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Jill Ellul has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is the Founder & Managing Director of Mojoco, a business consultancy that offers innovation-led solutions to the Pharma, MedTech, and Biopharma sectors. Hear how to boost innovation & creativity in your organisation, how to dissolve groupthink, whether generative AI helps or hurts innovation, how to keep innovation the priority in your organisation, and whether all industries have room to be innovative. Connect with Shirley at ShirleyKavanagh.com and on LinkedIn, and Jill at MeetMojoco.com and on LinkedIn
In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we're joined by Markus Gruell, Senior Vice President of Corporate Quality at Autolus, one of the UK's leading CAR-T therapy pioneers. Markus takes us behind the scenes of Autolus' journey from a UCL spinout to a commercial-stage Biopharma company, offering a rare look at how quality underpins every part of the drug development lifecycle. From working across GMP and GCP to collaborating with regulators on novel therapies, Markus shares what it means to lead quality in a fast-moving, high-growth Biotech business. We also explore Markus' personal journey - from pharmacist to QP, and from the NHS to senior leadership - guided by a passion for learning, a commitment to patient safety, and a belief in empowering his team through empathy and integrity. If you're curious about CAR-T, what quality looks like in a next-gen therapy company, or how to build a meaningful leadership career without a traditional plan, this episode is not to be missed.
In this Vital Health Podcast, host Duane Schulthess speaks with Jocelyn Ulrich, Vice President of Policy and Research at PhRMA, to discuss the far-reaching implications of current U.S. drug pricing and reimbursement policies. With a unique journey from opera stages to Senate testimony, Ulrich brings both strategic acumen and firsthand experience in navigating complex policy terrain. The conversation explores PBM consolidation, the fallout from the Inflation Reduction Act, vertical integration in biosimilars, and looming tariff threats - all through the lens of innovation, patient access, and economic resilience. Key Topics PBM Consolidation Concerns: Three PBMs now control 80% of U.S. prescriptions, raising red flags over patient steering, inflated costs, and limited access. IRA's Small-Molecule Penalty: The Inflation Reduction Act's nine-year price-setting for pills versus thirteen for biologics is shrinking investment in elderly-targeted therapies. Vertical Integration in Biosimilars: Insurers and PBMs are now owning biosimilars and pharmacies, limiting patient options and delaying uptake of lower-cost treatments. Tariff Risks and U.S. Manufacturing: Proposed pharmaceutical tariffs could undermine domestic production despite the sector’s significant economic footprint and current exemptions. Rebuilding Innovation Incentives: From the EPIC Act to patient-first rebate reform, industry stakeholders are pushing for legislative fixes that sustain R&D and reduce care disparities. This episode unpacks how policy shifts are reshaping biopharma’s incentive structures, investment flows, and ultimately, patient outcomes. Essential listening for policymakers, investors, and health economists seeking clarity on U.S. pharmaceutical policy and its global ripple effects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Jonathan Norman (Director, Localisation Services, YPrime) and Laura Russell (Senior Vice President, Head of Data and AI Product Development, Advarra) join the podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming today's clinical operations. They dive deeper into how AI can be used to improve protocol design, drive efficiency in localization processes, and modernize clinical operations to expand access to trials and get treatments to patients sooner.
Barry Quart, CEO of Connect Biopharma, is developing the next generation of monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. Administered subcutaneously, their lead program targets IL-4 and has demonstrated the ability to rapidly improve airway function and reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations in these patients. Current treatments rely on steroids and bronchodilators, which do not address the underlying inflammatory causes, an area that has largely been under-addressed by other biologic developers. Barry explains, "Connect has been dedicated for quite a few years to designing next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory diseases. I joined the company last year and really kind of turned the ship towards a sole focus on our lead program, which is rademikibart, a second-generation Dupixent, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4, a really important target for certain inflammatory diseases." "IL-4 can be used as a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 for diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and COPD, as well as several other conditions. We're focused on asthma and COPD. So, inflammatory respiratory disease, because our product has some unique characteristics that are going to allow us to focus on an area that's really been completely ignored by other developers of biologics in the respiratory space, and specifically on patients having acute exacerbations." #ConnectBiopharma #MonoclonalAntibody #IL4 #COPD #Asthma #AtopicDermatitis #InflammatoryDiseases #RespiratoryDiseases connectbiopharm.com Download the transcript here
Barry Quart, CEO of Connect Biopharma, is developing the next generation of monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. Administered subcutaneously, their lead program targets IL-4 and has demonstrated the ability to rapidly improve airway function and reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations in these patients. Current treatments rely on steroids and bronchodilators, which do not address the underlying inflammatory causes, an area that has largely been under-addressed by other biologic developers. Barry explains, "Connect has been dedicated for quite a few years to designing next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory diseases. I joined the company last year and really kind of turned the ship towards a sole focus on our lead program, which is rademikibart, a second-generation Dupixent, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4, a really important target for certain inflammatory diseases." "IL-4 can be used as a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 for diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and COPD, as well as several other conditions. We're focused on asthma and COPD. So, inflammatory respiratory disease, because our product has some unique characteristics that are going to allow us to focus on an area that's really been completely ignored by other developers of biologics in the respiratory space, and specifically on patients having acute exacerbations." #ConnectBiopharma #MonoclonalAntibody #IL4 #COPD #Asthma #AtopicDermatitis #InflammatoryDiseases #RespiratoryDiseases connectbiopharm.com Listen to the podcast here
In this energizing episode of The Athletics of Business, Ed Molitor welcomes Molly Painter, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Accounts at Takeda. Molly leads Takeda's U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies business unit and is renowned for her rare blend of strategic clarity and deeply human-centered leadership. Together, they explore what it takes to lead authentically in high-stakes environments, build trust through vulnerability, and drive results without losing sight of people. Molly shares personal stories from her career, her family, and her life-long belief that leadership should be rooted in purpose, agility, and heart. Our Guest Molly Painter is a seasoned executive across both biotech and biopharma, known for her ability to lead with clarity, conviction, and a calm, commanding presence. With deep expertise in rare disease and neuroscience, she has a proven track record of building, launching, and scaling organizations—from early-stage biotech startups to global pharmaceutical business units. Currently Vice President of Sales & Strategic Accounts at Takeda, Molly leads the U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, driving growth, alignment, and performance across one of the company's most strategic portfolios. She previously served as President of U.S. Orphazyme, where she built a scalable commercial organization from the ground up in just nine months, and as President of Vifor Pharma Group, where she drove topline U.S. sales growth and positioned the company as a leader in the nephrology and cardio-renal therapy space. Molly brings a rare combination of strategic precision and human-centered leadership. She thrives in complex, high-stakes environments and is deeply skilled in interpreting trends, aligning cross-functional teams, and creating cultures of accountability and ambition. She has led all facets of drug company development—from pipeline strategy to in-line commercialization—and is known for her ability to articulate value, influence stakeholders, and accelerate market uptake both domestically and globally. A strong advocate for agile leadership and inclusive growth, Molly holds an MBA from Northwestern University in Management & Organization with an emphasis on Health Enterprise Management. She also serves on several executive boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago, the Joffrey Women's Board, and the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA). What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the combination of strategy and heart is so rare and so powerful The art of having crucial conversations while building psychological safety How to lead with agility in the face of constant change and ambiguity Why vulnerability is a superpower in leadership, not a liability How Molly's mom, mentors, and real-world reps shaped her coaching style What “air cover” means and why it's critical for team decision-making How to balance elite performance with empathy, trust, and authenticity The importance of mentoring both inside and outside your company Why being “real” is the key to building loyalty and driving results How to juggle leadership, parenting, volunteer work, and still show up 100 percent Resources & Links Molly Painter LinkedIn Instagram Takeda Pharmaceuticals Ed Molitor LinkedIn Website
From compromised vaccines to failed clinical trials, the stakes of biopharma cold chain failures are dangerously high. Each year, the industry loses $35 billion due to temperature excursions and environmental deviations in transit. But the cost to patient safety? Incalculable.In this episode, we examine the hidden weak points in cold chain logistics and why manual processes and siloed systems are no longer acceptable. Drawing from The cold truth: Why biopharma needs integrated cold chain monitoring tech, we uncover how IoT devices, smart packaging, and ERP-integrated platforms are transforming temperature-sensitive logistics—from warehouse to drone-based last-mile delivery.What You'll Learn in This Episode:1. The Hidden Cost of Cold Chain Failures$35B in annual losses from temperature excursions and environmental mishandling20% of pharma products are damaged by temperature issues aloneNearly half of surveyed companies experience multiple excursions yearly2. Why ‘Almost Perfect' Isn't Good EnoughMany advanced therapies use a stability budget—once it's gone, efficacy is lostSome products (e.g., Humira, Enbrel) must avoid both overheating and freezingVibration and humidity sensitivity add even more complexity3. The Limits of Manual & Legacy SystemsFragmented cold chains and outdated spreadsheets lack end-to-end visibilitySome companies still do not consistently use basic temperature monitoringRegulatory compliance requires verifiable, real-time control4. Integrated Tech as the New StandardSmart tags, RFID, and IoT devices feed data into centralized ERP systemsReal-time monitoring of temperature, vibration, humidity, and TORPredictive alerts and proactive interventions reduce spoilage risk5. The Future of Cold Chain LogisticsAdoption of TOR-based warehouse picking strategiesDeployment of agentic AI for self-optimizing logisticsProof-of-concept drone delivery of ultra-cold products (e.g., -70°C) by MerckShift toward reusable thermal containers and TCO-driven decision-makingKey Takeaways:Cold chain integrity is critical for both product viability and patient safetyIntegrated monitoring platforms provide provable control—essential for complianceCompanies adopting these solutions have cut losses by up to 20%The rise of agentic AI and real-time monitoring marks a new era in biopharma logisticsGlobal regulations must evolve to keep pace with tech and therapeutic complexitySubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on supply chain innovation, life sciences logistics, and pharmaceutical compliance. Visit The Future of Commerce for the latest on how tech is transforming healthcare delivery. Share this episode with supply chain leaders, pharma execs, and regulatory professionals.
In the latest collaboration between ACRO and TransCelerate BioPharma, Cris McDavid (Senior Director, Global Clinical Operations, Parexel) and Tashan Mistree (Senior Director, Business Operations, Office of Chief Medical Officer, GSK) join this week's episode to discuss the impact of ICH E6(R3) from their different vantage points in the clinical research industry. They dive deeper into their experiences implementing the new guidance at their respective companies, the new opportunities that R3 has created in the partnership between CROs and sponsors, and how they envision the future state of R3 once industry has fully embraced the guidance. FIND ACRO & TRANSCELERATE'S ICH E6(R3) TOOLS & RESOURCES HERE: https://www.acrohealth.org/initiatives-hub/interpreting-ich-e6r3/
Despite the long holiday weekend, news in biopharma never slows down. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," the Fierce team breaks down some of the biggest stories from the past week. On the pharma side, Eric Sagonowsky and Kevin Dunleavy examine Big Pharma’s first-quarter 2025 performance. While most of the top 25 companies are still delivering strong sales growth despite emerging uncertainties in Washington, D.C., a few major players are starting to see a slowdown. Each company tells a different story, and Sagonowsky and Dunleavy dive into the nuances of the current commercial landscape. Later, Fierce Biotech's Gabrielle Masson and Darren Incorvaia highlight key data from the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy conference and preview what the team is watching at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Seven top pharmas posted revenue declines in Q1. The common thread? All are US firms Atsena eye disease gene therapy hits safety goals, closes retinal splits in phase 1/2 ASGCT: Analysts see Rocket gene therapy setting 'a new bar' for efficacy in heart condition Rocket crashes as gene therapy patient dies, FDA imposes hold This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Armstrong, CEO of Artax Biopharma, highlights the basic mechanism of action of Nck modulators and how they differ from traditional immunosuppressant drugs to treat autoimmune diseases. Taking this adjustable thermostat approach aims to modulate the immune response rather than completely suppressing the response, potentially reducing side effects. The oral, small molecule drug is an advantage over injectable biologics currently dominating the automimmune disease treatment landscape. Rob explains, "Nck stands for non-catalytic kinase, and what Nck is is an adapter protein that interacts with the T cell receptor. Its role is basically to amplify any signals when an antigen is presented to the T cell receptor. It's really interesting because it's called signal one. In other words, it's the beginning of the immune cascade when an antigen is presented. And what's interesting is that it's upstream of what the target of most other drugs are, which are the cytokines that are the offending entities for many of the autoimmune diseases. So what Nck does basically is it amplifies different types of antigens that are bound to the T cell receptor." "So, T cell receptors are a fascinating construct of proteins because they need to address the binding of antigens that are across an incredibly different range of avidity. In other words, it has to be able to be activated by both very strong avidity antigens and weak antigens. So what Nck does is it amplifies the signal when the antigen is a weak antigen, but when it's a strong antigen, Nck is really not necessary at all. And that particular distinction is why we modulate the immune system instead of suppressing it." #ArtaxPharma #AutoimmuneDiseases #AtopicDermatitis #immunomodulation #NckModulators #TCellActivation #psoriasis #Dermotology artaxbiopharma.com Listen to the podcast here
Rob Armstrong, CEO of Artax Biopharma, highlights the basic mechanism of action of Nck modulators and how they differ from traditional immunosuppressant drugs to treat autoimmune diseases. Taking this adjustable thermostat approach aims to modulate the immune response rather than completely suppressing the response, potentially reducing side effects. The oral, small molecule drug is an advantage over injectable biologics currently dominating the automimmune disease treatment landscape. Rob explains, "Nck stands for non-catalytic kinase, and what Nck is is an adapter protein that interacts with the T cell receptor. Its role is basically to amplify any signals when an antigen is presented to the T cell receptor. It's really interesting because it's called signal one. In other words, it's the beginning of the immune cascade when an antigen is presented. And what's interesting is that it's upstream of what the target of most other drugs are, which are the cytokines that are the offending entities for many of the autoimmune diseases. So what Nck does basically is it amplifies different types of antigens that are bound to the T cell receptor." "So, T cell receptors are a fascinating construct of proteins because they need to address the binding of antigens that are across an incredibly different range of avidity. In other words, it has to be able to be activated by both very strong avidity antigens and weak antigens. So what Nck does is it amplifies the signal when the antigen is a weak antigen, but when it's a strong antigen, Nck is really not necessary at all. And that particular distinction is why we modulate the immune system instead of suppressing it." #ArtaxPharma #AutoimmuneDiseases #AtopicDermatitis #immunomodulation #NckModulators #TCellActivation #psoriasis #Dermotology artaxbiopharma.com Download the transcript here
Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. The biopharma industry is currently facing challenges such as tariff threats and regulatory upheaval. The market has been described as 'moribund' with the need for companies to survive in these tough times. Recent top stories include biotech's struggle with investor pullback due to new tariffs, HHS vaccine requirements sparking controversy, and layoffs in major biopharma companies. AGC Biologics will be at Bio International to showcase their global capabilities in drug production. FDA and NIH are shifting away from animal research, China remains a key source for new drugs despite tariffs, and the top highest-paid pharma CEOs are highlighted. The importance of understanding Trump's MFN executive order and the most active corporate VCs in pharma are also discussed.
In this energetic recap of SynBioBeta 2025, Erum and Karl bring listeners straight into the heart of the year's most important synthetic biology gathering. From Drew Endy's visionary keynote on distributed, localized manufacturing to the ever-present theme of AI as the enabler of hyperscale biology, this episode unpacks the biggest ideas shaping the future of biomanufacturing and materials innovation. The duo reflect on how the conference architecture—from hallway conversations to main stage moments—facilitated cross-disciplinary collisions and bold discussions about biology as the foundational infrastructure of the 21st century. Whether you're a bioengineer, startup founder, or investor, this debrief connects the dots between culture, technology, and sustainability in the evolving bioeconomy.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything Chapters:00:00:00 – Kicking Off with Erum & Karl: SynBio Banter and Big Energy00:00:34 – Straight from San Jose: SynBioBeta 2025, Unpacked00:01:05 – Imagining 2050: Drew Endy's Blueprint for a Biological Future00:02:25 – Bio Meets Geopolitics: Why Localized Manufacturing is Liberation00:03:20 – Not Just Biology—Infrastructure for a New Economy00:03:45 – Who is Drew Endy? The Mind Behind SynBio's Movement00:04:32 – Inside the Conference: Boots on the Ground at San Jose00:05:29 – Hyperscale Bio is Here: AI + SynBio = Exponential Potential00:07:16 – Biopharma in the Hot Seat: What's Holding the Sector Back?00:09:20 – Protein Design Gets Creative: Custom-Built Biology Takes Stage00:19:53 – Space, Security, and the Pentagon's Synthetic Playbook00:28:42 – Best of the Breakouts: Panels, Pitches, and Power Moves00:32:02 – Bio Beyond the Hype: What Practitioners Really Need to Know00:32:29 – The Dirty Biology Manifesto: Getting Real with Nature00:33:14 – Strategic Alliances Panel: Where Collaboration Meets Competition00:33:52 – Deal Drama: Why Biotech Partnerships Are So Hard to Land00:37:48 – Beauty in 2030: The Biodesign Revolution in Personal Care00:39:22 – State of Funding: Who's Still Betting on Biotech?00:41:59 – Rethinking Capital: Creative Models for SynBio Startups00:46:43 – Longevity, Hype, and the Future of Human Lifespan00:53:12 – What We Learned: Reflections, Revelations, and Real Talk00:54:16 – Final Words: Gratitude, Community, and What's NextLinks and Resources:SynBioBetaDrew Endy – Stanford ProfessorConstructive BioBiomatterCradle BioIFF (International Flavors and Fragrances)BIOMADEDARPA BTONASARhodium ScientificLinkgevityAmplify VenturesStarlab SpaceCultivariumAmple AgricultureCargillP&GInsempraBIOWEGHawkwood BiotechGreen BioactivesCellugyOneSkinPlasmidsaurusTopics Covered: biomanufacturing, cell free biomanufacturing, enzymes, nutraceuticals, biotech, pharmaceuticals, AI, spinoutsHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingEmail: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is already changing how people research, communicate, and interact, but its biggest impacts on biotech are still to come.Cradle is a Dutch-Swiss biotech startup founded in 2021 that has developed a web-based software platform leveraging GenAI to accelerate protein design and optimization, aiding scientists in biotechnology R&D. Cradle's technology integrates AI with wet lab experimentation, doubling the speed of most projects compared to industry benchmarks.In this episode I talk to Cradle co-founder Elise de Reus to discover how their software platform is putting the ‘tech' into biotech, and learn how some of the biggest names in pharma R&D are coming to rely on Cradle to accelerate their experimentation and get therapies to patients faster. 01:30 A passion for biotech from a young age03:20 First experiences in the industry07:23 Cradle and its mission09:08 Generative AI at Cradle10:27 Partnering and collaborations13:37 Taking generative AI into the wet lab14:43 A techbio company, not a biotech company17:36 “Photoshop for proteins”18:29 Use case: animal free food20:17 Use case: medicines23:56 Use case: sustainable materials25:12 The Cradle business model28:17 Technical challenges29:48 Regulatory challenges31:44 Where AI will have the greatest impact33:29 The most exciting things to comeInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: 12 AI drug discovery companies you should know aboutHow AI is shaping clinical research and trials
Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Moderna has withdrawn its application for a combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine after discussions with the FDA. The vaccine had shown efficacy in eliciting antibodies, but the company decided to pull the application. In the biotech market, executives from NextGen companies discussed strategies for surviving in what they described as a "moribund" market during a webinar. Biospace's nextgen companies are thriving in a challenging biotech market. Executives discuss survival strategies in the webinar "Are We There Yet?" Pfizer's $6 billion China deal stands out in a competitive market, with Novartis' $4 billion partnership following closely. Biopharma companies are facing pressure to cut assets early due to rising development costs and regulatory hurdles. Lotte Biologics offers specialized end-to-end services at its ADC facility in Syracuse, NY. Other top stories include the FDA's new risk-based approach to COVID-19 vaccines, Genentech's investment in Orionis, and Bio-Rad's new center for excellence for biotherapeutic antibody discovery. Roche's Genentech recently did not win adcomm backing for an expansion. Pfizer has made a deal in China, and RFK claims ignorance about HHS research cuts during a hearing. The top 5 most active corporate VCs in pharma are also highlighted. Additionally, upcoming events and job opportunities in the biotech industry are featured.In conclusion, the biotech market is presenting challenges for companies, but there are opportunities for growth and strategic partnerships. Stay tuned for more updates on regulatory changes, investment deals, and industry trends in the world of Pharma and Biotech. Thank you for listening to Pharma and Biotech daily.
Welcome, MedTech Gurus! Imagine cutting weeks off drug manufacturing cycles, reducing compliance headaches, and mining gold from dusty SOPs. That's exactly what today's guest, Reza Farahani, founder of Katalyze AI, is doing. With a unique blend of AI brilliance and biopharma savvy, Reza is helping organizations automate the mundane and accelerate the meaningful. From unlocking insights buried in unstructured data to building a culture where innovation thrives, Reza delivers hard-won wisdom on tech adoption, investor readiness, and what it really means to solve “the right problem.” This is one episode you won't want to miss!
在本期中国生物技术播客中,Dexter Yan回顾了他在4月的美国癌症研究协会年会(AACR)举办前和再鼎医药总裁及全球肿瘤研发负责人Rafael Amado的采访。Amado在采访中详细阐述再鼎在AACR展示的两个临床前项目,分别是PD-1/IL-12 双抗和靶向LRRC15的抗体偶联药物(ADC)。Dexter还采访到Arbele的创始人和CEO John Luk,请他介绍Arbele在钙粘蛋白17(CDH17)靶点研发上的最新进展和心得体会。最后Dexter回顾了4月维升药业和映恩生物在香港交易所首次上市的情况。 此外,Xu Hu分享了她最近撰写的有关中国企业研发肠促胰岛素类体重管理药物的综述。除此之外,Xu点评了中国药监局最近公布的有关药品试验数据保护的征求意见稿。
President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping drug pricing policy this week, seeking to lower drug prices in the U.S. by up to 80% through a reprisal of the Most Favored Nation rule he attempted to introduce in his first term. The rule would essentially link U.S. prices to those paid in other nations where medications are cheaper. Biopharma reaction was one of tentative relief, with BMO Capital Markets analysts suggesting the executive order had “more bark than bite.” Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that among the next 15 drugs to undergo IRA-prescripted price negotiations could be drugs payable through Medicare Part B, and not just Part D, where the first two rounds have applied. Into all of this action steps Vinay Prasad, the outspoken oncologist and hematologist who was named last week as the next director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. While the S&P Biotech ETF fell by more than 5% upon the news, overall reaction was fairly measured, with cell and gene therapy executive Audrey Greenberg summing up Prasad's selection as “anything but a status quo appointment.” Over in the weight loss and obesity space, Eli Lilly can't seem to lose. This weekend, Lilly announced full data from a head-to-head trial showing a “superior benefit-to-risk ratio” for its Zepbound over Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. And last week, the Indiana-based pharma won a court battle against compounders when a judge sided with the FDA, stating that tirzepatide—the active ingredient in both Zepbound and diabetes sister drug Mounjaro—was no longer in shortage. Add on a presidential shoutout during Trump's Monday press conference for its U.S. manufacturing investments, and it really was Lilly's week. Flying less high are some 2,000 Bayer employees who lost their jobs in the first quarter of 2025 as part of the company's new operating model, which is intended to make Bayer “much more agile.” On a less direct flight is Galapagos, which reversed course on plans to spin out a portion of the company and find a new CEO. Instead, CEO Paul Stoffels will make a quicker exit and the Belgian biotech could sell off its cell therapy assets as it looks to build up a new pipeline in house, having abandoned the spinout idea altogether. Stay tuned. Finally, in ClinicaSpace this week, we took a deep dive into the HIV treatment space, where companies like Gilead and Immunocore are targeting a cure, while the Trump administration slashes funding for HIV research.
What does clinical trial monitoring have in common with growing a field of corn? Amy Kroeplin (PPD™ clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific), Shailesh Madel (ICON plc), and Nicole Stansbury (Premier Research) join the podcast to discuss the importance of risk-based quality management, centralized monitoring, and strategic SDV/SDR sampling strategies. They dive deeper into the unique roles of SDV and SDR, different methods of implementing SDV/SDR sampling strategies, and the industry imperative to increase centralized monitoring adoption.
During Episode 27 of Biotalk, Geoff Meyerson, CEO of Locust Walk, steps back to examine the macro forces shaping the biopharma landscape. After holding a bearish outlook since 2021, Geoff explains why he's finally shifting his stance and what could signal a true turnaround for biotech. He unpacks the “big three” market headwinds—regulatory hurdles from the IRA, FTC deal scrutiny, and high interest rates—and outlines how recent shifts, including rate cuts, new FTC leadership, and potential IRA reform, could spark renewed momentum, especially in M&A and rare diseases. Geoff also highlights previously underappreciated risks like HHS cuts and aggressive tariffs, which could stall progress if unresolved. With a balanced, apolitical lens, this episode offers candid insights into why policy matters for biotech investors, operators, and dealmakers—and what to watch for as 2025 unfolds. Tune in to understand the key inflection points and why Geoff sees the second half of 2025 as a potential breakout period for the industry. Full Transcript: Welcome to Biotalk. My name is Geoff Meyerson, CEO and Co-founder of Locust Walk, and you are listening to Biotalk, our podcast for biotech deal makers. In this episode, I want to zoom out and talk about the bigger picture — what's really driving the biotech market right now. In almost every meeting the past few months I have been asked my views on the market. I decided that I am going to share my thoughts publicly. I fancy myself to be a free market limited government champion across all aspects of life. I do not comment politically nor believe it is my job to criticize or promote any politician or party. That said, the macro policies enacted by both parties directly impact the biopharma industry, and I believe it's important to analyze and comment on areas related to the life science industry. For all other issues, I subscribe to the University of Chicago's institutional neutrality, and it is my (and Locust Walk's) policy to not comment publicly. First a recap of why I was bearish starting fall 2021 when Locust Walk ran a webinar titled “Has Biotech Peaked”. Throughout 2022, 2023, and until September 2024, despite many market analysts predicting a turnaround, I maintained my bearishness because the 3 underlying headwinds that started blowing hadn't stopped or reversed, namely: Regulatory headwinds because of the IRA Transaction headwinds from an openly hostile FTC Monetary headwinds via high interest rates caused by high inflation Until these 3 drivers reversed, I didn't believe the market would improve beyond incremental changes. When in September 2024 the US Federal Reserve dropped rates by 50 bps, the rate tightening cycle had not only stopped but reversed. My changing perspective was independent of the pending election since the largest factor interest rates was starting to shift. In January 2025, Lina Khan exited the FTC and a new era of antitrust enforcement began. While far from perfect, it has been markedly more pro-business with a much less aggressive effort to block transactions. Locust Walk's Quarterly Market conditions detailed a 47% uptick in M&A by value and 35% by volume showing signs of life in this market even though I didn't anticipate any material improvement until 2H25 because it takes time for deals to come to fruition after the changeover in policy. I predicted M&A had the potential to transform the industry this year after years of suppression. I stand by this prediction and for everyone's sake I hope I'm right. The IRA pill fix is being discussed and because President Trump has come out in support, some form of it is likely to make its way into the reconciliation package of tax and regulatory cuts. I hope small molecules move to 13 years of exclusivity but bigger price discounts thereafter to remain budget neutral rather than meeting in the middle at 11 years, which I think would be quite problematic.
Although East Asians make up a significant share of entry-level roles in U.S. biopharma, few have risen to senior leadership positions. That disparity is what inspired the launch of ElevAAte—a new nonprofit founded this year to support and grow East Asian American leadership in the industry. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Pharma Deputy Editor Angus Liu speaks with two of ElevAAte’s co-founders: Architect Therapeutics CEO Angie You and Candid Therapeutics CEO Ken Song. The veteran biotech leaders discuss why a group like ElevAAte is needed and how East Asian Americans can harness their collective strength to build the next generation of biopharma executives. You and Song—who led Amunix’s $1.2 billion sale to Sanofi and RayzeBio’s $4.1 billion acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb, respectively—also share insights from their dealmaking careers and offer advice for young professionals entering the field. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Though prevalent in the lab and middle management, East Asian Americans are underrepresented in biopharma C-suites: report Candid's T-cell engager shopping spree rolls on with WuXi Biologics pact worth up to $925M A reason to fight: Former FDA leader Janet Woodcock inspires 3rd Biotech Sisterhood summit Takeda taps Julie Kim to take over for retiring CEO Christophe Weber This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scrip senior writer Joseph Haas discusses the potential impact of the recent FDA staff cuts with attorneys Andrew Goodman of Paul Hastings LLP and Alan Minsk of Arnall Golden Gregory, as well as Naya Therapeutics CEO Daniel Teper
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore how small, intentional improvements—not sweeping changes—drive real progress in biopharma operations. The discussion highlights a common challenge: the disconnect between strategy and execution, often due to underutilized middle management.You'll learn a simple framework for creating meaningful change: start within your sphere of influence, map key inputs and outputs, and implement solutions that reduce effort while increasing visibility. Small wins in project management can build momentum, leading to better accountability, decision-making, and resource allocation.The conversation also covers the importance of tools and training—many organizations have powerful software but lack the support to maximize its potential. The takeaway? Improve your own workflows first to build credibility before driving broader change.Ready to assess your organization's efficiency? Connect with us at leanbydesign@sigmalabconsulting.com to uncover high-impact improvement opportunities.
Biopharma companies are vying to dethrone Vyvgart as a leading therapy for myasthenia gravis, with the latest data for therapies treating the rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease coming at this month's American Academy of Neurology. On a special episode of the BioCentury This Week podcast, BioCentury's editors discuss the landscape for MG therapies, including anti-BLyS and APRIL therapy telitacicept from Remegen. Joining BioCentury's editors are Qing Zuraw, chief development officer of podcast sponsor RemeGen, and Amit Sachdev, PI on global trials of the biotech's therapy. BioCentury's editors also preview the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, where degraders and bispecifics are defining translational trends at this year's event. This episode of BioCentury This Week podcast was sponsored by RemeGen.View full story: https://www.biocentury.com/article/655751#biotech #biopharma #pharma #lifescience #AAN #AACR00:01 - Sponsor Message: RemeGen Co.01:02 - Myasthenia Gravis at AAN08:31 - RemeGen's Telitacicept18:03 - AACR: Targets and TrendsTo submit a question to BioCentury's editors, email the BioCentury This Week team at podcasts@biocentury.com.Reach us by sending a text
In this episode of Lab Rats to Unicorns, host John Flavin speaks with Dr. Geoff Duyk, co-founder and CEO of Grove Biopharma. Geoff brings over 35 years of experience across academia, biotech leadership, and venture capital. From his early work in human genetics at UCSF to co-founding Millennium Pharmaceuticals and leading R&D at Exelixis, Geoff unpacks the evolution of biotech from the 1970s to today. This conversation comes on the heels of Grove's massive $30M Series A. Geoff shares the story behind Grove Biopharma's founding, born from a collaboration between a Northwestern chemist, a green chemistry innovator, and himself—culminating in a startup focused on intracellular targets using novel protein-mimetic polymers. Geoff also reflects on the infrastructure and cultural foundations that make biotech innovation possible, from the NIH's visionary investments to the importance of people, timing, and place. Learn how Grove is challenging the limits of drug design with a new class of molecules that behave like antibodies but operate inside cells—unlocking new frontiers in cancer and beyond.
During Episode 25 of Biotalk, Geoff Meyerson, CEO of Locust Walk, unpacks our 2025 Q1 Report: Global Trends in Biopharma Transactions Report, covering capital markets, strategic deals, and regional trends. Market Overview: The XBI fell 14% YoY, underperforming the NBI. Biotech weakness stemmed from tariff fears, FDA turnover, and HHS layoffs—pressuring small caps. Capital Markets: Capital raised dropped 33% from Q4. IPOs briefly reopened—large caps gained, small caps declined. Follow-ons fell 60%. PIPEs were weak, except Immunovant's $450M. Venture: Slight dip from Q4 but ahead of all 2023 quarters. Late-stage rounds led, with 11 mega-rounds (Eikon $351M, Kardigan $300M) making up over half the total. M&A & Licensing: M&A hit $25.2B across 13 deals, focused on Ph2+ assets (e.g., J&J/Intra-Cellular). Licensing stayed strong, favoring clinical-stage programs. Europe: Strategic deal value reached $13B, led by Zealand-Roche and Gubra-AbbVie. Venture hit $1.2B—90% in Series A rounds like Verdiva ($411M) and Windward ($200M). Outlook: Regulatory uncertainty and rates may delay M&A, though late-stage and commercial deals could gain momentum. Listen now to gain insights into the evolving biopharma landscape, explore our report, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss its contents with you.
During the Asia-focused Episode 26 of Biotalk, Geoff Meyerson, CEO of Locust Walk, shares fresh insights from Japan, China, and Korea, as featured in our 2025 Q1 Report: Global Trends in Biopharma Transactions Report. Japan saw modest market recovery, a $3.3B buyout of Mitsubishi Tanabe, and lighter licensing activity. Early-stage financings picked up as investors re-engaged. China shifted from IPO optimism to global deal-making as markets cooled. Notable trends included strong out-licensing ($17.6B), AstraZeneca's $2.5B investment, and Ascentage's NASDAQ debut backed by Takeda. Venture activity rebounded, driven by insider-led late-stage rounds. Korea drew attention with Orum's IPO, early-stage deals, and a growing focus on CDMO by major players.Listen now to gain insights into the evolving global biopharma landscape, explore our report, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss its contents with you.
Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.Lawmakers are focusing on boosting the US biotech industry while keeping China's growth in check. Novartis plans to invest $23 billion in US operations, potentially creating up to 1,000 new jobs. The FDA is exploring the use of AI and human 'organoid' lab models to replace some animal testing. The current tariffs and layoffs in the biopharma industry under the Trump administration have created uncertainty. Experts are advising companies to optimize process development for gene therapy products. Biopharma professionals are engaging in discussions on how nonprofit organizations can drive healthcare innovation amidst significant industry layoffs, such as Opthea cutting 65% of staff and Pfizer cutting 56%. The recent tariff pause by Trump has led to a late-day rally for pharma stocks. upcoming events include webinars on AI, regulation, and drug development laws, as well as strategies for surviving in the biotech downturn. Biotech leaders are calling on Senator Cassidy to address FDA cuts that could potentially set the US back 35 years.
In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Deputy Editor Andrea Park and Fierce Biotech Senior Editor Gabrielle Masson discuss how workforce reductions impacted the biopharma industry in the first quarter. The pair examine industry trends, company closures, developments in the cell and gene space—and the reductions in force happening at federal health agencies alongside them. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Biopharmas laid off staffers at least 63 times in Q1: Fierce Biotech analysis Fierce Biotech Layoff Tracker 2025: Pfizer sells site, cuts staff; Opthea reduces workforce by 65% See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Focus and commitment to niche ideas have huge payoffs." In part four of our conversation with Alfredo Andere, co-founder of LatchBio, we explore how the company evolved from a simple workflow orchestrator into a comprehensive platform serving biopharma companies and solution providers. Alfredo shares his approach to enterprise sales, emphasizing the importance of speed, focus, and building strong relationships with customers. He also delves into his philosophy on fundraising and the pivotal role of iterative development in creating impactful biotech solutions. Alfredo reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in niche markets, explaining why deep commitment and loyalty to specific problems are essential for long-term success. Whether you're a first-time founder or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building, selling, and scaling in the biotech space.
Canada's manufacturing sector faced challenges even before President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on goods made here. The overall sector has shrunk, both in its contribution to our economy, and the number of workers it employs. So, how should Canada support existing companies and their workers as tariffs take hold? And what's the way forward to building up a homegrown manufacturing sector that provides higher-skilled jobs and in-demand goods? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world. Pharma industry tensions rise as Trump tariffs miss sector for now. FDA's interim CBER head appointed after key resignation. Xaira Therapeutics hires top AI academic. Novavax's COVID-19 shot review deadline missed by FDA. Trilink offers guide RNA for CRISPR workflow. Biotech sector sees investment surge. Beigene scraps candidate, Sarepta's gene therapy on hold in Europe. Biopharma professionals work long hours.In other news, there are safety concerns in Duchenne treatment. Democrats challenge Trump health cuts. And there are job opportunities in the biopharma industry.
Biopharma's reaction to the forced resignation of venerable CBER director Peter Marks has been swift and furious, with former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf saying on LinkedIn that “the FDA as we've known it is finished.” Analysts, meanwhile, called Marks' exit “arguably biotech investors' greatest fear,” as company shares across the industry tumbled. Marks' announcement added insult to injury for the agency, which was already reeling from the announced cuts of 10,000 employees across the Department of Health and Human Services, including 3,500 FDA staffers. Those layoffs began to roll out on Tuesday as some employees showed up to work only to discover they no longer had a job. Amid all this chaos, Cantor Fitzgerald analysts called for Kennedy himself to get the axe, saying in part that he was “undermining the trusted leadership of health care in this country.” Despite the turmoil, drug development continues in the obesity space, with Novo Nordisk presenting mixed data from its semaglutide franchise at the American College of Cardiology's annual conference last weekend. While an oral version of the blockbuster drug showed cardiovascular benefits for some patients, it failed to change the trajectory of other major adverse cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, Novo continues its battle against compounding pharmacies manufacturing copycat versions of semaglutide—as multiple players scramble for a piece of this massive pie. On the Alzheimer's front, Eli Lilly's Kisunla failed last week to win the recommendation of the EU's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. This decision is consistent with CHMP's recent stance on anti-amyloid antibodies, as Biogen and Eisai have also struggled to get Leqembi approved in Europe. On a positive note, pharma R&D returns grew again in 2024, but Deloitte warned that this progress is “fragile.” The firm urged companies to be bold and embrace cutting edge technology like gene therapy and AI. These returns can't help everyone, however, as the past week has seen an uptick in layoffs across biopharma, including at Carisma Therapeutics, Organon and Tenaya Therapeutics. Finally, as April kicks off cancer conference season, BioSpace took a deep dive into the recent action in the always-hot in radiopharmaceuticals space.
Today's guest is Nishtha Jain, Head of Innovation and Digital Technology at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Nistha returns to the program to discuss the transformative impact of AI across the pharmaceutical value chain. She and Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello explore how AI is improving drug development efficiency, addressing data challenges, and overcoming regulatory hurdles. She highlights key breakthroughs like Google DeepMind's AlphaFold and AI-assisted clinical trial optimization, emphasizing the potential for faster, more cost-effective drug development. The discussion also covers the challenges of AI adoption, including data accessibility, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations like bias in AI models. If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!
KEY MILESTONES AND WHAT'S NEXTSuccessful Phase 1 Trial: Lucid-MS has shown excellent safety with no serious side effects, paving the way for a groundbreaking treatment for MS.Next Major Step: The Phase 2 trial is set for early 2026, with 60 participants.FDA Submission on the Horizon: Plans to submit application to the FDA by late 2025, taking a huge step toward regulatory approval.Massive Market Opportunity: With 2.9 million people worldwide affected by Multiple Sclerosis and the market projected to surpass $30 billion by 2030, Lucid-MS could potentially capture a significant share of this rapidly expanding space.A NEW ERA IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TREATMENTQuantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) (CSE: QNTM) Lucid-MS is setting the stage to revolutionize MS treatment. Unlike existing therapies that only target immune system responses, Lucid-MS focuses on protecting and repairing myelin, the critical layer around nerve fibers. This novel approach has the potential to slow or even reverse disease progression—offering new hope for millions of MS sufferers.Think of nerves like electrical wires in your body, and myelin as the protective coating around those wires. With Multiple Sclerosis, the immune system attacks this coating (called demyelination), causing damage that leads to muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulty moving.Most MS treatments try to calm the immune system to slow down the attack. Lucid-MS is different. Instead of focusing on the immune system, it works directly on the myelin to stabilize and protect it from damage.HOW DOES IT WORK? A TOTALLY NEW APPROACH TO TREATING MSThink of nerves like electrical wires in your body, and myelin as the protective coating around those wires. With Multiple Sclerosis, the immune system attacks this coating (called demyelination), causing damage that leads to muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulty moving.Most MS treatments try to calm the immune system to slow down the attack. Lucid-MS is different. Instead of focusing on the immune system, it works directly on the myelin to stabilize and protect it from damage.WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?By keeping myelin intact, Lucid-MS may help slow down the progression of MS and prevent disability—something current MS drugs don't do very well.SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH BACKED BY INDUSTRY RECOGNITIONLucid-MS is backed by cutting-edge research from Dr. Lakshmi Khotra's lab at the University of Toronto, where the critical process of myelin breakdown in MS patients was discovered. The drug's ability to address this underlying issue is a potential game-changer in neurodegenerative treatments.It's already gaining enthusiastic support from leading medical experts and researchers, underscoring its transformative potential.A VISION FOR THE FUTUREDr. Andrzej Chruscinski, Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Quantum BioPharma, expressed the company's excitement about Lucid-MS's future.“We are on the cusp of something monumental. Lucid-MS has the potential to transform MS treatment and open doors for treating other nerve-related diseases. As we move toward Phase 2 and beyond, we're excited to bring this innovative therapy to the patients who need it most.”With promising clinical results, a massive market opportunity, and rising industry recognition, Quantum BioPharma is leading the charge in next-generation treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Alex Telford is the Co-Founder and CEO of Convoke.
In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Ben Locwin, Chief Scientist, Head of Clinical Services and Project Sciences at Black Diamond Networks (BDN). Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Ben, covering: Being part of the Lonza growth story in its 'scrappy' years Learning never to say no to a good opportunity and how that's opened many doors Becoming part of the more significant patient conversations at Biogen Dropping in seal teams to help companies do what they may never have achieved Why is change always inevitable in our sector, and what may the future hold for us all? As the saying goes, we're all a product of our growth and past experiences. Ben Locwin is an industry and healthcare executive who has been variously described as a "Remarkably talented speaker" by the Association for Talent Development, a "Rockstar epidemiologist" by NPR, a "healthcare futurist" by Contract Pharma and Rodman Media, and "a good friend" by ...his friends. He began his journey as an astrophysicist 30 years ago and then transitioned into the world of biotech in the 1990s when the nascent industry was yet poised to take over the world. He has specialized training as a neuroscientist and has worked with some of the top companies in the industry, both as a leader and a consultant. He has been a member of several Boards, association committees, steering teams, Task Forces, and scientific advisory panels. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.
Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.AstraZeneca has recently made a significant investment of up to $1 billion in cell therapy through the acquisition of esobiotec. This move is part of AstraZeneca's larger strategy to expand in the cell therapy space, positioning itself to be a major player in the market. Dyne is also looking to file for accelerated approval for its Duchenne exon skipping oligomer, while Taiho Pharmaceutical has acquired ADC partner Araris for up to $1.1 billion. Alnylam is expected to enter the transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy market, which is projected to reach $11.2 billion by 2030.Sino Biological has developed reagents for the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine strains, offering a range of recombinant proteins for vaccine development. The pharmaceutical industry is seeing significant activity in various therapy areas, with companies making strategic investments and advancements in research and development.Alnylam is awaiting approval for their drug Amvuttra in the transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy market, which is currently dominated by Pfizer and BridgeBio. The obesity drug market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies focusing on overall health benefits rather than just weight loss. Biopharma companies are now exploring the use of CAR T cell therapies for autoimmune disorders, with several readouts expected this year. Ionis and Ultragenyx are competing to develop treatments for Angelman syndrome, while Neuren is trying to catch up.Overall health outcomes are becoming more important in the obesity drug market, with successful studies in therapeutic areas like cardiovascular and sleep apnea providing a market advantage. Other news includes flu vaccine recommendations from the FDA and updates on drugs for alcohol use disorder, plaque psoriasis, breast cancer, and weight loss. The biopharma industry continues to evolve, with readers encouraged to provide suggestions for future coverage topics.
The Entrepreneur Experiment Live Special with The Local Enterprise Offices: Lessons from Ireland's Top Founders. To celebrate Local Enterprise Week, we sit down with Tom Keogh of Keogh's Crisps and Noreen Hackett of Advanced Cosmetics to uncover the real stories behind building globally recognised brands from Ireland. Tom shares how his family farm transformed from market gardening to a premium snack brand sold in over 20 countries, including on international airlines. Noreen reveals how she went from chemist to CEO, creating an end-to-end cosmetics manufacturing powerhouse serving 37 brands worldwide. If you're a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on branding, scaling, and navigating sustainability and global expansion.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
uniQure Biopharma B.V. v. Pfizer Inc.
How can startups and academic institutions successfully collaborate with a global biopharmaceutical company? In this episode, host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, sits down with Key Opinion Leader Lidia Sobków, PhD, Senior Manager of Technology Licensing & Collaborations at AbbVie, to discuss how her team identifies cutting-edge research and partners with academic institutions and biotech startups to drive innovation. From securing collaborations to leveraging industry consortia, Lidia shares invaluable insights on how to position your research for success with major pharmaceutical companies. In this episode, you'll discover: What AbbVie looks for in potential partners and how universities and startups can stand out. The role of consortia in fostering industry-academic collaboration for groundbreaking research. Real-world examples of successful partnerships that have advanced neuroscience and imaging technologies. Tune in to learn how to navigate industry partnerships and make an impact in the biotech ecosystem! Links: Connect with Lidia Sobków, PhD, and learn more about AbbVie. Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Critical Path Institute. Check out Gedeon Richter and Enigma Biomedical Group. Check out BIO on the BAYOU and make plans to attend October 28 & 29, 2025. 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.
Walgreens' Ramita Tandon, chief clinical trials officer, explains how the pharmacy chain is working with biopharma to enhance research inclusivity amid ongoing challenges to DEI on the federal and corporate level, in a conversation with MM+M's Heerea Rikhraj. For our Trends segment, we'll discuss what the end of the semaglutide shortage means for Hims and Hers and other telehealth firms that have been selling compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs, as well as how RFK Jr. is harnessing the CDC's comms apparatus to further his MAHA agenda.Music by Sixième Son Check us out at: mmm-online.com Follow us: YouTube: @MMM-onlineTikTok: @MMMnewsInstagram: @MMMnewsonlineTwitter/X: @MMMnewsLinkedIn: MM+M To read more of the most timely, balanced and original reporting in medical marketing, subscribe here.
A unicorn biopharma that ignores the traditional playbook, breaks development speed records, and chose Austin over the traditional biotech hubs. Mallory Factor, Founder and CEO of IntraBio, joins us to share how his Oxford-born company created an FDA-approved drug in record time while doing everything differently. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how finding unconventional talent, maintaining ruthless focus, and embracing a different mindset has led to transformational success in an industry resistant to change. Episode HighlightsBuilding a Different Kind of Biopharma CompanyBreaking Speed Records in Drug DevelopmentFinding Unconventional TalentChallenging Traditional Pharma ThinkingWhy Austin Over Boston and San FranciscoThe Power of Focus in Drug DevelopmentAustin's Creative Collisions and FutureWhat's Next Austin?"Austin has some political problems that's going to have to clear up to make it a better city. Hopefully in time it will and it'll catapult it into the top five, six cities in America"Mallory Factor, IntraBio, Aqneursa -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack
Join us each week as we do a quick review of three compelling stories from the pharma world — one good, one bad and one ugly. Up this week: The good — Novartis boosts Slovenia investment to $3.6B The bad — Trump tariffs unsettle biopharma FDI The ugly — FDA warns Global Calcium, blocks US imports
In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Robert Bottome, a global supply veteran. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Robert, covering: Stretching yourself by tapping into the collective wisdom of others The challenge of pairing internal production capacity with the need for agile, rapid early phase R&D The decision to leave Genentech to do a 'do over' and do things better at a growing biotech company Why strategic partnerships are easy on a PowerPoint but hard to realize in practice fully Now retired, Robert is an accomplished and results-driven supply chain and operations leader with extensive experience overseeing and driving global supply chain operations and operational efficiency for organizations in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries (including Genentech and BioMarin). He has experience managing end-to-end supply chain functions, including global logistics, production planning, trade compliance, and product launches. He has a background in transforming cross-functional teams and implementing strategic initiatives optimizing production schedules, reducing cycle times, and improving supply resilience. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.
Robert Blum, CEO of South San Francisco-based Cytokinetics, on building a fully integrated biopharma to treat muscle disorders.
In this engaging episode, Brian Grawer shares his inspiring journey from being a standout basketball player at the University of Missouri to leading successful sales teams in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry. With a unique perspective shaped by his athletic background, Brian discusses the parallels between sports and business, offering practical insights into leadership, team building, and personal growth. Brian opens up about the values instilled in him through basketball, such as preparation, discipline, and coachability, and how these lessons have guided him in fostering authentic leadership and cultivating high-performing teams. Whether you're an athlete, a business professional, or a leader looking to inspire your team, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking reflections. Our Guest Brian Grawer's leadership journey is rooted in his basketball background. His father, Rich Grawer, is a decorated Hall of Fame Coach in the state of Missouri. Rich has the 2nd most career wins as the Head Coach at St. Louis University and is still recognized as one of the best basketball minds that has coached at both the high school and collegiate levels. Brian was a 2x All-Big XII Honorable Mention awarded player from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was the starting point guard from 1997-2001. Standing only 5'10”, Brian found ways to be effective and impactful as a “little guy” in a “tall man's game”, through his hard work and mindful approach to the game, his teammates, and his coaches. He ended his career at Mizzou in the top 10 in multiple categories (Steals, 3-pointers made, 3pt %, and Ft %). He held the single-season FT % record (90.5%) for the last 24 years until that record was surpassed in the 2023-24 season at Mizzou. One of his former coaches, Quin Synder, called Brian, “One of the best leaders he has ever seen.” After he finished his playing career, Brian spent 3 years as an assistant coach at the college level. He then took his career to the pharmaceutical/Radiopharmaceutical sales path. Brian is currently the Head of Cardiology Sales at Lantheus, which is a leading radiopharmaceutical-focused company with proven expertise in developing, manufacturing, and commercializing pioneering diagnostic and therapeutic products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. In his 20+ year career in this industry, he has been in numerous different sales roles, both as an individual contributor and as a leader of a team. Brian has been married to his wife, Angela, for 21 years. They have two children, Addison (18) and Trent (13). What You'll Learn in This Episode How preparation, purpose, and passion are the foundation of success The role of coachability in personal and professional growth Insights into transitioning from sports to business leadership Strategies for fostering loyalty and authenticity in teams The importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in leadership How to push yourself and your team out of your comfort zones for growth The parallels between leading on the court and in the boardroom Resources & Links Brian Grawer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-grawer/ Website: www.Lantheus.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/bgrawer?lang=en Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/ Timestamps [00:00:01] Introduction to trust in sales [00:05:12] Lessons learned from a Hall of Fame coaching father [00:12:34] Preparation, purpose, and passion in leadership [00:18:45] The power of coachability and self-reflection [00:25:29] Transitioning from basketball to business [00:30:18] Authentic leadership: Balancing vulnerability and accountability [00:38:45] Building a winning team culture [00:44:10] Advice for emerging leaders [00:50:05] Brian's most memorable basketball and leadership moments
In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Dean McAlister, Executive Vice President at Inizio Biotech. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Dean, covering: The evolving dynamics within the life sciences sector and how they are shaping outsourcing strategies Key insights and trends from J.P. Morgan week, including challenges and opportunities for CROs and CDMOs The Impact of cautious optimism on Business Development teams and commercial strategy in the current market Climate Why 2025 may be a year of incremental growth and how contract service providers can position themselves for success amidst swirling market headwinds The importance of strategic customer engagement and brand positioning for smaller, specialized players to gain an edge over global CDMO giants Dean brings a wealth of experience from his leadership role at Inizio Biotech, where he focuses on driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. Prior to joining Inizio, he held executive leadership roles at AstraZeneca in US Commercial Sales and Market Access, leading teams of up to 1,100 people and overseeing high-impact strategies in a highly competitive environment. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating! Molecule to Market is also sponsored and funded by ramarketing, an international marketing, design, digital and content agency helping companies differentiate, get noticed and grow in life sciences.