The Social Radars Founder Mode: Jen Herbach, Founder & CEO, Adventris Pharmaceuticals
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Oct 7, 2025 Jen Herbach, Founder and CEO of Adventris Pharmaceuticals, is on a mission to revolutionize cancer treatment with innovative vaccines targeting the KRAS mutation. She shares how her experience at Y Combinator reshaped her approach, emphasizing hands-on leadership and accountability in her team. Jen outlines the exciting potential of cancer vaccines for prevention, particularly in localized pancreatic cancer. She also reveals the delicate balance of investor relations and decision-making power that has shaped Adventris's journey.
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Cancer As Immune Recognition Failure
- Jen Herbach explains cancer occurs when the immune system fails to recognize mutated cells and lets them grow.
- Adventris builds vaccines that "give the immune system glasses" to recognize cancerous mutations like KRAS.
KRAS Is A High-Impact Target
- KRAS mutations drive ~30% of cancers, notably lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
- Adventris targets KRAS first to treat localized pancreatic cancer and eventually aim for prevention.
Build Treatment Path Before Prevention
- Aim for treatment first and prevention later to build credibility and impact incrementally.
- Use therapeutic success to drive long-term prevention ambitions for high-prevalence targets like KRAS.