Life Science Success

Send us a textThis week on Life Science Success, we're excited to welcome Donald Zinn, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Beyond his executive roles, Don contributes to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Commercialization Grant Reviewer and has played a pivotal role at Crossject, leading their needle-free auto-injector platform to global success since the onset of COVID.   Donald Zinn's Background and Experience: Donald Zinn, the Vice President of US Business at Crossject, has nearly 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry. He started his career with an undergraduate degree from UMBC and went on to innovate in the field by inventing dry process microarray during his time at the Uniform Services University. His journey included roles such as lab manager at Georgetown University's HIV Center, and leadership positions in companies focused on oncology, infectious diseases, and more. Crossject's Needle-Free Auto Injector: Zinn is part of the Crossject team, working on a needle-free auto injector, which he finds to be an exciting and innovative technology. This device is designed to deliver medications quickly and without the need for needles, addressing needle phobia and improving patient compliance. Demonstration of the Injector's Ease of Use: During the podcast, a demonstration was discussed showing how the injector works, including its ability to administer medication through clothing. This feature is particularly advantageous in emergency situations where speed and ease of use are critical. Focus on Partnerships and Market Expansion: Zinn emphasizes the importance of finding the right partners worldwide to distribute Crossject's needle-free injector. The company aims to select partners based on their expertise and market presence to ensure the technology is accessible to a broad audience. Future Prospects and Industry Impact: The conversation highlighted the potential of Crossject's technology to revolutionize drug delivery, especially for emergency medications like epinephrine. The ease of use, coupled with the effectiveness of the needle-free injector, presents a significant advancement in patient care and medication administration.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Kate Broderick. Dr. Broderick has more than 15 years of experience in the life science industry. A recognized vaccine expert, Dr. Broderick has a broad background in device and product development in the DNA therapeutic and drug delivery fields. She also actively works with teams at TriLink BioTechnologies, a Maravai company, to advance its global reagents and manufacturing services.   Dr. Kate Broderick's Background: Originally from Scotland, Kate Broderick's academic journey began with using animals as models for human diseases. Her passion lies at the intersection of science and clinical application, leading her to focus on DNA therapeutics and drug delivery fields in the United States, particularly after her postdoctoral work at UCSD. Focus on DNA and RNA Technologies: Dr. Broderick is motivated by the fundamental roles of DNA and RNA in medicine. She discusses the potential of these molecules to revolutionize treatments, vaccines, and therapies, foreseeing a future where new medical solutions are developed using these technologies. Career Development and Innovation: Throughout her career, Dr. Broderick has embraced various roles beyond her scientific training, including clinical development and finance, which have enriched her understanding of product development and corporate strategy within biotech startups. Role as Chief Innovation Officer at Maravai: In her current role, Dr. Broderick emphasizes the importance of innovation in staying ahead in the fast-paced field of life sciences. She discusses fostering collaborative environments for scientists, integrating client needs into R&D, and focusing on structured innovation to drive the company's mission forward. Concerns and Future Outlook: Dr. Broderick expresses concerns about vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, emphasizing the need for better communication in the scientific community. She is excited about the future of nucleic acid medicines, predicting significant advancements in treating various diseases and developing new vaccines within the next decade.    

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Thomas Rademacher. Professor Rademacher, MD, PhD, co-founded Emergex and has served as CEO since the Company’s formation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Molecular Medicine at University College London (UCL) and a serial entrepreneur.   Dr. Thomas Rademacher, MD, PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of Emergex, with a background as an Emeritus Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University College of London and a serial entrepreneur. His career has oscillated between academic and entrepreneurial roles, adhering to the philosophy of not staying in the same job for more than ten years. Rademacher's academic foundation in hardcore biochemistry was established during his PhD at the University of Wisconsin Madison. This rigorous training in biochemistry has been a cornerstone throughout his career, enabling him to navigate and innovate in the complex field of molecular medicine. His work has significantly contributed to the field of monoclonal antibodies, starting with foundational research at Oxford and involving the use of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This work was pivotal for the development of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies, leading to advancements in medicine. Rademacher has been involved in groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial ventures, including the Glycobiology Institute, which attracted interest from major corporations like Monsanto. His work has led to significant scientific advancements and the formation of companies that have had substantial impacts on the medical and biotechnological landscapes. He is currently focused on challenges in vaccinology and immunology, particularly in developing vaccines that activate the cellular immune response to fight viral infections effectively. Rademacher's innovative approach involves utilizing quantum-confined gold clusters and micro-needle technology to enhance vaccine delivery and efficacy.

Send us a textRonan O’Hagan, President & CEO, Bectas Therapeutics Inc.  Rónán is a founder and the President and Chief Executive Officer for Bectas Therapeutics Inc. He has over 20 years of experience in oncology R&D including bringing over 20 molecules through IND and into clinical development and helping to guide 4 drugs through clinical development to FDA approval.   Ronan O'Hagan is the President and CEO of Bectas Therapeutics, a cancer drug discovery and development company with over 20 years of experience in oncology R&D. He has been instrumental in advancing over 20 molecules through IND (Investigational New Drug) to clinical development and guiding four drugs through clinical trials to FDA approval. His approach at Bectas Therapeutics focuses on utilizing insights from human patients' immune responses to develop precision therapies, aiming to find the right drug for the right patient. This approach stems from his belief that understanding cancer's complexity requires a deep understanding of patients themselves. O'Hagan's career includes significant roles in various organizations: Chief Scientific Officer at Apricity Health and Exilio Therapeutics, leader of the Oncology Discovery team at Merck Research Labs, and involvement in a biotech startup originating from Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He emphasizes the importance of values like focusing on patients, people, and proof of concept in drug development. He believes in balancing innovation with discipline and highlights the need for collaborative but strong leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. O'Hagan discusses the challenges and triumphs of drug development, stressing the importance of speed in bringing therapies to patients and the need for alignment around core values within a team. He also underlines the role of precision in enhancing the effectiveness of immune therapies and the necessity of inclusive research to benefit diverse patient populations.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Matt Hill, Ph.D.  Matt is founder and CEO of Elegen Corp., a privately-held company based in the San Francisco Bay Area committed to revolutionizing synthetic biology workflows with innovative DNA writing technology.   Background and Experience: Matt Hill has a Ph.D. in genetics from Stanford University and was initially attracted to the Bay Area for its vibrant startup ecosystem. After completing his Ph.D., he joined Nera, a leading molecular diagnostics company, where he contributed to product development and new capabilities, particularly in massively multiplex PCR technology. Journey to Founding Elegen: Hill's experience at Nera, especially in DNA synthesis and production challenges, led him to identify DNA production as a critical bottleneck in life sciences. His interest in solving complex problems and connecting technology areas motivated him to found Elegen to address these challenges in DNA synthesis and production. Elegen's Impact and Infinia DNA: Elegen's product, Infinia DNA, aims to streamline workflows in life sciences, providing researchers with faster, more accurate DNA synthesis. This technology impacts various fields, including therapeutics and synthetic biology, by enabling quicker and more efficient product development cycles. Leadership and Vision: As a leader, Hill emphasizes inspiration, encouragement, and problem-solving. He discusses the importance of Elegen's technology in advancing fields like personalized therapeutics and its potential in addressing major health challenges. Hill also highlights the need for more investment in foundational research and development to foster scientific progress.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, Ross Jackson, the guy who wrote two books about patient recruitment, is returning to tell us about his new patient recruitment book. Ross is a specialist in patient recruitment for clinical trials, having helped deliver many thousands of patient registrations for clients in the UK, Europe, and the US.   The key highlights from the interview: Ross Jackson is a specialist in patient recruitment for clinical trials with experience in the UK, Europe, and the US. He has authored two books on the subject. His career journey began in digital marketing, where he initially recruited patients for a doctor's new treatment. Over time, he shifted his focus to healthcare and clinical trial recruitment. Patient recruitment faces challenges related to awareness and access. Many people are unaware of clinical trials, and misconceptions like being seen as "guinea pigs" persist. Lack of understanding about the importance of clinical research compounds the issue. Ross Jackson's first book focused on using Facebook ads for patient recruitment. It aimed to make it easier for research sites and others to access potential trial participants effectively. His new book takes a unique approach, featuring a fictional character named Josh Black, a puzzle solver who tackles patient recruitment challenges. The book explores various aspects of patient recruitment and aims to make the topic more accessible and engaging. Ross emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry and the potential impact of AI, particularly natural language processing, in improving patient recruitment processes. He also mentions his excitement about attending a conference and watching his first Super Bowl in Orlando, highlighting his interest in sports and the upcoming event. The interview concludes with gratitude for sharing information about his new book and the hope that it will benefit those interested in patient recruitment. The book is available on Amazon.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Lishan Aklog.  Dr. Aklog is the CEO of Lucid Diagnostics he also co-founded and has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucid’s parent company, PAVmed Inc (Nasdaq: PAVM) since its inception in 2014, and as Executive Chairman of PAVmed’s other major subsidiary, digital health company Veris Health Inc., since its inception.   Dr. Lishan Aklog's Background: Dr. Aklog, CEO of Lucid Diagnostics and executive chairman of PAVmed’s subsidiary Varys Health, was a cardiothoracic surgeon with a strong interest in technological innovation in medicine. He has an extensive background in academic cardiac surgery and was actively involved in medical device innovation. Transition to Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from a successful career in cardiac surgery, Dr. Aklog co-founded Lucid Diagnostics and PAVmed. He ventured into medical device entrepreneurship, focusing on developing and commercializing innovative technologies. He was instrumental in creating and selling medical devices, notably a device for non-surgically removing clots. Lucid Diagnostics and Focus on Cancer Detection: Under Dr. Aklog’s leadership, Lucid Diagnostics specializes in early cancer detection, particularly esophageal cancer. Dr. Aklog emphasizes the importance of pre-cancer detection and prevention, highlighting the challenges in raising awareness and adherence to screening guidelines. Challenges and Achievements: A significant challenge in Dr. Aklog's journey has been raising capital to bring innovative technologies to market. Despite these challenges, Lucid Diagnostics has made substantial progress, especially in gaining payer coverage and launching large-scale screening programs. Leadership and Vision: Dr. Aklog's leadership philosophy centers on building a culture of success, teamwork, and innovation. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals and working cohesively towards a shared mission, with a particular focus on impacting patient lives through advanced medical technologies.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success my guest is Roee Hevrony. Roee is the CFO of ImmunoBrain Checkpoint. Prior to joining IBC in 2015, Roee worked for Babcock Power, Inc. in its nuclear power generation unit as a business controller and started his career as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch.   The podcast features an interview with Roee Hevrony, the CFO of ImmunoBrain Checkpoint. Roee Hevrony discusses his background, which includes growing up in Israel and working in investment banking before joining ImmunoBrain. ImmunoBrain is focused on a novel approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the immune system rather than the brain itself. The company has been conducting research for nine years, expanding from basic research to clinical studies, with a unique therapy approach. Roee Hevrony emphasizes the importance of long-term vision and patience in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the field of neurodegeneration.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Tom Hartman.  Tom is the President and CEO of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Tom leads a global network of 20,000+ professionals spanning the complete pharmaceutical lifecycle.   In this edition of Life Science Success, Don Davis interviews Tom Hartman, the president and CEO of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). They discuss Hartman's career journey and the role of the ISPE in the life sciences industry. Hartman discusses the critical role of the society's volunteer network and emphasizes the importance of speed, quality, and solid decision-making in the industry. Concerns about industry shortages, workforce challenges, and readiness for future potential pandemics also arise. Hartman highlights several exciting incursions, such as the 'Facility of the Year Award' and ISPE's workforce of the future initiative. The interview sheds light on the ISPE's strategic goals and the overall current industry landscape and trends.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guests are James Foster, CEO of Virax Labs and Nigel McCracken COO of Virax Labs.  Virax Labs is a global biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative diagnostic solutions. They focus on T-cell testing and immune profiling, with a novel portfolio of FluoroSpot T-cell diagnostics aimed at indications associated with chronic inflammation and T-cell exhaustion.   Podcast Overview: The first "Life Science Success" podcast episode in 2024 features James Foster, CEO, and Nigel McCracken, COO, of Virax Biolabs.  James Foster's Background: James Foster, CEO of Virax Biolabs, co-founded the company about 10 years ago. Initially starting in finance, he shifted to biotech and diagnostics due to his entrepreneurial interests, particularly influenced by the 2008 financial crisis. His goal is to develop comprehensive immune profiling in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs), focusing on early diagnosis of post-viral syndromes, chronic inflammation, and T-cell exhaustion. Virax Biolabs' Mission and Technology: Virax is dedicated to creating innovative diagnostic solutions, particularly their T-cell testing platform. This platform aims to address significant health issues like long COVID, affecting millions in the US and Europe. Foster emphasizes the importance of early detection in disease progression and the role of the immune system in combating pathogens. Nigel McCracken's Role and Insights: As COO, Nigel McCracken plays a crucial role in scaling Virax from a small team to a larger organization. He discusses the importance of strategic focus, effective decision-making, and the development of companion diagnostics, which are essential for personalized medicine, especially in oncology. Future Outlook and Challenges: Both Foster and McCracken highlight the challenges in biotech, including the need for innovation, execution, and efficient leadership. They foresee an increasing burden on healthcare systems due to post-viral syndromes and chronic conditions. The podcast also touches on the potential of venture capital in fostering new ideas and innovations in the biotech sector.