Biotech 2050 Podcast

Sergey Jakimov, Founding Partner at LongeVC, is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist specializing in biotech and longevity investments. In this engaging discussion, he emphasizes the importance of practical, science-backed approaches to longevity over hype. Sergey explains why aging isn’t classified as a disease, dives into AI's revolutionary impact on drug discovery, and highlights the burgeoning market of pet longevity. He also shares insights on how LongeVC evolved from a modest fund to raising $250M with an impressive record.

Synopsis: What happens when a world-class scientist and a philanthropic legacy collide with one of medicine’s greatest challenges? Dr. Howard Fillit and Mark Roithmayr of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) join host Alok Tayi for an inspiring conversation on bold science, visionary funding models, and the future of Alzheimer’s research. From treating Estée Lauder in the 1990s to building a $100M venture philanthropy engine, they trace ADDF’s evolution into a global leader in high-risk, high-reward drug development. The discussion covers the rise of biomarkers and digital diagnostics, the foundation’s partnerships with visionaries like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, and how ADDF’s venture philanthropy approach bridges the “valley of death” in biotech. They also dive into global regulatory challenges, the economic urgency of Alzheimer’s, and why the future lies in prevention, precision medicine, and a patient-first mindset. This episode is a masterclass in scientific grit, ecosystem thinking, and turning urgency into progress. Biography: Howard Fillit, MD Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Howard Fillit, MD, is a geriatrician, neuroscientist, and innovative philanthropy executive, who has led the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) since its founding. Dr. Fillit has held faculty positions at The Rockefeller University, the SUNY-Stony Brook School of Medicine and the Cornell University School of Medicine. In 1987, he joined the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he is a clinical professor of geriatric medicine and palliative care, medicine and neuroscience. Dr. Fillit also maintains a limited private practice in consultative geriatric medicine with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. He has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications and is the senior editor of Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Dr. Fillit is the recipient of many awards and honors including the Rita Hayworth Award from the Alzheimer's Association. Mark Roithmayr Chief Executive Officer Mark Roithmayr is an admired nonprofit leader with four decades of experience in both start-ups and mature organizations. As CEO of the ADDF, he is responsible for steering the Foundation’s overall strategy, focus, and business operations. Since joining the ADDF in 2017, the organization has transformed dramatically in impact, scale, presence, and brand. Under his leadership, the ADDF’s revenue has increased five-fold from $17M to over $90M, and mission-related investing has grown over 100%. He works closely with Dr. Fillit, executive leadership, and the board to advance the ADDF’s mission of accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. His key accomplishments include securing donations from Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and MacKenzie Scott, and a 10-figure gift from the Lauder family to cover ADDF’s overhead for the next 20 years.

Stacy Lindborg, President and CEO of Imunon, brings nearly 30 years of biotech experience to the discussion. She shares groundbreaking insights on Imunon's IL-12 plasmid platform, which is poised to transform ovarian cancer treatment with impressive survival rates. The conversation highlights the role of AI and adaptive trial designs in drug development, and Stacy emphasizes the need for a bold, transparent company culture to drive innovation forward. Her mission-driven leadership and commitment to enhancing patient outcomes set a promising tone for the future of biotech.

In a captivating conversation, Stephanie Sirota, CBO and Partner at RTW Investments, shares how her background in journalism shaped her bold approach to biotech investing. She delves into the evolution of biotech financing, the exciting potential of GLP-1 drugs, and RTW's strategic response to changes in U.S. healthcare policy. Topics also include how they source opportunities and evaluate risk, emphasizing the importance of deep research and long-term conviction in a volatile market. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by the future of medicine!

Synopsis: Building in biotech isn’t for the faint of heart—especially during a market downturn. But that’s exactly when Steve Tregay, Managing Partner at Mission BioCapital, thrives. A seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Forma Therapeutics, Steven has navigated biotech’s toughest cycles—and emerged stronger each time. Hosted by Rahul Chaturvedi, this conversation dives into what it really takes to launch and scale biotech companies: from mastering the evolution of the CEO role to raising nearly $900M through strategic partnerships, to knowing when it’s time to pass the torch. Steve also shares how Mission BioCapital is rewriting the playbook for early-stage innovation through its Platinum Program, offering $500K and lab access to science founders ready to launch bold new ideas. Real talk, real strategies, and a blueprint for building lasting biotech companies—especially when its hardest. Biography: Steve Tregay, PhD is a Managing General Partner based in our Cambridge office. He focuses on new therapeutics investments with a particular emphasis on company creation opportunities as well as on overall management of the firm. Within the Mission BioCapital portfolio, he is currently founding CEO and board member of Arclight Therapeutics, LLC, a founding board member at Jupiter BioVentures LLC, and has board roles at Vedere Bio and Nocion Therapeutics. In addition, Steve serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at LabCentral. He is a Harvard Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator Advisory Committee member and is a member of the board of advisors for the non-profit Life Sciences Cares. Previously, Steve was the Founder and CEO of FORMA Therapeutics. Additional roles held prior to his engagement at FORMA include Managing Director for the Novartis Venture Fund and Executive Director & Head of Strategic Alliances for Oncology, Ophthalmology and Technologies at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. Prior to Novartis, he held roles in research and business development at Array BioPharma. Steve received his doctoral and Master’s degrees in organic chemistry from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s from Davidson College.

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.