Business Of Biotech

Woody Bryan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Revolo Biotherapeutics, dives into the innovative realm of peptide therapeutic delivery. He shares his transition to CEO and the bold strategic decision to shift the administration method for peptide candidates targeting allergies and autoimmune diseases. The discussion highlights the evolution of drug delivery methods, focusing on subcutaneous administration and the patient-centric approach. Bryan also outlines the importance of collaboration, early research data, and the upcoming clinical trials set to redefine their therapeutic landscape.

Allan Shaw, a Renaissance man of biotech, sheds light on the intertwining of politics and the biopharma industry. He discusses the looming impact of U.S. elections on biotech, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support amid eroding public trust in scientific agencies. Shaw delves into the Biosecure Act's potential ramifications and reexamines the future of the Affordable Care Act under new tax policies. The conversation also touches on the relevance of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising and the imperative for reform in the life sciences sector.

Adrian Rawcliffe, CEO of Adaptimmune and former finance executive, shares his insights on the groundbreaking FDA approval of the first TCR cell therapy for synovial sarcoma. He discusses the dynamic shift from traditional therapies to innovative cell-based treatments and the unique challenges this poses in manufacturing and logistics. Rawcliffe emphasizes the importance of blending financial expertise with scientific innovation. He also highlights the future of T-cell therapies and the industry's push towards generics and biosimilars, paving the way for enhanced patient access.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this episode of the Business of Biotech, Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute's (Gates MRI) Dr. Claire Wagner joins us to share insights into her work as head of Corporate Strategy and Market Access there. She shares the development of her North Star while working with the incomparable Dr. Paul Farmer in Rwanda, and how that experience translates to the growth of a biopharmaceutical company taking big swings for grossly underserved populations. We discuss the nuances assoiated with setting strategy and enabling product access in a unique not-for-profit setting, and how, perhaps counterintutively, the Institute's work fits synergistically into an ultra-competitive for-profit biopharma landscape. 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/

Paul Romness, CEO and Chair of OS Therapies, shares his unexpected journey into biotech, sparked by his daughter's best friend's battle with osteosarcoma. He discusses how personal challenges led to the creation of a company focused on innovative cancer treatments. The podcast highlights Olivia's inspiring progression to med school while serving on the board, and examines the importance of community and strategic networking in shaping the startup's mission. Romness reflects on navigating career transitions and aspirations for advancing pediatric cancer treatment.

Bill Enright, CEO of Barinthus Biotherapeutics, has a track record of taking on leadership roles during tumultuous times. He recounts how he turned around challenges at Altimmune during the 2008 financial crisis. Joining Barinthus before the COVID-19 pandemic, he made pivotal decisions that laid the foundation for future success. The conversation dives into innovations in immunotherapy targeting hepatitis B and celiac disease, as well as the importance of recognizing strategic opportunities in the ever-evolving biotech landscape.

Punit Dhillon, Chairman and CEO of Skye Bioscience, shares insights on innovative obesity therapies targeting CB1 inhibition. He discusses the challenges faced by recent GLP-1 inhibitors and proposes a groundbreaking antibody-based approach to minimize side effects. Dhillon emphasizes the importance of combining effective treatments with lifestyle changes to tackle obesity's complex nature. With a commitment to rigorous clinical trials and a focus on metabolic health, he highlights Skye's potential to disrupt the weight-loss therapeutic market significantly.

Allan Shaw, a biotech finance guru with decades of experience in strategic hiring and leadership, shares invaluable insights on assembling effective executive teams. He emphasizes the dangers of inadequate hiring and stresses the importance of aligning talent with clinical milestones. The discussion also covers the challenges of preparing for public offerings and navigating fractional versus full-time leadership roles. Shaw reveals how careful decision-making can thrive even in volatility, ensuring that biotech companies remain agile and prepared for growth.

Mike Kelly, CEO of NervGen, leads the charge in peptide therapeutics aimed at repairing the central nervous system. He shares his transformation from a sales background to a biotech leader, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in understanding complex biopharma science. The discussion highlights NervGen's innovative strategies for tackling neurodegenerative diseases and the challenges of peptide manufacturing. Kelly also reflects on navigating startup dynamics, funding strategies, and the significance of collaboration in biopharma success.

Ali Pashazadeh, a surgeon-turned-healthcare investment banker, shares his unique insights into the biotech sector. He discusses his career shift, emphasizing the blend of medical knowledge with business acumen. Pashazadeh tackles the common challenges biotech firms face, from investor pressures to regulatory hurdles, highlighting the crucial role of internal alignment and transparency. He also addresses the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership during tough investment decisions and advocates for better clinical trial disclosure to enhance patient outcomes.