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The Biotech Startups Podcast

🧬 Redefining Biotech: Building Enduring Value Beyond Acquisition | Rabia Khan (Part 4/4)

Apr 24, 2025
48:44
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"If you are that person, if you feel like you can't find your box and you're off doing these random things that no one else seems to find interesting, it's okay. Embrace it. It's who you are and it's going to be your superpower someday."

In this episode of The Biotech Startups Podcast, host Jon Chee sits down with Rabia Khan, founder and CEO of Serna Bio, to discuss her journey from Sensyne Health to building a data-driven biotech company pioneering RNA-targeted drug discovery. Rabia shares how she overcame scientific and operational hurdles, navigated contract research limitations, and boldly moved Serna Bio from the UK to San Francisco. She also reveals her intentional approach to company culture, frugality, and long-term impact—emphasizing her vision to create a biotech business built for enduring innovation, not just acquisition.

Key topics covered:
  • Breaking Industry Molds: Serna Bio puts RNA at the center, challenging protein-focused norms.
  • Data-First Biotech: Massive RNA datasets drive unique insights.
  • Lean Operations & Frugality: Every dollar fuels innovation.
  • Company Building for Endurance: Built for long-term value, not quick exits.
  • Authentic Leadership: Bold, authentic leadership for lasting impact.

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Subscribe to the Podcast:

Find our guest, Rabia Khan, at these links: 

Find our host, Jon Chee, at these links: 

Learn more about Excedr:

Intro & Outro Songs Created by OkKyojin, Owned by Excedr:

Resources & Articles:
Principles by Ray Dalio: https://www.principles.com/
Amazon’s Six-Page Memo & Culture of Frugality: https://www.larksuite.com/en_us/blog/amazon-6-pager
Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13530973-antifragile

Companies, Universities, & People mentioned:
Bridgewater Associates: https://www.bridgewater.com/


Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:01 Leaving Sensyne & Founding Serna Bio
03:52 The Vision: Drugging RNA with Small Molecules
09:46 Challenging the Status Quo of Protein-Centric Drug Discovery
12:30 Building the Serna Toolkit: Data, Models, and Assays
15:14 Operational Hurdles: Working with CROs & Building In-House Labs
22:03 Leadership Philosophy: Frugality, Creativity & Building Culture
28:35 Building Labs: UK vs. SF & Strategic Evolution
36:56 Vision for Serna: Building an Enduring Biotech Company
43:19 Advice to Founders: Embrace Discomfort & Authenticity
45:53 Outro
The Biotech Startups Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the business and science of building a biotech. Hosted by Jon Chee, CEO of Excedr, the show features honest conversations with founders, execs, and investors about their work, their companies, and how they got there. From scientific breakthroughs to startup lessons, each episode explores what it really takes to grow a life science company—from pre-seed to IPO.

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