Bahija Jallal on the biotech revolution in cancer therapies
Sep 5, 2023
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Bahija Jallal, CEO of Immunocore, shares her journey in developing biopharmaceutical cancer treatments, focusing on targeted therapies. She discusses the potential of new biotech therapies, advancements in T cell tracking, and the revolutionizing impact of Immunocore's treatment for metastatic uvial melanoma. She reflects on her personal background, the challenges faced by women in the industry, and the importance of diversity of thought in leadership. She serves as a role model for women in science and emphasizes the need for inspiration and humility.
Personal resilience and unwavering pursuit of knowledge are crucial in shaping a successful career in the biotech industry.
Targeted cancer therapies, such as T cell receptor therapy, have the potential to transform cancer into a manageable, chronic disease.
Deep dives
Enhancing T Cells for Targeted Attacks on Harmful Cells
The podcast explores the potential of bio-pharmaceuticals to improve the function of T cells in detecting and eliminating cancerous and infected cells. By modifying the sensors on T cells to make them more potent and visible, scientists can enhance their ability to track and destroy harmful cells. This approach differs greatly from traditional chemotherapy, which has a broader impact on both cancerous and healthy cells. The use of targeted therapies that mimic the power of the immune system shows promising results in prolonging the lives of cancer patients.
The Journey of Becoming a Scientist
The podcast delves into the personal story of Beheja Jalal, the CEO of Immunocore, who defied societal expectations in Morocco to pursue her dream of becoming a scientist. Motivated by the tragic loss of her father at a young age, she developed a thirst for understanding and embarked on an academic journey that took her from Paris to Germany to California. Her resilience and unwavering pursuit of knowledge, along with the support of her mother, played pivotal roles in shaping her successful career.
The Advancement of Biopharmaceuticals in Cancer Treatment
The podcast highlights the significant progress in the field of biologics or biopharmaceuticals in fighting cancer. These therapies, such as T cell receptor (TCR) therapy, harness the power of the immune system by utilizing antibodies to target and treat tumors. The approval of Kymriah, a TCR therapy developed by Immunocore, for the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma marks a groundbreaking milestone. This success opens up new possibilities for similar targeted therapies and paves the way for transforming cancer into a manageable, chronic disease.
Some of the most complex medicines available today are made from living cells or organisms - these treatments are called biopharmaceuticals and in this episode of The Life Scientific Dr Bahija Jallal, CEO of Immunocore, shares her story of leaving her home in Casablanca, Morocco to become a world leader in developing biopharmaceutical cancer treatments.
She tells Professor Jim Al-Khalili that she has always found herself ahead of the curve. When she began in oncology, the study of cancer, the common treatment was chemotherapy which attacked all the cells in an affected area. Her first studies into cancer treatments were looking at how certain therapies could focus in on the cancerous cells and move away from what she describes as the 'sledgehammer' of traditional chemotherapy.
It was an early step in what became known as targeted cancer therapies, and it set Bahjia on course for a career dedicated to developing innovative drugs to improve cancer patients' lives. Through a deep understanding of the science and a resolute commitment to putting treatments in the hands of people who need them, she has produced astonishing results. Bahija has brought drugs to market faster than many believed was possible, and she has managed it by being an inspirational leader and encouraging her teams to think differently. How has she done it? Part of the secret, she says, is diversity of thought.
Presented by Professor Jim Al-Khalili
Produced by Tom Bonnett
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