, Albert Bourla, is reconsidering investments in Germany due to proposed healthcare reforms. These reforms have sparked concerns about their potential impact on the pharmaceutical industry. This situation highlights the intricate balance between regulatory frameworks and corporate strategies, illustrating how policy changes can influence investment decisions and operational strategies within the pharma sector. The tension between regulatory environments and corporate interests is a recurring theme that continues to shape strategic directions within the industry. Meanwhile, heightened scrutiny over biotechnology operations is evident with Wuxi AppTec's inclusion on the Pentagon's blacklist under the Biosecure Act. This move reflects growing concerns about biosecurity and the necessity for stringent oversight in handling sensitive biotechnological advancements. Such actions underscore a global focus on safeguarding national security while fostering scientific innovation. Teva Pharmaceuticals is navigating restructuring efforts by laying off 250 employees at its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients unit as it seeks a new owner. This restructuring underscores the challenges companies face in maintaining operational efficiency amid ownership transitions. These challenges are emblematic of broader industry dynamics where companies strive to adapt to changing market conditions while ensuring stability and growth. On the scientific front, Novo Nordisk's cagrisema and Eli Lilly's retatrutide are emerging as next-generation incretin therapies. Although early comparisons have been made, Novo Nordisk's chief scientific officer suggests it is premature to declare a definitive leader. This competition reflects the dynamic nature of drug development as companies strive to innovate and improve treatment options continuously. Additionally, Sonothera's successful $125 million Series B funding round for its bubble-based genetic delivery system highlights the biotech industry's momentum fueled by mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and partnerships. Such technologies promise to advance genetic therapies by enhancing delivery mechanisms, potentially transforming treatment paradigms for various genetic disorders. AbbVie's Skyrizi narrowly surpassing Johnson & Johnson's Tremfya in May drug ad spending underscores the competitive nature of pharmaceutical marketing. Despite a general slump in advertising expenditures among leading drugs, strategic marketing remains crucial for maintaining brand presence and market share. Increased M&A activity and partnerships are further bolstering the industry's growth trajectory. The resurgence of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and venture capital funding is fostering innovation and expansion within the sector, providing fuel for continued advancement in biotech. On the regulatory front, Johnson & Johnson's Darzalex received a new endorsement from NICE after a prior reversal. Such regulatory updates emphasize the evolving nature of drug approvals and market access strategies essential for pharmaceutical companies' success. Novartis' second deal with Orionis Biosciences worth up to $1.4 billion exemplifies strategic investments aimed at expanding research capabilities and addressing unmet medical needs through molecular glue technologies targeting challenging therapeutic areas. Conversely, Sanofi's decision to halt a Phase 3 autoimmune trial due to insufficient efficacy highlights the inherent risks in drug development pipelines. These setbacks emphasize the importance of robust clinical trial designs and adaptability in R&D strategies. Emerging insights into GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk's semaglutide reveal potential antidepressant effects linked to gut microbiota modulation. These findings open new avenues for exploring psychiatric applications of metabolic drugs, although conflicting data necessitates further investigation. Overall, these developments illustrate a complex interplay of scientific innovation, regulatory dynamics, and strategic corporate actions driving the future of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The sector continues to navigate challenges while capitalizing on opportunities to enhance patient care through advanced therapeutic solutions. The industry's trajectory promises transformative impacts on patient care through novel therapies designed not only to treat symptoms but also address root causes via innovative science-driven solutions. As these advancements unfold, they herald a new era of targeted, effective treatments that hold promise for improving patient outcomes across diverse medical landscapes.Support the show
Biotech Bytes: Conversations with Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical IT Leaders
AI is moving incredibly fast across the life sciences sector, but many organizations still struggle to build systems that deliver real operational value. In this episode, tech leader Rose LaRocca-Fisch explains why strong data governance and business alignment must come before chasing software trends. Please visit our website to get more information: https://swangroup.net/ Rose shares her practical leadership experience guiding pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, and global biotech organizations through massive growth. The discussion breaks down why high-profile tech implementations collapse and outlines the exact steps needed to prepare your infrastructure for enterprise-grade tools.Key themes covered in this conversation:Why does advanced software amplify existing operational flaws instead of fixing themThe OASIS framework for sustainable and scalable IT transformationHow data readiness directly impacts clinical trial success and manufacturing yieldsReal-world applications using platforms like Databricks to speed up patient enrollmentThe shift toward AI-assisted work and managing data integrity risksLinks from this episode:Get to know more about Steven Swan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swangroup Get to know more about Rose LaRocca-Fisch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-larocca-fisch
In this episode of the Vital Health Podcast, host Duane Schulthess speaks with Steve Potts, CEO of Breakthru Medicine, to discuss how biotech financing, drug pricing policy, scientific infrastructure, and public trust are reshaping oncology innovation and U.S. biopharma leadership. Key Topics: Biotech Financing: Series A funding, early-stage platform headwinds, clinical asset momentum, academic funding strain. Small Molecule Shift: IRA incentives, NDA versus BLA timelines, oncology pipeline pullbacks, antibody drug conjugates. Orphan Cures and EPIC Acts: Orphan Cures Act, EPIC Act, patent life concerns, investor return requirements. Most Favored Nation (MFN) Pricing Risk: OECD reference pricing, European access delays, launch sequencing, global cost-sharing tensions. Science Policy Threats: NIH grant oversight, peer review risks, vaccine backlash, U.S. biopharma leadership. If biotech CEOs (or an executive delegate from the CEO) are interested in taking the first step toward being a policy voice on one topic in our ecosystem, contact Steve Potts on LinkedIn. The May 29 Office of Management and Budget sweeping regulatory change, which would shift grant funding decisions from scientists to politicians, is catastrophic for science, patients, and the biotech industry. Please read about what this proposal would do, and if you agree that it would forever tie political views to winning federal funding (and it will cut both ways), please sign this petition or others and speak out: https://fight2win.standupforscience.net/ Opinions expressed are those of the speakers. Recorded at ASCO 2026 on 6/1/26. The Vital Health Podcast is a production of Vital Transformation LLC © 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:09 Hi there, how are you? Bob Miller 00:00:10 Excellent! Pedaling as fast as humanly possible, but doing okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:14 Good, good. Well, I’m looking forward to our conversation today. This should be amazing. Bob Miller 00:00:20 Yeah, it should be a lot of fun. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:22 Yeah, anything that’s off-limits for you in, our conversation? Bob Miller 00:00:28 No. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:29 Okay, anything you want me to make sure we cover for you? Bob Miller 00:00:33 Well, I mean, is it okay if we put a little plug-in for our software? Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:35 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:36 Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:37 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:36 Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:37 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:38 Hey, can we… can we do a screen share? Yes, we can. Yeah, because I want to show you some maps, and… Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:43 Okay. Things like that, yeah, so… Perfect. So just let me know when you want to do screen share. Bob Miller 00:00:48 Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:49 And yeah, feel free to plug your software wherever you want to. Bob Miller 00:00:53 Okay, well, good. Let me pull up a, a slide for that, and give me one second, I just want to shut the door to my office to get the noise down. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:01 No worries. Bob Miller 00:01:16 And, how should I refer to you? Dr. Debb? Dr. Muth, what do you like? Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:18 Dr. Deb is great, or Deb, either way, I’m pretty informal, so… Bob Miller 00:01:22 Yeah, and… Bob is fine for me. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, there you go. Why people feel like they need this, son. Special name, it’s like, seriously. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:33 Right? I agree. Bob Miller 00:01:35 When I work with my clients, it’s like, Dr. Millison, just, just bop, just, just bop. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:41 Yep, that’s how I am, too. Just call me Deb, it’s good. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:44 They feel a little awkward with that, you know? They’re not used to that, but… Bob Miller 00:01:48 Alright. And you’re a naturopath, medical doctor. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:52 A nastropathic doctor and a nurse practitioner. Oh, nice. Yeah, so I got the best of both worlds, right? Bob Miller 00:01:58 Yeah, damn. Okay. Alright, so here we go… There we go. Alright, so I got that ready, and then I will do a, I will do a screen share. I think you’re gonna really, appreciate what we’ve come up with. We’ve come up with the concept of, Cellular CPR. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:23 Oh, nice! Bob Miller 00:02:24 And that is, construct the cell membrane, Protect the cell membrane. And restore it if it’s damaged. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:32 Love that. Bob Miller 00:02:34 I love that. Yeah, so that’s what we’re focusing on, and then how, You know, we want to get to the point that, you know, most people think of genetics, they think of, like, 23andMe or Ancestry. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:44 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:02:45 And then you have the professional geneticists who are looking at, you know, odd things that could create a disease. We’re looking at functional genomics. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:54 Which is so much better. Bob Miller 00:02:56 Yeah. Are you familiar with what we do here, or… Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:58 A little bit, a little bit. So, it’ll be new to me, too, so I’m excited. Bob Miller 00:03:03 And how much time do we have? Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:04 We have an hour, give or take a little bit on either side. Do you have a hard stop anywhere? Bob Miller 00:03:10 No, no, I put a, I moved my clients around, and I don’t have anybody till, 3.30, so we’re good. Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:16 Perfect. Alright. Bob Miller 00:03:18 It’s like we’re getting started early as well, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:19 Yeah, we’re getting started a little bit early, so that’s good. Bob Miller 00:03:22 Yeah, I just got my office cleaned up, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:23 Okay, good. All right, are you all set to get started? Bob Miller 00:03:28 I’m good to go, my friend. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:29 I’m gonna just record a little intro and a little bit of a, hook for people, and then we’ll get started. I’ll ask you to kind of tell us a little bit about yourself, and then we’ll just take this conversation wherever it’s supposed to go. Bob Miller 00:03:39 Okay, you got it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:40 Alright, sounds good. So what if the reason you’re not healing isn’t your diet, your supplements, or your labs, but it’s actually your genes? Dr. Bob Miller is uncovering how genetic variants, when combined with modern toxins, explain why some of us stay sick no matter what we try. Today, we’re talking genetic pathways, detox blocks, and the new science every wellness warrior needs to know. Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now, the show where we uncover the root causes of chronic illness, exploring cutting-edge regenerative medicine, and empower you to heal from the inside out. I’m Dr. Deb, your medical detective, and today, our guest, Dr. Bob Miller, is a true pioneer in functional genomics. He’s a board-certified traditional naturopath and the founder of Neutrogenetic Research Institute. And he’s the leading groundbreaking research on how genetic variants influence chronic illness, inflammation, and detoxification. His work has been recognized on international stages, uncovering links between genetic expression and conditions like Lyme disease, mast cell activation, or MCAS, and mitochondrial dysfunction. I’m so excited to talk to Dr. Bob today. He is gonna reveal some things that even I don’t know about, so I’m excited to learn alongside of you guys. So… Dr. Bob, let’s get started. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and kind of how you got on this journey. Bob Miller 00:05:04 Well, that’s, that’s interesting. I was sort of like a mid-career coming to the natural health field, because in my early 30s, I found myself with a severe case of ulcerative colitis. Bob Miller 00:05:15 And I was in the hospital for 21 days. probably within hours of death, pleading to death. And they told me I’ve got one option, and that is cut out the colon and wear a bag. Didn’t sound like a lot of fun. Dr. Deb Muth 00:05:27 Not an option I would want. Bob Miller 00:05:29 So, you know, the medical folks wasn’t real happy with me, but I said, yeah, I’d like to explore some alternative things.Never thinking that I’d get into this field, and then I just, you know, worked with some herbalists and things that I found absolutely fascinating. So, that’s how I got into this around 30 years ago. And, haven’t looked back since, and just having a… having a blast as we now move into how our genetics impacts things. So, that’s what we’re gonna… that’s what we’re gonna talk about today. Dr. Deb Muth 00:05:58 I’m excited to talk about this genetic thing. When you started over 30 years ago, what kind of patience and problems first inspired you to dig deeper into that root cause healing and kind of get into the genetic piece of it? Bob Miller 00:06:10 Sure. Well, you know, as a… now, I’m in a part of the country called Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where there’s a lot of Amish and Mennonite, and they gravitate towards these things.So, this is their first thing to do, and that doesn’t work, then they’ll go other routes. So, you know, back then, we just saw typical, you know, a little tired, constipation. You know, a little bit of fatigue, arthritis, those kind of things. But things have changed dramatically over the years, as people are now getting more chronically sick. You know, it’s worse than it’s ever been. And what we’re finding is the, the culprits Primarily is mold exposure and Lyme disease. When people get those two together, they’re just… it’s an inflammatory cascade that nobody can seem to unravel. So that’s where we spend a lot of our time. And we’re also spending a lot of time looking at mental health, like ADD, ADHD. And, we give… this year I’ll be speaking at three autism conferences. And we can dig into that a little bit as to why we think we’re seeing such a dramatic increase. And aside from autism, that used to be 1 out of 1,000, now it’s 1 out of 33, or 23. You know, we’re also seeing dramatic increases in ADD, ADHD. People are stressed out. And today, I think we’ll have the time to actually go through and show how environmental factors combine with genetics to cause that to happen. So we’ll… we should have a fun visit here today. And today, I think we’ll have the time to actually go through and show how environmental factors combine with genetics to cause that to happen. So we’ll… we should have a fun visit here today. Dr. Deb Muth 00:07:37 This should be a fun visit. We can cover lots of topics. I am so excited. So, you founded Nutri Genetic Research Institute in 2015. What did you hope to accomplish, and what kind of surprised you in your findings so far about that? Bob Miller 00:07:51 Well, you know, let’s back up at what, you know, genetics is used for. Everybody’s familiar with 23andMe and Ancestry that, you know, tells you where your ancestors came from. Then you have your professional geneticists. I mean, these are people with a degree in genetics. And they’ll look for, you know, very odd sort of things that are prone to relate to a disease. So there are disease-related genetics. Well, in functional, we don’t look at either of those. We look at For example, how you’re breaking down your fats and utilizing them. How you’re recycling your glutathione. How you might be handling your iron. And none of those are disease-causing on their own.And none of those are disease-causing on their own. But when they pile up on you, and then combine that with environmental factors, that’s when things start to go south on us. So, that’s what we’re doing, we’re looking at patterns. And our first foray into this was, we did studies on Lyme disease. And our first foray into this was, we did studies on Lyme disease. So, we looked at, like, I think 50 people with Lyme disease. We looked at their genome. So, we looked at, like, I think 50 people with Lyme disease. We looked at their genome. And we found patterns that were more evident in those with Lyme. Now, this doesn’t… these genetics don’t mean you get Lyme, it just means if you get Lyme, you react worse to it. And we found patterns that were more evident in those with Lyme. Now, this doesn’t… these genetics don’t mean you get Lyme, it just means if you get Lyme, you react worse to it. So, as you know, some people get Lyme, they go on a round of antibiotics, and they’re done. So, as you know, some people get Lyme, they go on a round of antibiotics, and they’re done. Others have a little more struggle, and then others are struggling terribly for years. So there’s an old adage of genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger. Dr. Deb Muth 00:09:14 Yeah, that is so true, and I think when we’re talking about Lyme and mold and things like that, we forget sometimes that our genetics can predispose us to be more sensitive to those things, and if we have genetic pathways where we don’t clear things properly, it’s harder for us to get them out of the body. And then you add on that whole rain barrel effect that we’ve always used as a functional medicine term, right? If the barrel’s half full, you’re okay. If it’s full, and now it’s spilling over, it’s a bigger problem. Have you guys found, too, that some of these environmental things actually are changing the genetics of people, or how they’re processing their own genetics? Bob Miller 00:09:53 Well, let’s go back to, Genetics 101. But we’ll go back a little bit further. So, what an interesting mechanism, what a miracle the body is. Bob Miller 00:10:03 Fats, carbohydrates, proteins, drink water, breathe air, expose the sunlight, and somehow everything gets made. I mean, when you just step back and think about that, it’s like, It’s pretty darn amazing. Dr. Deb Muth 00:10:15 I always tell women, you know, the fact that we get pregnant and we have healthy pregnancies and births is a miracle, because if we had to try to control that, that wouldn’t work so well. Bob Miller 00:10:25 Right. Well, that’s another miracle. These microscopic sperm and egg, human being, 9 months later, it’s like. But even inside of us. We are making our hair, our skin, our nails, our blood vessels, our ATP, our energy, it’s all being created. Well, that gets created by enzymes. So, enzymes take one substance, combine it with something else, and make something new. Then another enzyme comes along and does the same thing. Your DNA is the instructions on how to make the enzymes. So, when we are conceived. If it’s a, if it’s a female, of course, it’s the XX, the two chromosomes. You know, we’ve… everybody’s seen those… the genetics that… Listed pair. So, if it’s a female, the father donated the X enzyme. And the mother has no choice but to give the eggs, so that’s female. If the father donates the Y, you have a male that’s in chromosome number 1. Then 2 through 23 is the rest of the instructions on how to make enzymes. So, what can happen? We can get what are called SNPs, single nucleotide polymorphisms. And SNPs just mean that the instructions to make the enzyme’s not quite as good. So, if one parent gives a SNP on the making of an enzyme, The enzyme’s fine. It works. But, general rule of thumb, It may only work at 70-80% of efficiency. Now, a good analogy is think of an 8-cylinder and a 6-cylinder car. If parents give you good information, that’s like having an 8-cylinder car. If one parent gives you that snip, it’s like having a 6-cylinder car. Now, is a 6-cylinder car a fine car? Sure. It’ll get you from point A to point B, but it’s just going to have the power of an 8-cylinder. Then if both parents give you a SNP on the same enzyme, it may be 30-40%, and that’s like having a 4-cylinder car. Sits in the driveway, looks the same, puts gas in it, everything. But if you’ve got a 4-cylinder car. Probably not a good idea to go cross-country pulling a trailer behind you up and down mountains. Dr. Deb Muth 00:12:29 This is true. Bob Miller 00:12:32 So… We can get an 8-cylinder, 6-cylinder, or 4-cylinder enzyme. Now, if it’s not under a lot of stress, if that 4-cylinder car is just taking you to the bank and the grocery store. It’s just as good as an 8-cylinder car. But if you gotta pull that trailer, and there’s a lot of stress on it, being mountains, it’s gonna struggle. Now, there’s one other little caveat to this, and that is some genetic mutations are gain-of-function. They actually work faster. Now, we have enzymes that do all kinds of things. We have enzymes that make and recycle our antioxidants, but we also have enzymes that make inflammation. No, that’s a good thing, because if we get a virus or bacteria, if you didn’t make inflammation to kill it, well, we’d all die of infection. So, you know, we tend to think of free radicals as bad, antioxidants as good. They both play an important role. But interestingly, some of the major enzymes that make inflammation, they can be overactive. They can be turbocharged. And when they’re stimulated by environmental toxins, they overreact. Bob Miller 00:13:40 And therein lies the problem. When they overreact, we have a problem. Bob Miller 00:13:46 So, if we have genes that overreact when stimulated. And then the enzymes that take care of inflammation are underactive. Then you’re gonna be more inflamed. You know, the majority of people that, you know, come for functional medicine Or naturopathic help, or… Inflammation that they can’t seem to get under control. Dr. Deb Muth 00:14:06 Right. Bob Miller 00:14:07 And we will be, you know, during this hour, we’re going to look at some of the pathways that make that happen. So, what we can do then, we can’t change our genetics. When you’re conceived, that’s the hand you’re dealt. When your life would be over, if someone would take some tissue and measure, it’d be exactly the same as conception. Does it change. Bob Miller 00:14:28 The enzyme’s ability to do its job may be compromised. Because remember I said there’s a, the enzyme takes a cofactor. So an enzyme takes substance A, cofactor, make substance B. Well, if that cofactor’s not there, the enzyme’s not going to work either. So, you could have an 8-cylinder car, and if there’s no gas in it, it’s not going anywhere. So… It’s the strength of the enzyme, it’s the cofactor to do the A to B conversion. And that’s what we’re going to get into. So, many people say, well, where did these SNPs come from? Nobody knows for sure. Sometimes they’re what’s just called de novo, when the sperm and egg go together, the instructions get mixed up a little bit. We do believe a lot of it came from a long time ago, when we were almost wiped out by sexually transmitted diseases. And those STDs were altering the genes when the conception, in other words, when the sperm went into the egg, the STDs were interfering. And causing the problem, so… I often joke, if you want to blame somebody. Blame your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents for, being a bit promiscuous, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:31 Yeah, for being… having a little too much fun, right? Bob Miller 00:15:35 So, we don’t know for sure, but, you know, there are some that, But most of the SNPs that we get inherit from our parents. So, if you look at a child. And you look at the SNPs. 99.9% of the time, it came from one of the parents. Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:50 In identical twins, do they have the exact same identical makeup? Bob Miller 00:15:54 Yep, Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:56 But not in fraternal twins, correct? Bob Miller 00:15:59 No, no, those could be different, Jeff. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:00 It could be different because they have different sacs, they’re not sharing that same genetic makeup. Bob Miller 00:16:04 Yeah, so keep in mind, both your mother and your father have, you know, the two And so you get one from one parent, one from another. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:13 So… Bob Miller 00:16:14 Interesting situation. I had, 3, 3 boys. And, we were looking at an enzyme related to breaking down oxalates. Now, the mother and father each had one SNP, and that’s called heterozygous. Three boys, and they all come together, they’re Amish boys, they’re a lot of fun. And I looked at their genomes, and the one boy didn’t have any SNPs at all. And one had won. And the other one had two. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:41 Interesting. Bob Miller 00:16:42 So, we don’t quite know how these things get handed off, but with the parents each having one, you could have a child with none, one, or two. So, the one, his ability to break down oxalates, which is fine. The other one was slightly impaired, and the other one was dramatically impaired. So, you can have 3 children, and it all depends what the parents have. Now, if a parent has a homozygous, or 2 copies. And the other parent has nothing. Every child will have one. Okay. If both parents are homozygous, that they both have two, Every child will have two. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:19 too. Bob Miller 00:17:20 Yes, so that’s the way it works, but, you know, but it’s somewhat rare that both parents are homozygous on an enzyme, but it can happen. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:27 Do we think that infections today, like Lyme disease or mold exposure, things like that, if the parent, the woman, primarily, I’m thinking, is pregnant, and she actively has these infections. Can those infections affect the genetics, kind of like a past sexual transmission did where we thought back in the day? Bob Miller 00:17:47 Yeah, I… I mean, I’m not that much of a geneticist to answer that for sure, but my thought would be no, that at conception, the pattern’s made. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:55 Okay. And then that’s… that’s the hand you’re dealt. Bob Miller 00:17:58 Yeah. So, I tell people we have good news and bad news. The good news is we can compensate for the weakness. The bad news is we can compensate for the weakness. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:09 That is so very true. Bob Miller 00:18:11 Yeah, we can’t, because I often get asked, so we’ll do some things now, and we’ll check my genes again, and they’ll be better. It’s like, nope. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:18 Oh, – – Bob Miller 00:18:19 You gotta play the hands you’re dealt, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:21 That’s right. Bob Miller 00:18:22 You can test your genetics… if you’re looking at the same enzyme, you can test it every year. It’s not gonna change. It’s like the blueprint. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:30 It’s good and bad, right? It’s the one test you only have to do once in your lifetime. Bob Miller 00:18:34 No, unless, you know, like, our. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:36 All the time. Bob Miller 00:18:37 Yeah, now our test looks at, called the Functional Genomic Analysis Test of your genomic Resource. We look at 220,000 steps. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:46 Wow, that’s a lot. Bob Miller 00:18:47 That’s not all of them. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:49 Right. Bob Miller 00:18:50 So, maybe in the next year, we’re gonna come out with our third version of the chip. And then, if someone wants to get those new things that weren’t on it, they’d have to repeat. But whatever we measured is gonna stay the same. Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:03 That’s a lot of SNPs to look at. Bob Miller 00:19:05 Keeps us busy. Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:06 But there’s still, but there’s still SNPs that we. Bob Miller 00:19:09 That we’d like to have that we don’t have, so… Bob Miller 00:19:11 We started out with version 1 on our genetic test, then we worked with version 2, and we’re already compiling a list of what version 3 would look like. So if somebody has our version 2, And we’re saying, you know what, it’d be nice if we could see these, well, then you’d repeat, but it won’t change what you already know, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:29 Got it, got it. So, when you started out, and you started looking at the research of Lyme disease and chronic infections, which detox pathways are most important for people who struggle with those conditions? Bob Miller 00:19:43 Okay. You know what might make sense as we do a screen share, and I’ll actually show you the pathway. Does that make sense? Bob Miller 00:19:48 Alright, so… let’s see if I… let me just press the share… Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:52 Yep, you should just be able to press share. Bob Miller 00:19:54 And… number 2. Okay. Are we seeing the screen there? Bob Miller 00:20:01 Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:20:02 So, this is a map that we made. Bob Miller 00:20:05 And by the way, this is not… All-inclusive of all the things we look at, but we believe this is a core issue. So, where we’re going to start here, there’s something called the microglia. And the microglia are glial cells. They’re in the brain and the central nervous system. And they’re very interesting little creatures, because most of the time, and this is just a drawing of what they sort of look like. Most of the time, they’re in what’s called the M2 anti-inflammatory mood. What that means, these little guys pick up dirt, debris, Recycle them. Turns on an enzyme called interleukin-10 that’s anti-inflammatory. And just kind of does general housekeeping. And just kind of does general housekeeping. However, when a trigger comes along. However, when a trigger comes along. They… it’s the same glial cell, but it moves over to a very pro-inflammatory enzyme. A pro-inflammatory glial cell. And it triggers these 3 enzymes, Actually, these four. That are pro-inflammatory. Tumor necrosis vector alpha, Interleukin-6. NF Kappa B, Inos. Now, these create inflammation. So you might think, well, why is that good? Well, if you have some foreign invader, virus, bacteria coming in, parasite. If you didn’t have these guys coming to the rescue, you would just die of infection. So, these guys are your friend unless they’re your worst enemy. Because TNFA, and we’ll show you when we actually do a demo account, TNFA can be overactive. So, in other words, it over-responds. Interleukin-6 can be overactive. And if Kappa-B can be overactive. The INOS, and I’ll explain each of these as we go through a demo, can be overactive. Now, what that means is, you’re very good at killing virus and bacteria. But this is where autoimmune disease comes in, and just inflammatory conditions. Now, this is just speculation, but we think what happened is, as you know. Thousands of years ago, we didn’t have refrigeration, we didn’t have sewer, we didn’t have pure water, and we didn’t have antibiotics. So, if you made it to 40, you were an old-timer, because everybody was dying of infection. So, what we believe happened is, by what’s called natural selection, Having these overactive. A thousand years ago was to your advantage. Dr. Deb Muth 00:22:31 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:22:32 But now… We have pure water, we have refrigeration, we have sewers, we have antibiotics. But now we have environmental factors that are stimulating them. Now it’s to our disadvantage. And we’ll talk about that a little bit as it relates to the hemochromatosis genes and maybe the G6PD. Dr. Deb Muth 00:22:48 Yep. Bob Miller 00:22:49 Now, why are we becoming so inflamed? Let’s look at the triggers. Now, one of my, favorite expressions is. I was born all the way back in 1954. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:01 And it was a different world back then. Bob Miller 00:23:05 These are some of the triggers. And we’ll get into these, but right now, high fructose corn syrup, And the high-fat diet. High fructose corn syrup only came about in 1968. So now we’re being exposed to high fructose corn syrup. Then… we didn’t have these, these viruses like COVID. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:26 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:23:27 Now, there’s now pretty strong evidence that COVID Was actually, you know, made as a gain of function. It’s debated, and I’m not taking an opinion on it, but there’s some people who believe Lyme disease was also a part of experimentation. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:40 Go. Bob Miller 00:23:41 Then we have molds, and it appears as though mold is getting stronger. you know, 20 years ago, when I was seeing folks, mold wasn’t on the radar. I would say 7 out of the 10 folks we speak to today have mold problems. Yeah, 20 years ago, we talked more about mold allergy being an issue versus mold toxicity being an issue. Right. So… I know some folks are, you know, speculating what’s happening, but one of the theories out there is that EMF is strengthening mold. I don’t know if you ever heard that theory, and I don’t… Dr. Deb Muth 00:24:13 I have. Bob Miller 00:24:14 I’m not claiming it’s true, but it’s an interesting theory. Then even, you know, your black mold from water-damaged buildings. Then our air pollution is getting worse. We’re getting more toxic metals. Dr. Deb Muth 00:24:26 You know, if we have a… Bob Miller 00:24:27 You know, we’re gonna look back someday and say, what were we thinking, smearing aluminum into our armpits? The, what were we doing putting mercury in our teeth? Then, you know, glyphosate. When I was a kid, there was no glyphosate. So, all of these herbicides and pesticides. Polychlorinated biphenols, And then EMF. So, we love our cell phones, you know, and I think unless you, or in the middle of the desert, or down in a cave, you’re being exposed to EMF somewhere. So, you know, we have our cell phones with us, we have, We have Wi-Fi, the towers are everywhere. And we don’t know long-term, but we may find that this can… this creates some inflammation. And I don’t know if you get any folks, but do you have any folks that have… are they EMF sensitive? Dr. Deb Muth 00:25:16 Oh yeah, we have a whole bunch of them. Bob Miller 00:25:18 Yeah, and then if you have any TBIs, So, plenty of things here. that will stimulate into the microglia, M1. Now, you could say, well. We’re all pretty much exposed to the same thing. Why do some people get hit harder than others? So here’s where we’re gonna start. There’s an enzyme called Nrf2 and RF2. And Nrf2 is the enzyme that senses when there’s inflammation. And turns on hundreds of anti-inflammatory enzymes. We’ll show when we do the demo, you can have genetic weakness on NERF2. And NERF2 inhibits and slows down microglia M1. supports M2. Now, if it’s not complicated enough, there’s an enzyme called KEEP1. And KEEP1 inhibits NRF2. And you can actually have gain of function on keep 1, that makes Keap 1 stronger. So… A lot of the people who land on my doorstep So… A lot of the people who land on my doorstep Both parents gave a mutation on KEEP1, making it overactive. Both parents gave a mutation on KEEP1, making it overactive. Dr. Deb Muth 00:26:31 Hmm. Dr. Deb Muth 00:26:31 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:26:32 Suppressing Nrf2, nerve 2 might be weak. So, nobody’s putting the brakes on, M1. And by the same token, Nerve 2 supports M2. Then there’s a process called mTOR and autophagy. mTOR stands for mammalian tard of rapamycin, the growth of new cells. And then autophagy, taking our dead cells and recycling them. We need a balance between the two of them. If we didn’t have mTOR, the sperm and the egg would never become the baby, the baby would never become the adult, we wouldn’t make new cells. But our cells are constantly, you know, the old cells dying off. Autophagy is where we take that debris from the cell and recycle it, just like a farmer Plows the crop under at the end of the year. The dead plant then becomes the fuel for the spring, your dead cell becomes the fuel for the spring, and that’s autophagy. So we’re gonna look back someday and say, what were we thinking? We give our animals growth hormones so they get fatter faster. Oh my. So, we consume those animals, and inventory runs faster. Now, for anybody who’s, You know, maybe above 40, 45 years old. Think back when you were 12, and what did girls look like? They were primarily flat-chested little girls. Now they look like 16-year-olds. Because environmentally, we’re jacking up mTOR. So, mTOR stimulates microglia M1, suppresses microglia M2. Probably 80% of the folks we visit with. This is the part of the problem. NRF2 is weak. mTOR is strong. Environmental factors come along. And this guy gets carried away. He doesn’t do that burst and move back. Stays here. We’re calling that How environmental factors create a locked-in, pro-inflammatory. and neurotoxic phenotype. In other words, once it starts, it just keeps… Feeding upon itself. Alright, so what happens now when microglia is overactive. it triggers these 3 enzymes, TNFA, N of kappa B, And interleukin-6. Each one of these can have genetics that make them run stronger. Then it stimulates an enzyme called NLRP3, Which makes what are called inflammasomes. Now, guess what inflammasomes can be? Your best friend or your worst enemy? Because they will, if you’ve got, again, a virus or bacteria, or possibly even some bad cells in the body. They will zap them. Well, that’s good. Unless it’s overactive. Unless it’s overactive. And then what it does, through interleukin-1 beta, makes excess glutamate. And then what it does, through interleukin-1 beta, makes excess glutamate. Anxiety, gut inflammation, OCD, ADD, autism. And, you know, glutamate, we’ll talk about that a little bit, but glutamate makes you intelligent, highly motivated go-getter. but can also be excitatory. And then, look what it does. Let’s see, do I have the drawing tool here? Yes, I do. Okay. So, it comes down through here, Makes the glutamate. Comes back up through here. through the ADORA 2A enzyme, Then we’ve got a feedback loop that feeds upon itself. Then, through interleukin-18, we make histamine. and mast cells. And then through histamine receptor site number 1, we come back and spin it. And now you’ve just got this spinning feedback loop. So, the glutamate will make you anxious, the histamine will give you allergies and make you anxious. And you’re allergic to everything, and you’re feeling horrible. Now, it doesn’t end there, Dr. Dad. It then goes on to make something called gast dermins that creates pyroptosis, where it actually starts punching a hole in the cell membrane. And you’re only going to be as healthy as your cells are. Just a little background. You know, we’re made up of trillions of cells, and each one of them has what’s called a lipid bilayer, made from lipids, which comes from fats. And you’re only going to be as healthy as those membranes are. So that’s why we coined an interesting phrase. Cellular CPR. Construct the cell. Protect the cell. And restore the cell membrane. And we believe that’s going to be revolutionary in the functional medicine world. So… It’s not hard to figure out that if you start punching holes in the cell membrane, that’s not a good thing, okay? Bob Miller 00:31:22 Now… There’s an interesting molecule called NAD. Thicotide adenoside dinucleotide. And anybody who’s in the, you know, listening to the health podcasts and things, they’re… They’re, they’re learning about NAD. And I’m going to show you a chart later, all the good things that NAD does, but For the most part, it helps what’s called sirtuins. And sirtuins are quite interesting. If anybody’s looking at longevity. The sirtuins is where they’re looking at.Because sirtuins turn on good things. Turn off bad things. And I’ll show some charts on that later. So for right here, this sirtuin uses NAD, to slow down NF-kappa-B. CERT 2 uses NAD to slow down an ORP3. So, if we’ve got genetic weakness on these, or we don’t have enough NAD, We don’t hold this pathway back. Make sense? Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:24 Yeah, makes perfect sense. Bob Miller 00:32:25 Now, I’ll show this a little bit later. So, people are like, oh, well, I’m gonna start taking some NAD. Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:31 Right. Bob Miller 00:32:32 And there’s functional doctors who give NAD intravenous. It was just this morning, I was talking to a woman who said, Oh my gosh. I went and got intravenous NAD, and it took me a month to recover from that. Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:45 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:32:46 what happens is, and I’ll show this in a little more detail, there’s an enzyme called CD38, that’s stimulated by NF-kappa-B. And it takes NAD, To make intracellular calcium. that stimulates NLRP3 and actually makes things worse. So, if we have this guy upregulated, and I’ll show a chart what does that. taking NAD will make you worse. Again, when I go into the software, I’ll show you that whole pathway, so… I would encourage people, you know, just don’t go out and start taking massive amounts of NAD, you know, stick your toe in the water, see how you do. Because everything you’ve heard about, how good it is, is true, unless this guy says, oh, thank you very much, let me make more inflammation. Now, this might be part of our innate immune system, that if we have some pathogen that’s gonna kill us. By golly, we want that to happen. But if this is happening by environmental factors, Then it’s detrimental. So the immune system that protected us a thousand years ago now might be turning on us because of the environmental factors that we showed earlier. All right. Then there’s an enzyme called PARP that’s NAD-dependent, and that actually repairs strain breaks in your DNA. Now, the next thing that happens… is there’s an enzyme called NADPH oxidase that gets stimulated. and something called INOS. Now, I’m sure most people know about nitric oxide. It’s a gas that dilates your blood vessels. That’s why sometimes they’ll even give people drugs, nitroglycerin, to boost their nitric oxide. That’s why people are doing beetroots and other things to boost their nitric oxide. But there’s an OS3 enzyme that makes the nitric oxide that’s good for blood flow. But there’s an INOS That makes nitric oxide to kill pathogens. probably might be the third or fourth time I’ve said this. That’s a good thing, unless it isn’t. So, if it’s killing some pathogen, great. It was just misfiring. it combines… With superoxide that’s made by this enzyme, and makes something called peroxynitrite, which is one nasty free radical that chews you up and spits you out. So, the NOx enzyme, NADPH oxidase, uses NADPH, To make this free radical called superoxide. If we have time, we’ll get into it. NADPH is what your body needs to recycle your antioxidants.So, I coined the phrase, the NADPH steel. Where the NOX enzyme takes this very important NADPH, And rather than being useful, makes superoxide. Now, again, is that fine if you’ve got some bacteria to kill? Of course. But if it’s just chronically running, it’s just making all this chronic inflammation. Then it makes something called hydrogen peroxide. And we need to clear hydrogen peroxide by 3 enzymes, catalase, thyroid reduction. And glutathione peroxidase. If we have genetic issues on here, or we don’t have the cofactors. There’s something called the Fenton reaction, discovered in 1895 by Dr. Fenton. Where hydrogen peroxide combines with iron to make what are called hydroxyl radicals. And guess what they do? They create lipid peroxides, That damages your cell membranes. Now, again, the body’s pretty darn amazing. We have glutathione, And here’s where your body’s taking glutathione and recycling it. But look who’s needed to recycle it. NADPH. So, if this guy up here is chewing it up, We don’t recycle our glutathione. And then an enzyme called glufon peroxidase 4, Takes this damaged lipid and repairs it. So, here we’ve got this protecting, we want to protect it by not having this happen. But then we also need this guy to do the restoration. So, there’s a lot that can go wrong in here, Dr. Deb. Dr. Deb Muth 00:37:07 There’s a lot that could go wrong. And I can imagine some of my listeners are thinking that lipid peroxidase, is that the same thing as what they’re thinking of when we talk about lipids and cholesterol? Is that the same process that’s happening there? Bob Miller 00:37:22 Well, no, no, the lipids can be used to make cholesterol, but here we’re talking about where they’re going to build the cell membrane. And they’re being… and they’re being, destroyed. If anybody would like to see a visual representation of this, just go on YouTube. And type in, ferrooptosis Animation. cool little video, it’s about 3 minutes long, and it shows the lipids coming over, being oxidized, and now GPX4 fixes them, so… YouTube, Pharaoptosis Animation, cute little video. It’s just that really… Shows vividly what we’re… what we’re talking about here. Now, this is… Dr. Deb Muth 00:37:59 And so this is very common, too. Like, a lot of people do hydrogen peroxide IVs. Dr. Deb Muth 00:38:04 And so, if somebody doesn’t know their genetics, they could have a problem with doing those, just like they could doing the NADHIVs, correct? Bob Miller 00:38:13 Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I’ve talked to so many, you know, of course, the hydrogen peroxide kills pathogens. I mean, that’s what it does. So… but I’ve spoken to so many people that said. I had one client that said they’ve never been the same after having one hydrogen peroxide infusion. Dr. Deb Muth 00:38:30 Interesting. Bob Miller 00:38:31 Yeah. So… it can be… I see why people use it, because it. Bob Miller 00:38:36 pathogens, But on the other hand. And now’s a good time to speak about… I don’t have it on here, but there’s a, there’s an enzyme called the HFE gene. And that is what causes you to absorb iron. And there’s mutations in it that cause something called hemochromatosis. Were you overabsorb iron? Now, true hemochromatosis is when both parents give you a mutation. But there’s now growing evidence even a heterozygous can cause a little bit more iron absorption, not to the human chromatosis point, but overabsorption. So, if you overabsorb iron, And you have too much hydrogen peroxide that’s not cleared, All kinds of inflammation. Now, what’s happened is sometimes this inflammation Will damage the red blood cells. And some well-meaning doctor says, oh, you need some iron. And they take iron and it makes it worse. So, can’t tell you how many people I’ve said, you’ve got the overabsorption of iron, and they say, well, that can’t be right, because I’m low in iron. Well, that could be because it’s being chewed up here. Dr. Deb Muth 00:39:40 Sure. GPX1 and TXN turn it into, to water. The, catalase turns it into water and oxygen. Dr. Deb Muth 00:39:58 Now, I see a lot of my clients who have mutations or SNPs on that GPX gene, on that glutathione gene. And they really struggle to clear a lot of their toxins. Bob Miller 00:40:12 Sure. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:14 Yeah, absolutely. Well, GPX4. Bob Miller 00:40:18 is what, repairs, but you can see GPX1 Is what uses glutathione. To turn hydrogen peroxide. So, but it all depends upon having enough glutathione. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:30 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:40:31 Well, guess who controls making a glutathione? Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:34 Nerf 2. Bob Miller 00:40:37 So, if you have a keep one weakness, or strength to two… I’m sorry, keep one is too strong. Nrf2 is too weak. You don’t make glutathione. So, when a lot of people do that, it’s like, well, I’m gonna take glutathione. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:51 Right. Bob Miller 00:40:52 And some do great, and some do poorly. You know, because… and I’ll show this on one of the other charts. You can see here that the, The glutathione has to be recycled. And if we don’t recycle it, it actually turns into superoxide free radical. So… NADPH are the cofactors, For taking the oxidi… here’s oxidized glutathione, here’s reduced. So, this is a good glutathione. After it does its job, you can see it becomes oxidized.We need to recycle it. Well, if we have weakness on the enzyme that does that, or a weakness in Nrf2, or not enough NADPH. The oxidized glutathione never gets recycled. So, I’ve talked to a lot of people who said, oh, glutathione made me so sick, and say, well. Dr. Deb Muth 00:41:43 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:41:44 You need it, but you need to recycle it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:41:46 Can you speak for just a brief moment, too, about MTHFR? That is a very popular gene, it’s all over social media as the major gene, but can you speak to a little bit about that, and how that fits into this whole process of things? Because it is just such a small piece. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:04 understanding genetics. Bob Miller 00:42:06 Yeah, to be honest, it drives me nuts. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:08 Me too. Bob Miller 00:42:11 Alright, so… You know, there are people on social media I won’t say what I think, I’ll be kind. But… But the, And, you know, they might mean well. But they talk about, if you have MTHFR and COMT and PEMT, that’s… oh my goodness, that’s horrible, and we’ll fix that for you, and you’ll be fine. Bob Miller 00:42:36 it just irritates me to no end. And it really could get anybody who’s doing this legitimately in trouble. I mean, I’m afraid someday, you know, there might be some cracking down on this kind of nonsense. Now, to answer your question about MTHFR. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:51 I mean, it really is, but I’ll tell you what, why don’t we hold that thought until I go to another map and I can actually… Okay. Bob Miller 00:42:56 But the real… the cliff notes is the MTHFR puts a methyl group on your folate, which is needed, but it has gotten way, way, way too much attention. And people learn they have MTHFR, and they start taking a multivitamin with methylfolate, then they take a B vitamin with methylfolate. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:13 And they’re pushing it too hard. Bob Miller 00:43:15 Yeah. So I can’t tell you how many people I’ve helped by saying, stop it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:20 Yeah, take less of it. Bob Miller 00:43:21 Take less of it, yeah. So, yeah. Yeah, there’s a… If somebody, say, ranked the enzymes at their level of importance, MTHFR might be 40 or 50 on a scale of 100, you know. Keep one Nerf two. big deals. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:40 deals. Bob Miller 00:43:41 NQO1 that I didn’t even talk about yet, NQO1, takes your, NA… your NAD goes into NADH, To make electrons for the electron transport chain. you need NQ01 to bring that back. If that’s not working, and I’ll show you on the NAD map how disastrous that can be. Now, the next piece is here, and I think You know, if you talk to any school teachers and say, if you’ve taught for more than 10 years, how are the kids today? Every one of them says, more ADD, ADHD, more autism. Just look at human beings, we’ve never been so agitated. You know, everybody, and it might be a social media thing, but people take a position on something, and if anybody doesn’t share that position, they view them as the enemy. Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:29 And it’s kind of scary what’s happening to us. Bob Miller 00:44:33 So, we can’t agree to disagree anymore. We see anybody who has a differing opinion as the enemy. And, you know, there was… there’s people that didn’t have Christmas dinners together, because they had political differences, like… Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:44 Excuse me. Bob Miller 00:44:45 can’t you put your political differences aside to have Christmas together, you know? Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:49 Right? Bob Miller 00:44:50 become that, you know, no matter what your position is, and I’m not saying anyone’s right or wrong, I’m just saying. You know, in the old days, they used to say that the Republicans and Democrats in Congress would argue policy and then go have dinner together. And now everybody’s all up in arms, angry. Dr. Deb Muth 00:45:05 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:45:06 So… There’s likely multiple reasons for that. But let me show you one of them. That, you know, to what degree this is… very important, we don’t know, but I think We’re beginning to believe this is very important. So, there’s something… there’s a neurotransmitter called GABA. And God buys the don’t worry, relax, be happy. Chill. Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:45:31 Nobody has enough of that anymore. Bob Miller 00:45:33 Well, yeah, you’ll be surprised what I’m gonna show you. So, let me see if I can find a, Let me see if I can find the right slide here. Let me look for it here. So, there’s something called a GABA receptor site. And here you can see… This is a neuron, and this is where you, The neuron normally is excitatory. However, there’s normally low chloride in the neuron. Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:09 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:46:10 So, GABA itself is neither relaxing. For excitatory, all GABA does, it opens up what’s called a chloride channel. And then chloride, which has a negative charge, will flow into the neuron. Follow me there? Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:26 Yep. Bob Miller 00:46:27 And as it does, it changes this from a positive charge to a negative charge, And it’s relaxing. and inhibitory. Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:34 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:46:36 Now, on the other hand, there’s enzymes called NKCC1, That will push chloride in. and KCC2 that will bring chlor… oops and bring chloride out. And then there’s a sodium channel. And, sodium has a positive charge. And glutamate will push that in. So, as long as this is happening. And GABA says, receptor sites, open, chloride goes in, Chill. However, If NKCC1 Pushes extra chloride in. KCC2 doesn’t pull it out. and GABA hits the receptor site, the GABA comes flowing out, Sodium comes in, And now it’s excitatory. So Gabba didn’t change. GABA just opened the receptor site, that’s all it does. Dr. Deb Muth 00:47:33 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:47:34 But it’s the chloride balance that’s going to determine whether this is relaxing or not. Now, these are the things that go along with when they lose that KCC2 or gain NKCC1. Pain and sensitivity, burning electrical, neuropathic pain. Normal touch hurts. Sound and light sensitivity. Tinnitus can flare. Headaches and migraines. Seizure tendency. Body jolts. Spasticity, cramps, stiffness, startle reflex. Trouble falling asleep, non-restorative sleep. Anxiety, stress, reactivity, that’s what we have now. Hyperarousal, panic-like surges, irritability, racing thoughts. Brain fog, slowed processing, working memory slip-ups. Mental fatigue. Episodes of racing hearts, sweaty palms, guts on edge. Those are all the things that happen when this GABA switch occurs. Now, here’s what happens, and this is what I’m going to be presenting at an autism conference. When you have a newborn, they need that NKCC dominant to develop. By early childhood, it should… or, sorry, early adulthood. we should move over to the KCC dominant, that’s the taking the chloride out. Nice-looking 25-year-old boys, functioning very well. However, when we get microglia M1 upregulated. Because of environmental toxins, processed foods, Tylenol, aluminum. they stay in NKCC1 dominant, and there’s ADD, ADHD, Autism, the whole spectrum. because… They’ve not moved over to the… They’ve not moved over to the KCC2. And again, this is caused by… Environmental factors. Stimulating the microglia. And then, interleukin-1, interleukin-18 weakens KCC2, interleukin-1 beta, Strengthens NKCC1. high chloride. We open up the chloride channel, In Rebell Excitatory. So, I think when, When the pediatricians get ahold of this, they’re going to be very excited to know that This could be why we’re seeing such a rise, and not just autism, but ADD, ADHD, anxiety, the whole shit mess. Dr. Deb Muth 00:49:58 thing. Bob Miller 00:49:59 Yeah, so… and you can see NF-kappa-B stimulates that. These stimulate it, and I think that’s why everyone’s getting so anxious. Now, there’s a little bit more to it, and we’ll get into this when we look at some of the maps, but… The, the glutamate, Which is excitatory. will stimulate the NMDA receptor, make more glutamate, And glutamate will inhibit KCC2. And then we also need an astrocyte To, take both ammonia And glutamate, and… Turn them back into glutamine. And I’m going to talk to you a little bit about arachidenic acid, and if we have too much arachidenic acid. or TNFA is upregulated, that doesn’t happen. Ammonia goes up, and there may be multiple reasons for this, but this is a reason why some of the autistic kids do flapping. Dr. Deb Muth 00:50:49 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:50:50 Because they’re not clearing their ammonia. And you can tell if somebody has high ammonia by… they get that old person smell, you know. Dr. Deb Muth 00:51:00 Yup. Bob Miller 00:51:01 your vehicle cycle’s not taking out the, the ammonia. Now, last pathway here. There’s growing interest in mast cell activation. So, back here, we talked about peroxynitride. And that will stimulate mast cells, and those are white blood cells that are your best friend, unless they’re your worst enemy. Then it’ll make histamine. And there’s enzymes called histidine decarboxylase that’ll make more. Dr. Deb Muth 00:51:28 I’m sure everybody’s heard of DAO, the enzyme that degrades histamine. Yep. Bob Miller 00:51:31 We can have genetic weakness, we don’t make that. There’s an enzyme called histamine and methyltransferase, That, That breaks down the histamine. Then if we don’t do that, it’ll get stuck in the histamine receptor site. And then it’ll make something called, renin. Which will cause angiotensinogen to turn into angiotensin. One, that turns into angiotensin II,And that’s where people make aldosterone, where they’ll get the, The swollen ankles and high blood pressure. But interestingly, there’s an enzyme called ACE2, that takes this guy and turns it into angiotensin 1-7, Which is anti-inflammatory and also inhibits… TNFA. Now, you can have weakness on ACE2, But… and anybody’s saying, that sounds familiar? Dr. Deb Muth 00:52:25 That’s where COVID comes in, using ACE2. Bob Miller 00:52:28 And now we just found there’s literature that if you get COVID long enough, it can actually make ACE2 not be able to work as well. So look what it does. It comes down here, stimulates the NADPH oxidase, More superoxide. More peroxynitrite. And we’re on a cycle here. We’ve actually named this the Home Cycle Hypothesis, the proposed feed-forward loop. That just keeps feeding on itself. All being caused by… Primarily, The environmental factors. But hitting those who have genetic weakness the hardest. That’s why. Dr. Deb Muth 00:53:08 To the people. Bob Miller 00:53:09 Don’t live in a moldy house. One person is sick as can be, and the other person says, well, you must be imagining things, because I don’t feel anything. Dr. Deb Muth Yeah. Same thing with long haul, right? Two people can both get sick, one gets sick and never seems to recover, and somebody else gets sick, and they have absolutely no problems with it at all. Bob Miller 00:53:30 Sure. Well, think about it, if you get COVID, and ACE2 is weak, and some of this other stuff is going on. This thing just starts feeding upon itself. Dr. Deb Muth 00:53:38 Keep creating more inflammation, more complications, nothing’s calming down. Bob Miller 00:53:43 Yeah. Now, you, you ask about, MTHFR. So, this is the, this is the, the software called Functional Genomic Analysis. There’s a demo report we have. So, let’s talk a little bit about, MTHFR. So, we actually have a map called a methylation map. Now, what happens is, when you do your saliva test, you, you know, you spit, you put some saliva. in a collection kit, goes to a lab, takes out the DNA data, sends it to the computer, and now you can actually see it visually. Okay. So, it’s gonna take a second for this, data to load up, it’s, and each of these Circles, each of these ovals, is an enzyme. And the data gets loaded up to see where it is. So, until it gets loaded up here, I didn’t preload this. There it goes. So… The primary thing about methylation is There’s a nasty substance called homocysteine that, if it’s too high, can really be detrimental. The body takes methylfolate, and combines with methyl B12, To bring this back up to methionine. And then through the MAT genes, we make SAMI, S-adml methionine. Which is involved in so many processes. Then after it does its thing, it turns back into homocysteine. And this thing needs to keep spinning around. That’s why, you know, it’s a good idea to keep homocysteine at, do you have a number that you’d like? 7, 8? What do you like for a number? Dr. Deb Muth 00:55:24 Yeah, I like mine below 7. Bob Miller 00:55:26 Yeah. So if the homocysteine goes too high. It, caused all kinds of problems. So, here’s where you ask about the MTHFR. So, here you can see on this individual. I click on MTHFR, and you can see it comes up here, here’s the C677. And you can see here where it says, variants. I’ll… I’ll draw in case somebody’s having a hard time seeing that. So, you can see there’s nothing in there. That means there’s no genetic mutations. If one parent would have given a mutation, there’d be a 1. If both parents did, there’d be a 2. Now, here’s why Yes, methylation is important, I’m not saying it isn’t important, but look at this MTHFRC677. In my software. Only 42.5% of the population does not have a mutation. 44.7% have won. 12.9 have 2. So, this isn’t some rare, oh my god, I’m gonna die… Kind of thing, yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:56:27 Right. Bob Miller 00:56:28 So, And then what happens is that, and again, I’m not dismissing methylation, I… we could do a whole show on methylation. Bob Miller 00:56:36 get it. But I think that what people are doing is they’re, they’re learning about MTHFR, they get it measured, they panic. They start taking massive amounts of methylfolate, which many times is to their detriment. Dr. Deb Muth 00:56:50 Well, it’s… and isn’t it true, too, with MTHFR, like, you have to also look at MTR, MTRR, and the more we stack up of those, the more complicated than MTHFR can be. It’s not… it’s not as simple as just saying MTHFR 677 versus 1298. It’s more complex than that, kind of like what you’ve already shown with some of the other things. There’s more to it than just that one little sliver. Bob Miller 00:57:17 Oh, sure, well, let’s take a look. So, remember I said there’s a cofactor? One of the cofactors is called FAD. Just a Bob Miller observation, that’s all. But when people have trouble with their riboflavin and they don’t have enough FAD, They’re doing much worse than people who have just a C677. So, right here, you could have perfect C677th. And if you don’t have the cofactor, it’s not gonna work, okay? Dr. Deb Muth 00:57:48 And as you said, there’s an MTR enzyme. Bob Miller 00:57:51 that takes methylfolate and methyl B12, to spin it around. So, here on this individual. here’s your… here’s your B vitamins, or I’m sorry, your B12s. There’s an enzyme called TCN1 that takes it from the stomach into the blood. Then there’s other enzymes that take it from the blood into the tissue. And if you’re having trouble here. Well, then you’re not going to have this working, so… Even if you don’t have MTHFR, And you have MTR, like this, no, I’m sorry, this person doesn’t. But they have the MTRR, and then they don’t have enough B12, this isn’t gonna work, aside from that. And then there’s a middle pathway. And then there’s enzymes called the MAT1. they take the methionine to the salmon. If that’s not working, we stick… we get stuck in methionine. So, it’s, it’s not just an MTHFR. And then, one of the things that people forget about. is through these CBS enzymes and CTH, We make cysteine, which is needed to make glutathione. The master antioxidant. So, it really is that… I call it the, The 3D chess game played underwater. Dr. Deb Muth 00:59:07 It really is. I mean, I see people who have CVS, COMT, glutathione, MGHFR genes. And some of them function just fine. Like, they have Like, I look at this person and I’m like, oh my gosh, I don’t know how they’re functioning because they’re double mutated on so many pathways, but yet they don’t have a lot of symptoms, they don’t have a lot of complications. Somehow their body has figured out a way to adapt to what it has so it can stay alive and it can function at a high functioning level. Bob Miller 00:59:36 Yeah, and they may be, you know, eating right? Yeah. Staying out of a moldy house. reducing stress. So, it’s diet, it’s stress, it’s genetics, environmental factors. So, yeah, we can’t just say somebody’s gonna be good or somebody’s gonna be bad. You know, some people get scared, oh, I got all these, it’s like, well… Bob Miller 00:59:56 Are you living in a moldy house? You know, and if you live in a moldy house and your glucuronidation pathway doesn’t do well, or if you’re, you know, a smoker, or you’re constantly eating junk food, I mean, all. Bob Miller 01:00:07 things come together. Although, you know, when we focus on genetics, we’re well aware that this is just a piece of it. You know, you could have identical twins, Genetically, and if one… Is exposed to mold and smokes and drinks and stressed out. They’re gonna be a whole lot sicker than their sibling. Bob Miller 01:00:28 Yep. Dr. Deb Muth 01:00:29 Yeah, it’s that concept of taking twins, and one gets raced with one family, and one gets raced with another family, and they don’t have the same… problems that… that each other have, you know? It’s a very unique situation, we don’t think about that enough. Bob Miller 01:00:44 Alright, so again, genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger. So, if you’ve got a loaded gun, but you don’t have the triggers, you’re okay. Dr. Deb Muth 01:00:53 Yeah. Bob Miller 01:00:54 Yeah. So, remember I said I was going to talk about NAD? So, here’s NAD, and what it does, it turns into NADH. And what NADH does, it, Comes down this pathway, what’s called the electron transport chain. And that makes your ATP, that’s your energy. So, if this wasn’t working, we wouldn’t be alive, because we wouldn’t have energy. So it donates an electron, that’s why it’s called electron transport chain. So, we need NAD, To make this, to make the energy. But remember I said that NQ01, this would probably be, like, on my top 10 list of… Bob Miller 01:01:36 Much more important than MTHFR. This one takes NADH back to NAD. If we’re stuck over here, We’re low in this NAD+, But what happens is, NQO1 also provides CoQ10. And CoQ10 Is what’s needed for the electron transport chain to flow. So if we get too many electrons up here. And they don’t turn them into energy. They make a nasty free radical called superoxide. Okay. Now, NAD plus also makes NADPH, And that is needed. Remember I said we need to recycle our antioxidants. So, if we have a problem with FAD from riboflavin. Yeah, we don’t have enough NADPH, Glutathione’s not getting recycled, and you’re gonna be inflamed. And you take glutathione, you’ll feel worse. There’s another enzyme called thimoredoxin. Same thing, needs NADPH and FAD. And same way with your nitric oxide, there’s an enzyme called NOS3, That makes the nitric oxide that dilates your blood vessels. And if we don’t have enough NADPH or fat, You’re gonna make superoxide. Rather than nitric oxide. Now, remember
In this episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, John Flavin sits down with Heather Turner, CEO of LB Pharmaceuticals, a late-stage clinical biotechnology company developing differentiated therapies for patients with serious psychiatric and neurological disorders. Heather's path into biotech was anything but traditional. Trained as an attorney, she began her career advising startup companies at Cooley before spending more than two decades helping build and scale life sciences companies through financings, strategic partnerships, and major transactions. Along the way, she developed a unique perspective on leadership, risk management, and company building—eventually transitioning from legal leadership roles into the CEO seat. The conversation explores Heather's journey from lawyer to biotech executive, the lessons learned leading Carmot Therapeutics through a $3.1 billion acquisition by Roche, and the challenges of raising capital in one of biotech's most difficult financing environments. She also shares how LB Pharmaceuticals successfully completed a public offering to advance its lead program, LB-102, a potential new treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and major depressive disorder. At its core, this episode is about leadership in uncertainty—how great companies are built through preparation, resilience, humility, and a relentless focus on patients. Heather offers valuable insights on scaling organizations, building high-performing teams, navigating risk, and creating opportunities for the next generation of biotech leaders.
Synopsis: While biotech is increasingly measured by clinical milestones and financial outcomes, Rahul Chaturvedi welcomes two leaders who argue that true success begins and ends with patients. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Mike Raab, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ardelyx, and Laura Williams, Chief Patient Officer, share how empathy, resilience, and patient advocacy have shaped both their careers and the culture of the company they've built. Mike reflects on an unconventional journey that spans pharmaceutical sales, rare disease leadership at Genzyme, venture capital at NEA, and ultimately leading Ardelyx through some of biotech's most difficult challenges—including a Complete Response Letter, massive layoffs, and a historic FDA reversal that resulted in approval without additional clinical trials. Laura shares her path from rural Mississippi to becoming a physician, recounting the transformative patient experience during the HIV epidemic that inspired her move from academia into industry and ultimately into a pioneering Chief Patient Officer role. Together, they explore what patient-centricity truly means beyond corporate slogans, how Ardelyx embedded patient advocacy into the C-suite, and why empathy must be a core competency for biotech leadership. The discussion also dives into clinical trial diversity, commercializing therapies for underserved populations, navigating regulatory adversity, responsible capital allocation, and the future of building enduring biotech companies. It is a powerful reminder that when patients become the North Star, resilience, innovation, and impact naturally follow. Biography: Mike Raab Mike has served as Ardelyx's President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2009. Before Ardelyx, Mike was a partner at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), one of the world's largest and most successful venture capital firms, where he specialized in healthcare investments focusing on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Prior to joining NEA in 2002, Mike spent 15 years in commercial and operating leadership roles in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. He was senior vice president, therapeutics and general manager of the renal division at Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi company. In this position, Mike launched and oversaw the sales growth of sevelamer, the leading phosphate binder for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, with over $1.0 billion in worldwide sales in 2013. Mike was also instrumental in the worldwide launch of Genzyme's therapies for Gaucher disease, Ceredase and Cerezyme. Laura Williams, MD, MPH Laura has served as Ardelyx's Chief Patient Officer since 2025, having joined the company in November 2020 as Senior Vice President, Global Therapeutic Strategies and Patient Advocacy. Laura was later promoted to Chief Medical Officer in 2021. Laura is a life science enterprise leader with extensive experience as a pharmaceutical drug developer, healthcare policy advisor, patient advocate, and portfolio strategist. She is an accomplished, results-oriented, physician scientist and board member who is committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies that address unmet medical need. With nearly 30 years of pharmaceutical experience, across all clinical development phases and multiple therapeutic areas, in both large pharma and smaller biotech, Laura has a proven track-record in drug development, as indicated by her leadership and major contributions toward eight drug approvals.
How can artificial intelligence help get the right drugs to the right patients faster, but without losing sight of the human side of healthcare?In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Genialis, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolution of AI in biotech and its growing role in precision oncology. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences, Rafael shares how Genialis is building AI-powered foundation models of cancer biology to help pharmaceutical companies improve clinical trial success and accelerate drug development. The discussion also explores the promises and challenges of AI, from data quality and bias to the broader societal implications of increasingly intelligent technologies. In this episode, you'll discover:How AI foundation models are being used to reduce clinical trial failure in oncology.How new approaches to AI can unlock valuable insights from limited clinical datasets.The opportunities and risks of AI in healthcare, education, and society – and why human judgment remains essential.Tune in to hear what it takes to build trustworthy AI healthcare technologies and why the future of biotech still depends on human creativity and critical thinking.Links:Connect with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, and learn about Genialis and The Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine.Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine's panel on Tuesday 6/23.Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer.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.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. The landscape of these industries is one of constant evolution, characterized by scientific advancements, strategic mergers, and regulatory maneuvers that shape the future of healthcare. In a significant scientific breakthrough, Merck & Co. and Gilead Sciences have made strides in HIV treatment with the development of a weekly pill. This innovative regimen combines Merck's islatravir with Gilead's lenacapavir, showing promise in two phase 3 trials. If approved, this long-acting oral therapy could revolutionize HIV care by offering a more convenient dosing schedule, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes substantially. This novel regimen signifies progress towards simplifying HIV treatments with once-weekly dosing. Meanwhile, in the oncology sector, Gilead's Trodelvy faced challenges when combined with Merck's Keytruda as a first-line treatment for PD-L1-high non-small cell lung cancer. The phase 3 EVOKE-03 trial was terminated, shifting attention to competitors like AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, who continue to advance their own therapies in this area. In a strategic move to bolster its position in lung cancer treatment, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is acquiring Nuvalent for $10.6 billion, aiming to secure near-approval cancer therapies capable of challenging market leaders like Roche and Pfizer. This acquisition underscores the focus on targeted cancer therapies that increase treatment efficacy by honing in on specific genetic markers. Nuvalent's innovative pipeline of small molecule inhibitors targets drug resistance and mutations in cancer treatment—a strategic addition to GSK's portfolio aimed at enhancing its position amidst rapid advancements and intense competition in oncology. In diabetes and obesity management, Eli Lilly is advancing with its new oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, Foundayo (orforglipron), which has shown competitive efficacy over oral semaglutide. Analysts see Lilly's progress as strengthening its leadership in the growing obesity drug market. Similarly, AstraZeneca is making progress with its own GLP-1 candidate, elecoglipron, as phase 2 data sets the stage for pivotal studies. Promising clinical trial data from Eli Lilly's retatrutide for obesity-related conditions and AstraZeneca's elecoglipron suggest a strengthening pipeline for GLP-1 receptor agonists known for their dual effects on weight management and glycemic control. On the diagnostics front, Roche reaffirms its €600 million investment in Germany amid industry retrenchments by companies like Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim. However, Roche remains cautious about future risks due to shifting economic conditions. The financial dynamics within biotech are also noteworthy. Parabilis Medicines is planning a potentially record-setting IPO following Kailera Therapeutics' successful public offering earlier this year. These trends indicate strong investor confidence and an influx of funding towards innovative cancer therapies. Meanwhile, CeQur's $100 million Series E funding round aims at accelerating insulin patch delivery systems' commercial growth—highlighting ongoing innovation in diabetes management solutions. Regulatory updates reveal AstraZeneca facing reprimands from the UK marketing watchdog due to repeated breaches related to LinkedIn activities—an ongoing challenge in pharmaceutical marketing compliance. The integration of digital health solutions continues apace as ixlayer partners with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to launch a digital acute pain management platform. This initiative aims at improving patient care by reducing reliance on opioid-based treatments. These developments paint a picture of an industry where scientific innovations, regulatory hurdles, and technological advancements intersect to shape future therapeutic landscapes. Precision oncology is another area witnessing substantial growth. The landscape also sees notable activity in rare disease therapeutics. Johnson & Johnson's Talvey has gained acceptance in Scotland for treating relapsed multiple myeloma using bispecific antibody technology—a trend toward leveraging immune system targeting technologies to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. Moreover, Zai Lab's Tivdak received approval from China's NMPA for cervical cancer treatment based on Phase 3 data, highlighting the rise of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as potent oncology therapies due to their targeted delivery mechanisms. On the research collaboration front, AlzeCure Pharma's partnership with Eli Lilly focuses on Alzheimer's disease research through Alzstatin ACD680—a small molecule targeting neurodegenerative pathways—a testament to the collaborative efforts needed to tackle complex diseases like Alzheimer's. However, challenges persist as Bial discontinued its GCase activator program after failing Phase 2b trials for Parkinson's patients with GBA1 variants—a stark reminder of the high-risk nature inherent in drug development despite initial promise. These myriad developments underscore a vibrant period within pharmaceutical and biotech sectors where scientific advancements rapidly translate into actionable therapies promising substantial improvements in patient care by addressing unmet medical needs globally.Support the show
In this episode, Andrea Braun-Scherhag, SVP and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs & Safety at Autolus, breaks down what it really takes to bring breakthrough therapies to market, especially when there's no established playbook. From securing rapid global approvals to navigating entirely new pathways in cell and gene therapy, she shares why regulatory sits at the centre of Biotech success. Andrea challenges the common perception of regulatory as operational, revealing it instead as one of the most impactful, forward-looking functions in any biotech. She also highlights the importance of engaging regulators early, aligning teams behind a clear strategy, and putting patients at the heart of development, particularly in rare diseases.
"We try to take sustainability to every aspect of what we do, because when you build a company, you have impact." —Karen Behnke In this episode of Essential Ingredients, Justine sits down with Karen Behnke, a serial wellness entrepreneur and a true pioneer in the clean beauty movement long before it became mainstream. From co-launching Goop Beauty with Gwyneth Paltrow to being recognized by Goldman Sachs as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs, Karen's journey is anything but ordinary. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades. Karen shares the moment everything shifted—when she realized that despite her background in wellness, she had never questioned what she was putting on her skin. That realization sparked a mission to challenge the beauty industry and rethink how products are made, sourced, and experienced. You'll hear how her work now blends organic farming, biotech innovation, and sustainability, including growing rare grapes on her own certified organic vineyard and developing plant-based exosome technology. It's a powerful look at how beauty, health, and the planet are more connected than most of us realize. This episode is for anyone curious about what's really in their skincare—and what it means to choose better. In this episode, we cover: • The turning point that changed Karen's view on the beauty industry • Why clean beauty is about more than just ingredients • The connection between farming, skincare, and environmental impact • How innovation is shaping the future of beauty • What consumers should start paying attention to today • If you've ever wondered what you're really putting on your skin, this conversation will shift the way you think.
Dr. Sarah Matt trained as a burn surgeon, working in a field where patients arrive with catastrophic injuries and survival depends on speed, skill, and resources. She left the bedside after confronting a limit that medicine does not like to admit. One physician can only see so many people in a day. The system surrounding those patients decides the rest. She moved into health technology, held leadership roles in startups, and built global infrastructure at Oracle to scale care across populations. Then she watched billions of dollars in digital health and AI initiatives stall out when they hit real clinical environments.This episode follows that pivot from surgeon to strategist and back into direct patient care in rural New York, where she now treats uninsured patients, migrant workers, and communities pushed to the margins. The conversation centers on a persistent failure across healthcare systems. Products get built for regulators, executives, and investors instead of the people who use them. The result shows up in failed adoption, broken workflows, prior authorization delays, and rising physician burnout.The discussion cuts through health policy language and lands on lived consequence. The system rewards speed over usability, scale over trust, and compliance over care. Patients absorb the fallout. Physicians carry the liability. The incentives remain intact.RELATED LINKSDr. Sarah MattThe Borderless Healthcare RevolutionThe Clinical RealistJessica FedererSovatoFEEDBACKLike 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.
Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance
Peanuts aren't just a crop; they're an economic engine. In Dothan, Alabama, and across the Wiregrass, peanuts drive local economies, support families, and shape community identity. In this episode, we dig into how the humble legume sustains life and livelihood across the Southeast.To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “XXX.” If you prefer to watch your podcasts, head over to Youtube at https://youtu.be/hss4bY2Z3NE Thanks for listening! We're now on YouTube- follow us here. To receive episode updates and bonus material, subscribe to our mailing list here.
Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're delving into a series of groundbreaking advancements and strategic movements reshaping the landscape of drug development and patient care. Eli Lilly's retatrutide has emerged as a significant breakthrough in obesity treatment, demonstrating a remarkable 30.3% weight reduction over two years in a Phase 3 trial. This drug, a triple agonist targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, regulates appetite and energy balance effectively. Such results not only highlight its potential as a transformative therapy for obesity but also position Eli Lilly prominently within metabolic disorder treatment landscapes. With global obesity rates on the rise, retatrutide's success could meaningfully impact public health strategies and pharmaceutical approaches to managing weight. In the oncology sector, Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Firefly Bio for $1 billion is a strategic move aimed at enhancing their oncology pipeline with Firefly's Degrader Antibody Conjugate platform. This technology is designed to target KRAS-driven tumors, which are notoriously difficult to treat, prevalent in cancers such as pancreatic and colorectal cancer. By integrating Firefly's innovative platform, J&J aims to offer new hope for patients dealing with these challenging cancers. Turning to regulatory developments, the FDA has expanded Pfizer's Hympavzi label to include pediatric patients aged six and older with hemophilia A and B. This decision follows robust Phase 3 results that demonstrate Hympavzi's efficacy as a prophylactic treatment in this young population. The expanded label underscores efforts to address pediatric needs in areas traditionally focused on adults, thus broadening treatment options for young patients with bleeding disorders. In Europe, Chiesi's Loxujta (lomitapide) has gained EU pediatric label expansion for treating homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, supported by strong Phase 3 data. This expansion aligns with a growing trend toward personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to specific genetic profiles even in younger populations. Collaborative efforts in biotechnology are also gaining momentum. GSK has partnered with Engitix to research liver fibrosis regression through extracellular matrix-targeted drug discovery. This collaboration highlights an industry shift towards leveraging biotechnology for innovative therapeutic solutions. Hikma Pharmaceuticals has shown confidence in the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing sector by committing $267 million to expand its facilities in Ohio. This expansion enhances Hikma's production capabilities while creating 350 jobs, positively impacting local economies and ensuring robust supply chain capabilities for essential medicines. The clinical trial landscape is vibrant with promising data across various therapeutic areas. Amgen's Repatha (evolocumab) has demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk diabetes patients without prior heart attacks or strokes, reinforcing its role not just in cholesterol management but also in broader cardiovascular risk mitigation strategies. Dexcom has made strides in metabolic diseases with its G7 continuous glucose monitor showing significant benefits for non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes patients. This development illustrates the increasing integration of digital health technologies into chronic disease management. Moreover, emerging treatments like Sciwind Biosciences' ecnoglutide have shown superior weight loss outcomes compared to existing therapies such as semaglutide. Such head-to-head comparisons are crucial for advancing competitive therapeutic landscapes and optimizing patient outcomes. In summary, the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are experiencing transformative changes driven by scientific advancements and strategic collaborations. These developments not only expand treatment options across various therapeutic areas but also signify a shift toward more personalized and integrated healthcare solutions that could significantly impact patient care and drug development pathways globally. As these trends continue to evolve, they will likely drive further progressions in how pharmaceutical companies approach drug development and regulatory engagements, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide through more effective and personalized treatment modalities. Stay tuned for more updates from Pharma Daily as we continue to bring you the latest insights from the world of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.Support the show
We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode of the Business of Biotech, Tyler Menichiello, chief editor at Bioprocess Online, host of the Better Biopharma podcast, and my Life Science Connect (LSC) colleague, convenes the broader LSC editorial team once again for a midyear discussion on what's happening now in the life sciences industry, and what's to come in the second half of the year. Topics include AI manufacturing regulations and navigating supply chain pressures, outsourcing trends and onshoring, biotech market signals and IPOs, clinical development's slow shift to digitization, the move toward organoids and non-animal models (NAMs) in discovery, RNA modality growing pains, and more. 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/
This interview is disseminated on behalf of Conexeu Sciences Inc.Reconstruction is being redefined with Conexeu Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXU), as the company recently announced the development of Bio-Regenerative Ergonomically Architected Smart Tissue™ (B.R.E.A.S.T.™), a new approach designed to advance breast reconstruction following mastectomy.In this exclusive interview, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder Dr. Claudia Chavez-Munoz, MD, PhD, outlines the science behind the program, its mechanism of action, and how the company is leveraging its proprietary CXU™ platform to expand across multiple applications.Watch now to find out how B.R.E.A.S.T.™ is designed to potentially help the body rebuild itself.Learn more: https://www.conexeu.com/Watch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/N8thuQMx6Z8And follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/GlobalOneMedia
In the late 1980s, a child exposed to fallout from the Chernobyl disaster lay in a hospital bed while doctors told his family there were no clear answers and no reliable path forward. Decades later, that same child, Yan Leyfman, walks into exam rooms as a hematology oncology fellow, expected to deliver clarity inside a system that still runs on delay, uncertainty, and institutional self preservation.This episode traces the throughline from early life shaped by radiation exposure and hospice level uncertainty to a career inside academic medicine, translational research, and oncology media. Yan built his identity around survival and usefulness, moving from patient to physician while carrying the memory of what it feels like to sit on the other side of the table. He helped launch MedNews Week during the COVID crisis to push back on misinformation and expand access to medical knowledge, stepping into a public role while still in training.The conversation stays grounded in the friction between personal narrative and system reality. Clinical training demands efficiency, hierarchy, and emotional distance. Cancer care demands time, clarity, and human connection. Those forces collide in real patient encounters where prior authorization delays, insurance barriers, and fragmented care pathways shape outcomes as much as any treatment protocol.Yan speaks openly about mentorship, belonging, and the drive to make meaning out of survival. The discussion pushes further into what the healthcare system actually rewards, what it quietly strips away, and how quickly empathy can erode under institutional pressure. The episode also examines the role of medical media, where education, industry influence, and narrative control often blur together.This is a conversation about identity under construction, about what happens when someone who remembers powerlessness steps into a role that carries authority, and about whether that memory can survive long enough to change anything.RELATED LINKSYan Leyfman on LinkedInYan Leyfman on InstagramSurviving ChernobylFEEDBACKLike 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.
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We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode of the Business of Biotech, Jeff Jonas, M.D., CEO of Tortugas Neuroscience, talks about the company's April 2026 launch and how in-licensed development assets were chosen. Jeff explains his strategy of chasing fast proof of safety and efficacy in humans, not animals, and talks about what product differentiation looks like in brain disorders, from adjusting indication targets to conducting head-to-head trials. He also reflects on the opportunity with psychedelics, RFK Jr.'s quest to curb SSRI prescriptions, the payer landscape in CNS disorders, and more. 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/