Biotech 2050 Podcast

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.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Bangash, Founder of Transpose Platform and former CEO of Trusted Insight, shares his journey from engineering to venture capital. He highlights the evolving landscape of biotech investment and the pivotal role of limited partners. Alex explores how AI is revolutionizing both tech and life sciences, while emphasizing the unique challenges startup founders face today. With insights on modern entrepreneurship and the synergy between AI and biotech, he offers valuable guidance for navigating the future of venture capital.

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.

Synopsis: In this insightful conversation on Biotech2050, host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Bharatt Chowrira, CEO, and Eric Elenko, Co-Founder and President of PureTech Health. They explore the company’s pioneering R&D model and how it reshapes drug development by focusing on solving specific problems rather than pushing predefined solutions. Bharatt and Eric share their professional journeys and key insights, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and unwavering commitment to impactful ideas. The episode delves into the story behind Karuna Therapeutics, highlighting the challenges of obtaining funding and skepticism from the industry before its success with a groundbreaking schizophrenia drug. Bharatt and Eric underline the importance of patient-centered innovation and reflect on the lessons learned, including overcoming obstacles with persistence. They also discuss the need for more efficient pathways in drug development and share a glimpse into PureTech’s upcoming projects. Biography: Bharatt Chowrira, PhD, JD, is the chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors at PureTech. Dr. Chowrira has been a member of the PureTech management team since March 2017, leading various departments including Operations, Finance and Business Development. Dr. Chowrira plays a key role in the Founded Entity fundraisings and provide strategic guidance as a Board member to many Founded Entities, including co-founding Seaport Therapeutics. Prior to joining PureTech, he held various leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel in multiple biotech companies over the past 30+ years, including Auspex Pharmaceuticals Inc., which was acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals for $3.5 billion and Sirna Therapeutics that was acquired by Merck for $1.1 billion and as a Vice President at Merck & Co. Dr. Chowrira received a JD from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, an MS in molecular biology from Illinois State University and a BS in microbiology from the UAS, Bangalore, India. Eric Elenko, PhD, is the president at PureTech where he has led the development of a number of programs, including three that have received US FDA approvals (EndeavorRx, Plenity and Cobenfy). Dr. Elenko plays a key role in the Founded Entity drug discovery and fundraisings, including co-founding Seaport Therapeutics. Prior to joining PureTech, Dr. Elenko was a consultant with McKinsey and Company where he advised senior executives of both Fortune 500 and specialty pharmaceutical companies on a range of issues such as product licensing, mergers and acquisitions, research and development strategy and marketing. Dr. Elenko received his BA in biology from Swarthmore College and his PhD in biomedical sciences from the University of California, San Diego.