Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech2050, host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Neil F. McFarlane, President and CEO of Zevra Therapeutics, to explore his unique leadership journey from military nurse to biotech executive. Neil shares reflections from his time at Genzyme and UCB, insights on running a rare disease-focused biotech, and the art of mission-driven leadership. He dives into Zevra’s recent therapeutic milestones, regulatory strategies, and the importance of reflection in high-stakes environments. This conversation offers powerful takeaways for anyone navigating biotech leadership, board management, or rare disease innovation. Biography: Neil F. McFarlane took the reins as President and CEO of Zevra Therapeutics, a commercial-stage rare disease therapeutics company, in October 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the biopharma industry and specific expertise in neurological and rare diseases. Before joining Zevra, he served on the board of Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc. from 2022 to 2024 and was the CEO of Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for neurological diseases, from 2019 until its acquisition by Supernus Pharmaceuticals in 2021. Prior to Adamas, Mr. McFarlane was Chief Operating Officer at Retrophin, Inc. (now Travere Therapeutics, Inc.), from 2016 to 2019, where he managed day-to-day operations. He also held roles of increasing responsibility at UCB, Inc., Genzyme Corporation (now Sanofi), and Sangstat Medical Corporation, which was acquired by Genzyme.

Synopsis: How do you build a biotech company that disrupts drug discovery and delivers real impact? In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with Raj Devraj, President & CEO of Rectify Pharmaceuticals and Venture Partner at Atlas Venture. Raj shares his journey from big pharma to biotech entrepreneurship, the science behind Rectify’s groundbreaking approach to drugging membrane proteins, and how his team is tackling rare hepatobiliary diseases with small-molecule therapies. He also dives deep into biotech innovation, smart capital strategy, M&A trends, and the power of hiring the right talent. Whether you’re a biotech founder, investor, or science enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on building, funding, and scaling a biotech startup in today’s competitive landscape. Biography: Rajesh (Raj) Devraj, Ph.D., is President and Chief Executive Officer of Rectify Pharma and a Venture Partner at Atlas Venture. Throughout his career, he has been focused on creating and building groundbreaking biotech companies. Prior to Rectify, Raj co-founded Disarm Therapeutics with Atlas and served as its Chief Scientific Officer prior to its acquisition. Before Disarm, he served as Chief Scientific Officer of Atlas-founded Padlock Therapeutics. Prior to his tenure at Atlas, Raj served in senior executive roles at Euclises & Deciphera Pharmaceuticals and at Jubilant Life Sciences. In addition, Raj spent 14 years in positions of increasing responsibility with Pfizer Global R&D and the legacy Pharmacia and Searle companies. Raj also serves on the boards of directors for several biotech companies. Over a 25-year career in large pharma and biotech, Raj has led discovery, early clinical development, and strategic planning teams that have advanced multiple candidates into clinical trials for refractory cancers, autoimmune diseases, IPF, diabetic nephropathy, COPD, and pain. Raj received his B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Mumbai, and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Duquesne University.

Rachel Haurwitz, the President & CEO of Caribou Biosciences, dives into the future of CRISPR and CAR T therapies. As a pioneer in genome editing, she discusses the transformative potential of off-the-shelf CAR T solutions, currently being tested in multiple clinical trials. Rachel reflects on her journey from co-founding the company at just 26, the importance of strategic partnerships, and navigating the biotech landscape. She also emphasizes the need for diversity and the evolving dynamics in biotech entrepreneurship.

Liam Killingstad, co-founder of KHORA Therapeutics and Operating Partner at Finiam Investments, dives into the transformative role of family offices in biotech. He shares how personal experiences with rare cancers ignited a mission-driven investment approach. The conversation uncovers the unique strategies family offices employ, their agile funding capabilities, and the impact of tailored investments on biotech innovation. Liam also reflects on his journey from investment banking to biotech, highlighting the essential skills required to bridge these industries effectively.

Clare Terlouw, Head of LifeArc Ventures, brings over 15 years of biotech financing expertise to the table. She shares her journey from physiotherapy to leading investments in biotech innovation. The discussion dives into LifeArc's unique approach to bridging the funding gap in biotech, addressing the challenges faced in transitioning academic research to commercial success. Clare also emphasizes the importance of strategic philanthropic investment and highlights the growing opportunities within the UK biotech landscape for sustainable impact.

Synopsis: Venture capital is evolving, and so is biotech. In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi, CEO and co-founder of VibeBio, sits down with Alex Bangash, Founder of Transpose, an investment firm backing both startups and funds. With over 20 years of experience in venture investing, Alex shares his unconventional journey from engineering to investing and how his unique perspective has shaped his approach to funding. He breaks down the shifting startup landscape, the critical role of LPs in biotech, and why AI is a game-changer for both tech and life sciences. Alex also offers sharp insights into what it takes to build a successful venture fund today and the structural shifts that are redefining the industry. Whether you're a founder, investor, or biotech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on navigating the future of venture capital. Biography: Alex Bangash is the Founder of Transpose Platform, an anchor fund for the most disruptive venture funds of this decade. He is also the co-founder and former CEO of Trusted Insight, a machine learning–driven platform that hosts the world’s largest network of institutional investors. Prior to TI Platform, Alex managed capital for clients at premier endowments, foundations, family offices, insurance firms, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds since 2003. He has helped invest over $2 billion in 50 funds with a track record of investing over $1 billion in 50+ funds for institutional investors with an IRR of 30%+ and a 2x NAV. He advised the first checks in Accel, First Round Capital, Founders Fund, Emergence, Y Combinator, Khosla, SaaStr, Initialized, Crystal Towers, and Baseline. Earlier in his career, Alex was an engineer and executive at AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Bell Labs, and GE. Alex holds an MBA from the Wharton School (where he is a frequent guest lecturer); an M.Eng. in Operations Research from Cornell, and a BS in Computer Science, English, and Economics from Cornell.

Synopsis: In this special episode of Biotech 2050, Host Alok Tayi, CEO and Co-Founder of VibeBio, delves into the world of neurodivergent entrepreneurship and impact investing with guest Chad Belinsky, founder of AtypicalPath.org. Chad shares his inspiring journey from running a transformative B2B materials company to establishing Atypical Path—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting neurodiverse individuals, fostering mentorship, and creating impact-driven investment opportunities. Together, they explore the unique perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to innovation, the importance of self-awareness, and how capital can drive meaningful societal change. A must-listen for those interested in mission-oriented investment, entrepreneurship, and the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent. Biography: “Dumb” dyslexic, awkward aspie kid, empowered by love & tech, transformed himself and a bootstrapped family material science B2B into a 20 year overnight success with PE platform exit. Now stewarding the proceeds & sharing forward learnings through developing AtypicalPath.org , an entrepreneurial nonprofit community where accomplished neuro-atypical earnest entrepreneurs inspire each other to compound social & economic good, while sharing forward opportunity for the next generation to thrive, through shared wisdom, contacts, grants & impact investment.

Synopsis: In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi explores the world of biotech venture capital with Narayan Chowdhury, Co-Founder of Franklin Park. As a key player in funding the next wave of biotech breakthroughs, Narayan shares how limited partners (LPs) navigate risk, identify high-potential biotech funds, and decide where to allocate billions in capital. Discover why biotech investing is different from tech VC, the growing role of AI in drug development, and how emerging biotech hubs are shaping the future of innovation. Whether you're a founder, investor, or just biotech-curious, this episode unveils the strategies, challenges, and untapped opportunities that fuel the industry. Biography: At Franklin Park, Narayan is responsible for the analysis and evaluation of private equity investment opportunities, monitoring clients’ portfolios and conducting industry research. He is also involved in the development and implementation of Franklin Park’s technology platform, and regularly interacts with clients on investment and portfolio matters. Prior to Franklin Park, Narayan worked with Hamilton Lane and Public Financial Management. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. Narayan received a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Bucknell University.

David Meeker, CEO of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, previously led Sanofi Genzyme and has been a key player in rare disease biotech. He shares his journey from physician to biotech leader, highlighting breakthroughs like enzyme replacement therapies for Gaucher disease. David emphasizes the importance of patient-centric approaches, the challenges of developing therapies for rare diseases, and the evolving dynamics between biotech and big pharma. He discusses regulatory impacts and the necessity for a clear focus in addressing unmet medical needs in the industry.

In an engaging conversation, Kristin Yarema, President and CEO of Poseida Therapeutics, shares her inspiring journey from pharma to biotech entrepreneurship. She discusses groundbreaking advancements in allogeneic cell therapies and their potential to transform cancer treatment. Kristin reflects on the challenges of her CEO role, the significance of company culture, and effective teamwork. She emphasizes the impact of mentorship and personal growth in careers, underscoring the human stories behind medical innovations.