Business Of Biotech

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode, Thomas Levenson, MIT professor and author of So Very Small: How Humans Discovered The Microcosmos, Defeated Germs — And May Still Lose The War Against Infectious Disease talks about what he learned in the writing of So Very Small, how cultural and political forces shape scientific progress, and what it means for drug developers, public health officials, and patients everywhere.   This episode of the Business of Biotech is brought to you by Avantor. For more information, visit avantorsciences.comAccess this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode, Dr. Srinivas Rao, co-founder and CEO at atai Life Sciences, explains how his engineering background led him to the development of psychedelic compounds for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Internal drug development efforts at atai are focused on short-duration psychedelics that can work within existing healthcare infrastructure, with the potential to transform the treatment of mental health disorders. Rao also talks about atai's hub and spoke model for investing in other psychedelic companies, what MAPS/Lykos Therapeutics got wrong in the run-up to FDA's review of Lykos's MDMA candidate for PTSD, and whether psychedelic therapies need the "trip" to catalyze network disruption and neuroplasticity in the brain. This episode of the Business of Biotech is brought to you by Avantor. For more information, visit avantorsciences.comAccess this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

Yaniv Sneor, founder of the Mid Atlantic Bio Angels and CEO at Native State Therapeutics, dives into the world of life science angel investing. He shares how investors evaluate biotech startups and the importance of crafting a compelling pitch. Yaniv discusses red flags for investors, the role of syndicates, and why biotech remains a strong investment sector. He highlights the intricacies of funding timelines and offers valuable insights for emerging drug developers seeking capital in a competitive landscape.

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.

Dr. Mark Eisner, EVP and Chief Medical Officer at Vir Biotechnology with a rich background at Genentech and UCSF, shares insights on the company's shift to focus on infectious diseases and oncology post-COVID. He discusses the strategic integration of Sanofi's T-cell engager platform and the prioritization of hepatitis programs. Eisner also reflects on his journey from academic medicine to biopharma, emphasizing the importance of leadership during organizational changes and the potential of innovative partnerships in drug development.

Tolga Tanguler, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, shares his insights on commercializing RNAi therapies. He discusses how these treatments navigate health insurance reimbursement systems and the innovative use of value-based contracts. Tanguler explores the complexities of expanding from rare diseases to larger patient populations, the evolution of biopharmaceutical sales strategies, and the importance of strategic partnerships in the industry. With a focus on enhancing patient adherence and accessibility, he outlines future priorities for biotech innovations.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On today's episode I'm speaking with Brian Lortie, President and CEO of Uniquity Bio, about his "no jerk" policy and how his experience building teams at GSK, Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Onspira Therapeutics informs his leadership at Uniquity, a clinical-stage immunology startup backed by Blackstone Life Sciences. Lortie also walks through the formation and launch of Uniquity and provides detail on the company's business model and strategy.  Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

Allan Shaw, a seasoned COO and board member with expertise in China's biotech landscape, discusses the rapid ascension of China's biotech sector. He highlights the strategic partnerships forming between Western pharmaceutical giants and Chinese firms, marking a shift in global dynamics. Shaw delves into the innovative drug development methods emerging in China, contrasting them with traditional approaches. He also examines the implications of U.S. policies on competitiveness and warns about the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving global marketplace.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On today's episode we're speaking with Sara Bonstein, Chief Financial Officer at Insmed, about what it takes to be a successful CFO. Sara provides useful insights on how to lead teams, especially when those teams have deeper subject matter expertise. Other topics discussed include when to make at-risk investments ahead of clinical data, how to balance commercial growth with pipeline investment, the importance of financial planning during early product development stages, and how to manage expectations with a potential blockbuster product in the pipeline. Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

David Sans, an investment banker with a rich background in chemical engineering, delves into life sciences investment trends. He discusses the critical implications of patent expirations and the resulting opportunities in mergers and acquisitions. Sans highlights the evolving landscape of investments in biotech, including advancements in CAR T cell therapies and geopolitics affecting funding strategies. The conversation also explores the importance of strategic partnerships and collaborative banking, painting a hopeful picture for the future of healthcare investments.