Business Of Biotech Leading A tRNA Startup With Alltrna's Michelle Werner
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May 19, 2025 Michelle Werner, CEO of Alltrna and advocate for rare disease treatments, shares her journey from big pharma to biotech, fueled by her child's diagnosis. She explains the revolutionary potential of engineered tRNA therapy, emphasizing its ability to address countless rare genetic diseases. The conversation dives into the innovative use of AI for drug optimization and the challenges of using lipid nanoparticles for effective tRNA delivery. Michelle also highlights the importance of support networks for women leaders in biotech and the significance of storytelling in patient advocacy.
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Personal Shift to Genetic Medicines
- Michelle Werner's child was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on his 10th birthday, which profoundly influenced her career shift.
- This personal experience made her realize the lack of effective rare disease treatments and inspired her move into genetic medicines.
tRNA's Universal Therapeutic Potential
- A single engineered tRNA can restore protein function across many diseases regardless of gene or mutation location.
- This universal potential sets tRNA therapy apart from one-disease-at-a-time gene therapies and exon skipping methods.
Early, Honest Patient Engagement
- Start engaging with patient advocacy groups very early in drug development.
- Be pragmatic and avoid overpromising; manage expectations carefully to build trust.