Synopsis: In this episode of BioTech 2050, Robert Ang, CEO of Vor Bio, shares insights on the current state of cancer therapies and next-gen modalities. He discusses Vor Bio's work on shielded stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapies targeting hematologic malignancies like AML and MDS. Robert also talks about his experience serving on boards and emphasizes the importance of core values in shaping organizational culture. He highlights his approach to hiring, focusing on finding individuals who are passionate about making an impact over titles. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. Biography: Robert Ang, MBBS, MBA brings experience as a senior biotech executive and is formerly a physician, venture capitalist, and strategy consultant. Prior to Vor Bio, Robert was Chief Business Officer at Neon Therapeutics, serving as part of the early team that established the company prior to its Series A investment through IPO. Before Neon, he served as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Bavarian Nordic, where he was primarily responsible for conducting a $975 million transaction with Bristol-Myers Squibb for PROSTVAC, a Phase 3 immuno-oncology asset, and served as Head of Business Development and Medical Affairs for Cadence Pharmaceuticals. Robert also worked at Frazier Healthcare Ventures, a leading life sciences venture capital firm, where he was involved in several pharmaceutical and biotechnology investments including Cadence Pharmaceuticals (purchased by Mallinckrodt), Incline Therapeutics (purchased by The Medicines Company), Alnara Pharmaceuticals (purchased by Eli Lilly), and Collegium Pharmaceuticals. Robert also has strategy consulting experience at the Boston Consulting Group and has general surgical training. He holds an MBBS (Doctor of Medicine) from the University of Western Australia and an MBA with honors from Columbia Business School. Robert serves as the Board Chair of Enara Bio, a UK-based biotechnology company focused on non-classical HLA targets for immuno-oncology approaches. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the leading international advocacy organization dedicated to realizing the promise of regenerative medicines and advanced therapies.

Biotech 2050 Podcast

Innovative Approaches to Cancer Therapies, Robert Ang, President and CEO

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, Vik Bajaj, Co-founder and CEO of Foresite Labs, delves into the convergence of tech and biotech, hyper-growth phases in biotech companies, changes in finance and capital markets, and lessons from global healthcare systems, particularly the UK. He highlights the transformative potential of technology in biotech and the challenges and opportunities of rapid growth. Biography: Vik is the founder and CEO of Foresite Labs, Foresite Capital’s entrepreneurial innovation hub. He is also managing director at Foresite Capital, evaluating and pursuing investments at the intersection of technology and life sciences, including in personalized and precision healthcare. Most recently, Foresite Labs, ARCH Venture Partners, and Dr. David Baker of the UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design teamed up to launch Xaira to deliver transformative medicines by harnessing AI for drug discovery and development. With $1B in funding, Xaira launched with one of the largest biotech funding rounds in history. He is also managing director at Foresite Capital, evaluating and pursuing investments at the intersection of technology and life sciences. Prior to joining Foresite Capital, Vik was the chief scientific officer of GRAIL, a life sciences company working to detect cancer early (acquired by ILMN). He is also the co-founder and former chief scientific officer of Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences) and previously served as chair of its scientific advisory board. He is also a Director of Genomics England, an initiative of the United Kingdom’s Department of Health, and is a co-founder and director of numerous biotechnology companies. In the educational realm, Vik currently holds the position of Adjunct Associate Professor at the Stanford School of Medicine. He was previously an affiliate scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley. He also served on the advisory board of the College of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. Vik’s research interests lie at the interface of the physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences, including in the generation and use of large biomedical datasets and new AI/ML methods to productively harness them for product development. In his academic career, he and his collaborators have developed nanotechnology probes for the early detection and molecular imaging of disease, spectroscopic tools for imaging objects on the nanoscale, microfabricated and miniaturized analytical and imaging systems for point-of-care testing, methods and devices that dramatically enhance the sensitivity and specificity of MRI, and new tools for clinical bioinformatics and integrative systems biology. Aspects of this work have been commercialized through several startups. At GRAIL, Vik led laboratory and data science teams at the forefront of industrial cancer genomics and diagnostics development. He holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vik’s scientific and engineering awards include the Anatole Abragam Prize (2012), the R&D 100 Award for the most promising commercialized technologies (2011 and 2013), and the Department of Energy’s LBL Innovation Grant (2013).

Tech-Biotech Convergence, Growth, and Global Lessons, Vik Bajaj, Co-founder and CEO

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, Dr. Ted Love, former CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics and Current Chairman of BIO, shares insights on sickle cell breakthroughs, transitioning from academia to research, navigating a tight funding environment, and protecting an innovative ecosystem to benefit patients. Biography: Dr. Ted Love is the chair of the Board of Directors at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), a position he assumed in June 2023. A long-time BIO Board Member, Dr. Love has focused on championing access to care, standing up for science, and improving the narrative around the biopharma industry. Dr. Love previously served as president and chief executive officer of Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT). During his tenure at GBT, Dr. Love led the company from a pre-clinical start-up, through the accelerated approval and launch of Oxbryta®, and into a global commercial company with an advanced pipeline of innovative therapies focused on sickle cell disease. Prior to GBT, Dr. Love was executive vice president, research and development and technical operations, at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he played an instrumental role in the accelerated approval of Kyprolis® for multiple myeloma, and the subsequent purchase of Onyx by Amgen. Previously, Dr. Love served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of Nuvelo, Inc., and as senior vice president, development, at Theravance, Inc. Dr. Love began his biotech career at Genentech in 1992, where he held several senior management positions in clinical science and product development, and ultimately as chairman of Genentech’s Product Development Committee. As vice president, product development, Dr. Love oversaw the development strategy and execution leading to approvals of Rituxan®, Herceptin®, Xolair®, TNKase®, Raptiva® and Avastin®. Prior to Genentech, Dr. Love was a member of the Department of Cardiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Love currently serves on the boards of directors of Royalty Pharma and Structure Therapeutics. Dr. Love holds a B.A. in molecular biology from Haverford College and an M.D. from Yale Medical School. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Advancing and Revolutionizing Sickle Cell Treatment, Ted Love, Chair and BOD

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech 2050 podcast, host Rahul Chaturvedi engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ray Stevens, a prominent figure in the biotech industry who co-founded Structure Therapeutics. Ray's extensive experience and pivotal role in advancing structure-based drug discovery make him a compelling guest for biotech entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and funding strategies. The episode delves into Ray's journey as a serial entrepreneur, the evolution of structure-based drug discovery, and the strategies employed by Structure Therapeutics to drive innovation and create impactful treatments for global health challenges. Ray's insights into the changing funding environment, the impact of distributed teams on value creation, and the significance of shared passion and mission in a company's success offer valuable knowledge for industry professionals and entrepreneurs. His reflections on the industry's future trends and the personal growth aspect add a relatable and human element to the discussion, making it a valuable resource for individuals at all career stages. Biography: Dr. Stevens helped pioneer the field of structure-based drug discovery. He has been involved in the discovery and development of several therapeutic molecules that have become breakthrough drugs including Palnziq™, which was developed at BioMarin Pharmaceutical and approved in 2018 to treat phenylketonuria. Dr. Stevens also founded Receptos which developed Zeposia™—a GPCR agonist targeting the S1PR1 receptor approved in 2020 for multiple sclerosis and 2021 for ulcerative colitis. Prior to Structure, Dr. Stevens founded the Bridge Institute at the University of Southern California (USC), and the iHuman Institute at ShanghaiTech University. He was previously a tenured chaired chemistry professor at Scripps Research and before that, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Stevens’ laboratory and students have launched several successful biotech startups including Syrrx (acquired by Takeda), MemRx (acquired by Chiron/Novartis), Receptos (acquired by Celgene/BMS), and RuiYi (now Bird Rock Bio). A prolific scholar, Dr. Stevens has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and received several academic and industry awards. Dr. Stevens conducted postdoctoral research in structural biology at Harvard University with William Lipscomb, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1976. Dr. Stevens earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from USC with Robert Bau and George Olah, the latter of whom received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1994. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Southern Maine.

Demystifying Drug Discovery, Ray Stevens, CEO, Structure Therapeutics

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, Scott Megaffin, CEO of Adiso Therapeutics, shares valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities in the biotech industry. His deep involvement in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector has shaped his strategic approach to leadership and business management. Scott emphasizes the importance of a CEO's versatility and willingness to undertake any task, no matter how small, and also highlights the burden of proving the value of differentiation in a small company. The conversation delves into the significance of collaboration with research institutions and strategic partners, underlining the importance of differentiation and collaboration in competitive markets. Scott’s reflections on his career journey and the development of Adiso's asset Adso 51 provide valuable lessons for professionals and entrepreneurs in the field, making this episode a must-listen for biotech entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to enhance their ability to differentiate and collaborate in competitive markets. Biography: Scott joined Adiso Therapeutics as Chief Executive Officer in January 2022, bringing more than 35 years of successful industry leadership, having held multiple senior executive, CEO and board director roles during his career at both Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology companies. Among Mr. Megaffin’s many career leadership roles, he previously served as the CEO of Adastra Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pioneer in the pursuit of better treatment options for high unmet need cancers, where he led the company from early informative to clinical-stage advancement of first-in-class clinical programs, and ultimately to its acquisition by Cothera Bioscience. Earlier, he served as a President of Churchill Pharmaceuticals, Inc., leading the organizational growth and development of a fully differentiated oral oncology asset for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer through FDA approval and ultimately a transaction to Sun Pharma. Mr. Megaffin has held numerous global strategic and operational positions of increasing responsibility within Onconova, Schering-Plough, Yamanouchi, Pharmacia, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. During his career Scott has led six global drug development programs resulting in regulatory approvals. He possesses far reaching knowledge in a broad number of therapeutic categories including oncology, anti-infectives, inflammation, pain, critical care, and virology. Mr. Megaffin currently serves as a board member of Adastra and on the Board of Directors for BioNJ, the biotechnology and life science organization of New Jersey. Mr. Megaffin holds a B.S. in Biology from Pittsburg State University.

Navigating The Evolving Landscape of Inflammation Research, Scott Megaffin, CEO, Adiso Therapeutics

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Dr. Mathai Mammen, CEO of FogPharma, shares valuable insights into the future trends of the biotech industry and the development of peptide-based therapeutics. Dr. Mammen's extensive career trajectory, from academia to leading pharmaceutical organizations, provides a comprehensive understanding of the industry's evolution and the pivotal roles he played at Theravance, Merck, and J&J. The episode delves into the significance of intracellular protein interactions and FogPharma's focus on developing helicon peptides to address this unmet need. Dr. Mammen's emphasis on a moonshot culture at FogPharma, coupled with his strategic approach to commercial success in biotech, makes this episode essential listening for executives in the biotech industry who are looking to stay ahead of future trends and gain insights into the innovative approaches shaping the industry's landscape. His profound knowledge and experience position him as a thought leader, offering invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in biotech, making this episode a compelling resource for industry executives seeking to implement strategies for commercial success in the biotech sector. Biography: Mathai Mammen is a world-renowned innovator in drug discovery, development, and team and company building. He brings significant global R&D and corporate leadership experience to his role as CEO, President and Chairman at FogPharma. Most recently, Mathai was a member of the executive committee at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as executive vice president of pharmaceuticals, R&D. During his tenure, he spearheaded a significant evolution of Janssen’s R&D, one of the largest R&D organizations in the world. Mathai was a key leader in Johnson & Johnson’s bold foray into COVID vaccines and he helped drive Janssen’s substantial growth to become one of the top pharmaceutical companies globally. Under Mathai’s leadership, Janssen R&D executed 40+ acquisitions and licenses and 350+ strategic partnerships and collaborations. A central pillar of his strategy was data science, which he used to couple recent revolutionary advances in data, compute and algorithmic approaches to every aspect of discovering and developing medicines. Mathai led his team to global approvals of eight new medicines, including Tremfya™, Darzalex Faspro™, Balversa™, Carvykti™, Rybrevant™, Ponvory™, Spravato™ and Tecvayli™, with many additional global approvals for expanded indications of marketed products. Prior to his role at Johnson & Johnson, Mathai served as senior vice president at Merck, where he was responsible for multiple research areas, including cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases, immunology, oncology and immuno-oncology. Before Merck, he led R&D at Theravance, Inc., a company he co-founded out of graduate school based on his work at Harvard University with Dr. George Whitesides. Under his leadership, Theravance advanced a robust pipeline of multiple development-stage compounds resulting in five approved pharmaceutical products, and separated into two companies: Theravance Biopharma, Inc. and Innoviva, Inc. In addition to his extensive corporate experience, Mathai currently serves on the board of directors of 10x Genomics, Inc. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and patents. Mathai holds an M.D. from the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (HST) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard University.

Biotech's Game Changers & Revolutionizing Therapeutics, Dr. Mammen, CEO, FogPharma

Synopsis: In the recent episode of Biotech2050, Ken Galbraith, CEO of Zymeworks, shares profound insights into the biotech industry, leadership, and the complexities of developing innovative treatments for challenging cancers. Galbraith's accidental entry into biotech in 1987, despite lacking prior experience, led to his pivotal role in establishing a successful biotech company in Canada, shaping the industry significantly. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the critical elements of leadership, continuous learning, and the relentless pursuit of groundbreaking science. Galbraith's focus on addressing unmet medical needs and navigating the dynamic biotech landscape offers valuable lessons for current and aspiring biotech leaders. Furthermore, his involvement in developing innovative biologic structures for difficult-to-treat cancers, exemplified by Zymeworks' mission, underscores the episode's relevance for biotech professionals seeking insights into leadership, growth, and pioneering solutions for challenging medical conditions. Galbraith's wealth of experience and strategic approach provide a compelling narrative that makes this episode an invaluable resource for understanding the keys to success in the dynamic and impactful field of biotechnology. Biography: Mr. Galbraith has served as Zymeworks’ Chair & CEO since January 2022. Mr. Galbraith has over 35 years’ experience in biotechnology and venture capital having acted as an executive, director, investor as well as an advisor to companies in the biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors across North America and the UK in the growth of both private and public companies from an early-stage through regulatory approval and commercialization. Ken has worked with many biotechnology companies including: Liminal BioSciences Inc., Macrogenics, AnorMED, Alder Pharmaceuticals, Celator Pharmaceuticals, Novadaq, Profound Medical, Fairhaven Pharmaceuticals, Tekmira, Angiotech, Aquinox, and Xenon Pharmaceuticals among others. Mr. Galbraith currently serves on the board of directors of Profound Medical He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from the University of British Columbia in 1985.

The Race to Cure Untreatable Cancers, Ken Galbraith, Chair and CEO, Zymeworks

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, host Alok Tayi engages in a profound conversation with Craig Chambliss, CEO and co-founder of Neurellis, delving into their strategic advancements in precision therapies for CNS diseases. Chambliss shares his journey, highlighting his finance and accounting background and pivotal roles in pharmaceutical companies like Bristol Myers Squibb and Alza Pharmaceuticals. His passion for impactful drug delivery technologies led to the launch of life-changing products, including an intranasal diazepam program for seizure emergencies, ultimately culminating in the founding of Neurellis in 2008. With the approval of their product Altoco in 2020, Neurellis addressed unmet needs in the epilepsy market, emphasizing the significance of a passionate team and a foundational product for successful clinical trials and market access. The conversation emphasizes the importance of precision therapies in the CNS space, collaboration for innovative solutions, and the potential of Neurellis' pipeline in addressing severe epileptic encephalopathies. Chambliss's insights into the strategic management of a biotech company, the utilization of platform technologies, and the evolving landscape of the biotech industry offer compelling takeaways for biotech executives seeking strategic insights. This episode provides a valuable opportunity to gain strategic insights into precision therapies for CNS diseases and the journey of a successful biotech company. Biography: Craig Chambliss’ 30-year tenure in the biopharma and drug delivery sectors has largely specialized in rare diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and epilepsy. As the co-founder, CEO, and President of Neurelis, he has orchestrated the company's growth, securing over $300M in funding and guiding its evolution into a fully integrated organization, spanning from early-stage development to commercialization. Before his current role at Neurelis, Mr. Chambliss played a key part in reshaping NextWave Pharmaceuticals into a CNS-focused entity, serving as its Chief Business Officer. Under his leadership, NextWave secured $45M in Series C financing and was later acquired by Pfizer in a deal value exceeding $700M in 2012. Prior to NextWave, he also helped rebuild Questcor Pharmaceuticals as a CNS-focused organization, where he led commercial operations supporting the relaunch of Acthar® Gel for the treatment of a rare epilepsy disorder in pediatric patients. Mr. Chambliss's pharmaceutical journey began in sales at Bristol Myers Squibb and continued through various roles at Alza Pharmaceuticals and Elan Pharmaceuticals. In 2001, he helped launch Xcel Pharmaceuticals, a CNS startup focusing on epilepsy treatment, leading to a successful acquisition by Valeant Pharmaceuticals in 2005 for $280M. His academic foundation includes Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Accounting from Missouri State University.

Innovation in Precision Therapies for CNS Diseases, Craig Chambliss, Co-Founder and CEO, Neurelis

Synopsis: On the Biotech2050 podcast, Tuyen Ong, CEO at Ring Therapeutics and CEO partner at flagship pioneering, shared his journey from a medical background to leading innovative gene therapy companies, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary expertise in driving biotech advancements. His insights into the gene therapy landscape and the future of genetic medicine, including its intersection with artificial intelligence, offer valuable perspectives for biotech professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of precision medicine and drug development. Tuyen's emphasis on fostering a values-driven culture, leveraging innovation in genetic medicine, and maintaining a resilient mindset in the face of industry challenges serves as a guiding light for aspiring biotech professionals and organizations striving to make a positive impact on global health. With a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, Tuyen's discussion with host Rahul Chaturvedi provides a comprehensive exploration of culture-building, precision medicine, and strategic growth within the biotech industry, making it a must-listen for professionals seeking insights into innovative advancements in precision medicine. Biography: Tuyen is a physician, bioentrepreneur and Ring’s CEO. Prior to joining Ring Therapeutics in September 2020, Tuyen served as Senior Vice President at Biogen and as Chief Development Officer at Nightstar Therapeutics until its acquisition by Biogen. During this time, he was involved with the company’s public listing on the NASDAQ, corporate and gene therapy strategy, investor, and M&A activities. Tuyen brings over 20 years of clinical and drug development experience from both large pharma and biotech, working in the fields of genetics, ophthalmology, and rare disease at PTC Therapeutics Inc., Bausch and Lomb Inc. (acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.), and Pfizer. Tuyen holds an MD from the University College London and an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. He is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and a Churchill Fellow.

Unlocking Genetic Medicine's Full Potential, Tuyen Ong, CEO, Ring Therapeutics

Synopsis: In a recent episode of Biotech2050, hosted by Alok Tayi, Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aging biology and the innovative approach BioAge is taking to identify therapeutic targets. Kristen's background in aging biology, genetics, and statistics underscores her expertise in the field. The conversation delves into the shift towards translational research in aging biology, emphasizing the increasing interest in targeting aging-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. Kristen highlights the importance of leveraging human data, utilizing relevant animal models, and strategically allocating resources to enhance the success rate of drug development in the biotech industry. She shares BioAge's unique approach to drug discovery, focusing on human data sets collected over decades, and emphasizes the importance of identifying novel targets for aging-related diseases. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs in biotech and aging research, providing valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of the field, and highlighting the potential for driving innovation through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Biography: Kristen leads BioAge in its mission to develop a broad pipeline of therapies that target metabolic aging by harnessing the science of human longevity.Kristen draws from a deep background in geroscience and systems biology to advance BioAge’s data-driven approach to identifying and targeting the molecular pathways that drive aging. Kristen received her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University where she was a fellow of the Ellison Medical Foundation / American Federation for Aging Research. She has over 15 years of experience developing novel bioinformatics approaches for data-driven investigation into the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease, with 18 published papers spanning computational drug discovery, biomarkers of aging, and the genetics of exceptional human longevity. BioAge recently closed a Series D financing bringing the company’s total raise above $300 million.

Aging Biology and The Power of Human Data, Kristen Fortney, Co-Founder and CEO, BioAge

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Chris Gibson, the co-founder and CEO of Recursion, shares insights on the intersection of technology and biotech, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and diverse partnerships in driving innovation. Gibson's journey from pursuing an MD-PhD program with a focus on merging engineering and medicine to founding Recursion showcases his deep understanding of the evolving biotech landscape. His experience navigating the capital markets and proactive decision-making in response to market conditions offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the industry. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities in the biotech sector, highlighting the transformative potential of technology and the significance of embracing entrepreneurship and risk-taking. Gibson's emphasis on building diverse teams and the impact of partnerships serves as a compelling reason for entrepreneurs and leaders in the biotech industry to listen to this episode, providing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly changing biotech landscape. Biography: Chris Gibson developed the technology and approach that seeded Recursion as part of his MD/PhD work in the lab of Co-Founder Dr. Dean Li (current President of Merck Research Labs) while at the University of Utah. After completing his Ph.D., Chris left medical school to build Recursion into the rapidly growing company it is today. Chris is a graduate of Rice University with degrees in bioengineering and management. Chris serves on the Board of BioHive, the public-private partnership driving expansion of Utah's life-science ecosystem, the fastest growing in the nation. Chris is also active as an advisor and mentor, both formally and informally, of many young biotech founders. Chris enjoys cycling on both the road and the trails that cut through Utah's great wilderness, as well as spending time with family.

The Intersection Of Tech and Biotech, Chris Gibson, Co-Founder & CEO, Recursion

Synopsis: Christian Angermayer, a prominent investor and entrepreneur in the biotech industry, shares valuable insights in the Biotech2050 podcast, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Drawing from his extensive experience, Angermayer emphasizes the importance of making biotech more accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the integrity of the science. He discusses the need for a broader investor community in biotech to unlock more capital and stimulate early-stage science funding. His unique perspective highlights the intersection of tech and biotech, emphasizing the potential for collaboration and innovation. By implementing Angermayer's insights, entrepreneurs can gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of biotech and harness new opportunities for growth and development. By incorporating Angermayer's insights, entrepreneurs can gain essential knowledge of the evolving biotech landscape and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and development. Biography: Christian Angermayer is a serial entrepreneur and investor who builds and invests in companies that are shaping the Next Human Agenda: a future in which technology empowers people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Christian’s family office and private investment firm, Apeiron Investment Group, has more than USD 2.5 billion under management and 50 people in London, New York City, Abu Dhabi and Berlin. Apeiron focuses on Life Sciences, FinTech & Crypto, Future Tech and Experiences, Hospitality & Happiness. Over the past 20 years, Christian has founded three unicorns himself and has been the lead investor in four unicorns and two decacorns.

Psychedelics, Longevity, and Wellbeing, Christian Angermayer, Founder, Apeiron Investment Group

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, David Kirn, CEO of 4D Molecular Therapeutics, shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the biotech industry. Kirn discusses the development of his company's platform that integrates gene therapy and directed evolution to create innovative treatments for genetic diseases. By utilizing directed evolution, 4D Molecular Therapeutics has been able to invent an AAV vector that achieves safe and effective gene expression in the retina, targeting rare genetic diseases initially and subsequently expanding to larger markets. Kirn emphasizes the importance of balancing a strong platform with diverse product opportunities to decrease risk and increase the probability of success in the biotech landscape. Kirn's expertise and experience provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the vital aspects of biotech entrepreneurship. Kirn emphasizes the importance of balancing a strong platform with diverse product opportunities to decrease risk and increase the probability of success in the biotech landscape. The episode delves into the tension between platform and product focus, offering guidance on fundraising and the regional dynamics of biotech investment. Kirn's expertise and experience provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the vital aspects of biotech entrepreneurship, making this episode a must-listen for academic entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of biotech investment and build traction in the industry. Biography: David Kirn, MD, is our co-founder and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since our inception in 2013. Dr. Kirn is also Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering and Molecular & Cellular Biology at UC Berkeley. Over his 30 year career, Dr. Kirn has co-founded and been CEO of four viral vector-based genetic medicines companies, three of which to date were either acquired or went public. Dr. Kirn also held senior clinical research and development positions at Onyx Pharmaceuticals (VP) and Celgene (SVP), and was a senior advisor to Novartis, Bayer, Pfizer, Biogen and others in the genetic medicines field. Dr. Kirn received a BA in Physiology (Departmental Citation; Phi Beta Kappa) from UC Berkeley in 1985, an MD (Alpha Omega Alpha) from UC San Francisco Medical School in 1989 and completed internal medicine residency training at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (including a term as Chief Medical Resident at affiliated VA hospital). He has also completed hematology-oncology and clinical research fellowships at UC San Francisco and completed a certificate of business excellence from the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. In 2013, he was awarded the Johnson & Johnson Entrepreneur Innovator award from the J&J Innovation Center.

Navigating Platform vs Product Tension, David Kirn, Co-Founder & CEO, 4DMT

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, David Esposito, CEO of ONL Therapeutics, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of ophthalmology. Esposito's extensive career journey, from the United States Military Academy to leading ONL Therapeutics, underscores his deep understanding of the industry. He offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on indication selection and the evolving capital market for biotech companies. The episode delves into the complexities of proving safety and tolerability in new mechanisms of action, the strategic shift in pursuing chronic indications, and the interplay between big pharma and early-stage biotechs in the current capital environment. Esposito's expertise and in-depth knowledge make this episode essential listening for ophthalmology professionals seeking to navigate industry challenges, understand the IRA's implications, and explore strategic partnerships for clinical development support.,In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, CEO of ONL Therapeutics, David Esposito, shares his extensive insights into the challenges and opportunities within the ophthalmology field. With a career spanning from the United States Military Academy to leading ONL Therapeutics, Esposito brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the topic. The discussion delves into the intricate impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on indication selection and the dynamic capital market for biotech companies. Esposito's analysis covers the complexities of proving safety and tolerability in new mechanisms of action, strategic shifts in pursuing chronic indications, and the interplay between big pharma and early-stage biotechs in the current capital environment. Professionals in the ophthalmology sector will find this episode invaluable for gaining insights into industry challenges, comprehending the implications of the IRA, and exploring strategic partnerships for clinical development support. Biography: David is the former CEO of Armune BioScience where he led the development and commercialization of blood-based diagnostics to improve the early detection of cancer. The Company successfully launched the only non-PSA blood test to improve the detection of prostate cancer. Armune BioScience was sold to Exact Sciences (EXAS) in 2017. David Esposito is an experienced healthcare executive who has built and scaled multiple companies that resulted in successful exits to strategic buyers. He was President of Phadia US Inc. (allergy and autoimmune diagnostics) and played a pivotal role in the sale of the business to Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) in 2011. David began his career as a sales representative with Merck & Co. Inc. and rose through the ranks of sales, marketing and commercial strategy for the US Division. David is a combat veteran, led an infantry platoon with the 101st Airborne Division through several combat operations, and was recognized with a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq in 1991. David earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his MBA from Syracuse University.

Adapting Through Disruption in Biotech, David Esposito, President & CEO, ONL Therapeutics

Synopsis: In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Jak Knowles, co-founder of Affini-T Therapeutics, shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by bootstrapped biotech companies and the significance of venture capital in the industry. Knowles discusses the importance of finding key partners and securing intellectual property early on, shedding light on the capital-intensive nature of drug development. Furthermore, he highlights the value of experienced investors and the impact of their investment source, emphasizing the advantage of being one of the first investments out of a fund. Knowles also provides an update on Affini-T Therapeutics' focus on developing therapies for solid tumors, offering a glimpse into their innovative approach using cell therapy and synthetic biology to address the challenges of the tumor microenvironment. His journey and expertise in navigating the intricacies of fundraising and company-building make this episode essential listening for entrepreneurs in the biotech industry, providing practical lessons and strategic insights for overcoming funding obstacles and driving success in the competitive landscape of biotechnology.,In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Jak Knowles, the co-founder of Affini-T Therapeutics, offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered by bootstrapped biotech companies and the pivotal role of venture capital in the industry. Knowles emphasizes the significance of early intellectual property acquisition and strategic partnerships as critical factors in the capital-intensive arena of drug development. Furthermore, he underscores the importance of securing investment from experienced sources and elaborates on the benefits of being an early investment in a fund. Knowles also provides an update on Affini-T Therapeutics' focus on developing innovative therapies for solid tumors, showcasing the company's pioneering approach involving cell therapy and synthetic biology to address the complexities of the tumor microenvironment. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Knowles offers essential insights for biotech entrepreneurs, providing actionable strategies and valuable lessons for navigating the funding landscape and achieving success in the competitive biotechnology sector. Biography: Jak Knowles, MD, is Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Affini-T Therapeutics. He has more than two decades of R&D, management, and entrepreneurial experience in the life science industry. Prior to launching Affini-T, Jak served as Co-founder and Chief Business Officer for Metagenomi, a next-generation gene editing company based in Berkeley, California. Jak was previously Head of Pharma Venture Investments for Leaps by Bayer, where he helped lead Metagenomi’s initial seed financing and early strategy serving on Metagenomi’s Board of Directors. Before joining Bayer, Jak served as Chief Executive Officer of CytoSen Therapeutics, where he developed Natural Killer immune cell therapies for oncology indications. In 2016, Jak co-founded and launched Exonics Therapeutics, a CRISPR gene-editing company, serving as President and interim-Chief Executive Officer. Jak previously served on the Board of Directors for Century Therapeutics, Exonics Therapeutics, Metagenomi Technologies, Triumvira Immunologics, and Pyxis Oncology. Jak earned his MD from Stanford University where he graduated with honors in biomedical research, and an undergraduate degree in biology from Binghamton University

Overcoming Capital Challenges in Biotech, Jak Knowles, President & CEO, Affini-T Therapeutics

Biotech2050 Podcast is a think tank chronicling the disruptions changing the biotech industry over the next 50 years.

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Biotech 2050 Podcast

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