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, dives deep into the heart of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. Join veteran company builders, operators, and investors Vineeta Agarwala, Julie Yoo, 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
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.
Aug 6, 2024 • 31min
The History and Future of CAR T with Bruce Levine
Bruce Levine, a leading expert in cancer gene therapy and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his insights on the evolution of CAR T-cell therapy. He reflects on his formative lab experiences that sparked his passion for translational therapies. The conversation dives into the obstacles patients face in accessing these life-saving treatments and the hope for future advancements. Levine also discusses the potential of CAR T beyond cancer and the crucial role of clinical trial volunteers in driving innovation.
Jul 30, 2024 • 35min
Implementation, Data, Impact of Healthcare AI with Vijay Pande and Julie Yoo
Vijay Pande and Julie Yoo, general partners at a16z with a focus on healthcare technology and AI, tackle the intriguing fusion of AI and healthcare. They discuss how AI can dramatically reduce healthcare costs while improving patient experiences. The conversation dives into the complexities of regulatory challenges and the critical need for innovative data generation over traditional methods. They explore personalized healthcare through advancements in precision medicine, highlighting how understanding patient phenotypes can revolutionize care.
Jul 23, 2024 • 31min
Protecting the Golden Age of Medicine with John Crowley
John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, shares his personal journey into biotech driven by his children's Pompe disease. They discuss navigating policies in medicine, developing treatments, rising costs of genetic medicines, and securing the medicine supply chain for national security.
Jul 16, 2024 • 28min
A Fatal Inheritance with Lawrence Ingrassia
Lawrence Ingrassia, author and journalist, discusses his book 'A Fatal Inheritance' on the p53 cancer suppressor gene and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. He delves into the science of cancer genetics, the search for the gene, and the personal impact on his family with a history of cancer. The podcast explores the implications of inherited genetic risks for cancer development and the future of personalized cancer treatments.
