

Raising Health
Andreessen Horowitz, a16z Bio + Health
A myriad of AI, science, and technology experts explore the real challenges and enormous opportunities facing entrepreneurs who are building the future of health. Raising Health, a podcast by a16z Bio + Health and hosted by Kris Tatiossian and Olivia Webb, dives deep into the heart of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. Join veteran company builders, operators, and investors Vijay Pande, Julie Yoo, Vineeta Agarwala, and Jorge Conde, along with distinguished guests like Mark Cuban, Greg Verdine, Fei-Fei Li, and Suchi Saria, as they explore the intricacies of these technological advancements and how they can be built and effectively delivered. Together, we can rewrite the script. Welcome to Raising Health.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2024 • 28min
From Surgeon to Biotech CEO with Jonathan Lim
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.

53 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 42min
Why Tech Must Disrupt Healthcare Now
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.

6 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
Medicaid Matters with Marta Bralic Kerns
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.

Sep 24, 2024 • 29min
Medicaid Matters with Nikita Singareddy
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.

Sep 17, 2024 • 27min
Medicaid Matters with Mark Smith
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.

Sep 10, 2024 • 48min
AI + a16z with Vijay Pande
Vijay Pande, PhD, founding partner of a16z Bio + Health, dives into the dynamic fusion of computer science and biotechnology. He highlights how AI is reshaping drug design and healthcare delivery, making it more accessible. Pande discusses the innovative use of collective computing power, akin to Napster, to revolutionize drug discovery. With advancements like AlphaFold, he emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in overcoming traditional challenges in biotech. Exciting opportunities in AI for life sciences are also explored, aiming for efficient patient care.

14 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 29min
Good Energy, Better Health with Casey Means
Casey Means, MD, a Stanford-trained physician and cofounder of Levels, discusses innovative approaches to health with Vijay Pande, PhD. They examine the limitations of traditional medical training and advocate for a shift from acute care to preventive health. Casey explains how personalized metabolic insights, like those from continuous glucose monitors, can empower individuals to make informed dietary choices. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change in healthcare to prioritize long-term wellness, especially for future generations.

10 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 26min
Adapting Biopharma to AI: A 2024 Update with Greg Meyers
Greg Meyers, EVP and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, joins Jorge Conde of a16z to discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in biopharma. They explore how technology serves as a competitive advantage and delve into generative AI's impact on drug development, particularly in cancer treatments. The conversation highlights the importance of agile partnerships in innovation and addresses the challenges of integrating AI into regulated healthcare, emphasizing the need for responsible practices and effective data management.

Aug 20, 2024 • 37min
Harnessing Water Dynamics for Drug Design with Michael Crackower and Jason Burch
Michael Crackower, Chief Scientific Officer at Ventus Therapeutics, and PhD researcher Jason Burch dive into the future of drug discovery. They unveil the ReSOLVE platform, designed to quickly iterate small molecular compounds for therapeutic use. The duo discusses the importance of water dynamics in protein interactions, machine learning's role in drug design, and their strides in targeting NLRP3 for neurodegenerative diseases. With groundbreaking data and a push to enter clinical trials, they highlight the rapid progress made from concept to investigational new drug.

Aug 13, 2024 • 30min
AI at the Intersection of Bio with Vijay Pande, Surya Ganguli, and Bowen Liu
Vijay Pande, a general partner at a16z Bio + Health, is joined by venture partner Surya Ganguli and investing partner Bowen Liu. They dive into how AI is revolutionizing drug development, highlighting its role in identifying new targets and optimizing clinical trials. Discussions touch on the power of large datasets in advancing personalized medicine, as well as the exciting potential of using AI to merge various biological data types. Their perspectives present a captivating look at the future of health technology and research.