Business Of Biotech

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.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. After nearly five years as host of the Business of Biotech podcast, Matt Pillar is handing the mic over to the voice of the Business of Biotech 2.0, veteran life sciences journalist Ben Comer. On this epsiode, Ben shares his nearly 20-year journey covering the pharmaceutical space, from Haymarket Media to PwC to Pharmaceutical Executive and InVivo magazines, before joining Life Science Connect as Chief Editor at Life Science Leader. He shares stories of the wild ride he's enjoyed along the way, how the stories he's covered have shaped his editorial perspective, and his plans for the next chapter of the Business of Biotech podcast. Catch Ben's first episode as host next Monday, and every Monday after that. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and watch the videocast at lifescienceleader.com.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/

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. In this final installment of our episodes recorded and filmed on-site at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, Nima Farzan, CEO of Latigo Biotherapeutics, shares his company's mission to change the pain management paradigm by way of novel, non-opioid medications that target NAV 1.8 sodium channels involved in pain signal transmission. It's a timely and important conversation that explores how these selective inhibitors could provide effective pain relief without the addiction risks and side effects of traditional opioids. In addition to the social and medical implications of Latigo's work, we discuss investor perceptions about pain management as a commercial opportunity and how Latigo is differentiating from traditional approaches by focusing on safety and tolerability rather than just efficacyThe 2025 BoB@JPM series is supported by Alston & Bird, whose national health care and life sciences practice has more than 100 attorneys actively involved and integrated across the full spectrum of legal disciplines including regulatory, compliance, public policy, transactional, corporate governance, securities, FDA, biotechnology, intellectual property, government investigations, and litigation practice areas. Learn more at www.alston.com.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/

Kasper Roet, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of QurAlis, a biotech innovator focused on genetic medicines for ALS. In this fascinating conversation, he discusses his journey from the Dutch Brain Bank to leading a consortium aimed at reforming the conservative FDA regulations that are driving clinical trials offshore. Roet emphasizes the critical need for a flexible approach to expedite therapy approvals and shares insights on the advancements in genetic medicine since the first ALS gene was discovered.