Raising Health

Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi, renowned for her pioneering work in bioorthogonal chemistry, chats with Jorge Conde about her groundbreaking research. They discuss how manipulating chemical reactions in the body can enhance cancer treatment and drug delivery. Carolyn shares her journey through carbohydrate chemistry during the AIDS crisis, highlighting sugars' dual role in immune responses. The conversation also covers the challenges of translating discoveries into market-ready solutions and insights on bridging academia with biotech innovations.

Sajith Wickramasekara, CEO and co-founder of Benchling, transforms biotech workflows through innovative software solutions. He shares insights on the evolution of biotechnology and the crucial role of AI in drug discovery. Saji reveals how structured data can supercharge scientific research, addressing the challenges in integrating modern technology into pharma. He also discusses navigating competition and the startup journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs in a rapidly changing landscape.

Dan Rosenthal, a healthcare expert and former CEO at UnitedHealth Group, shares his wealth of knowledge on building and managing provider networks. He delves into the complexities of payor-provider contracts and the future impacts of transparency laws. Dan also highlights the rise of digital health startups and the innovative potential of AI-driven personalized networks. This dynamic conversation uncovers how traditional healthcare models can be challenged, offering a roadmap for startups seeking to modernize the healthcare landscape.

Explore how ICHRA is revolutionizing health insurance, allowing consumers to choose personalized plans funded by tax-free dollars. Discover the friction caused by traditional group plans in a mobile workforce and how fintech solutions can enhance healthcare spending. Learn about the shift towards consumer empowerment and custom healthcare options, especially in the gig economy. Regulatory changes and innovative models hold the potential to reshape the healthcare market, promising a more flexible and effective approach to health coverage.

Jonathan Lim, CEO of Erasca and former surgeon, shares his intriguing journey from the operating room to biotech leadership. He highlights the critical need for adaptability in the competitive biotech landscape, echoing Darwin's principles of evolution. Discussing advancements in cancer treatment, he showcases promising innovations like targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Lim's unique perspective intertwines the worlds of science and storytelling, revealing captivating insights on funding challenges and the shared complexities of biotech and Hollywood.

Technologists are seen as vital to revolutionizing healthcare, with discussions on making the system more consumer-friendly. The conversation highlights the shift towards tech-driven solutions that enhance patient engagement and experience. Challenges like medication adherence are framed as logistics problems. Innovative ideas like AI and gamification are presented to improve health outcomes. The speakers emphasize a future where technology and traditional healthcare systems collaborate for better overall wellness and access.

Marta Bralic Kerns, founder and CEO of Pomelo Care, shares insights on navigating the Medicaid landscape. She discusses how her venture addresses the innovators' dilemma while partnering with managed care plans. Highlighting strategies to improve maternal care, Marta emphasizes tailored care plans for Medicaid recipients. The conversation also touches on the fragmented nature of Medicaid regulations and the need for precise data collection. Additionally, the guests advocate for innovation in Medicaid programs to enhance healthcare delivery and support pregnant women.

Nikita Singareddy, cofounder and CEO of Fortuna Health, is joined by Dr. Mark Smith, who offers insights from a provider's perspective on Medicaid. They dive into the challenges of Medicaid enrollment, highlighting the complexities faced by eligible Americans and the importance of simplifying processes. The duo discusses innovative solutions for enhancing the enrollment experience, such as automation and multilingual support. They also address the intricacies of state-specific regulations and the need for better collaboration between organizations and Medicaid administrators.

Mark Smith, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF and the former CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation. He shares insights on the Medicaid system, reflecting on its evolution and the complexities it faces. The conversation covers challenges in California's Medi-Cal program, from funding issues to insurance eligibility. They also discuss the importance of addressing social determinants of health and the potential for technology, like telehealth, to enhance access and efficiency in the Medicaid landscape.

Vijay Pande, PhD, founding partner of a16z Bio + Health, joins Derrick Harris, host of the AI + a16z podcast. Together, they discuss how computer science has subsumed biotech.