Base to Base biotech podcast 39: Gene therapy for eye problems, GAIA, and separation science

This week, we have conversations with Jakob Andersson, vice president of engineering at Anaphora and founder and chairman of GAIA; Coave Therapeutics’ CEO Rodolphe Clerval; and MOBILion Systems’ CEO, Melissa Sherman.Times:03:13 Coave Therapeutics 24:43 GAIA Conference 36:55 MOBILion SystemsGenetic medicine for ophthalmologyCoave Therapeutics is a Paris‑based biotechnology company focused on developing genetic medicines using its ALIGATER platform. The company has pioneered ligand‑conjugated AAV vectors, enabling precision capsids that are highly tissue‑specific, safer, and more effective.In October 2025, Coave presented data at the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Congress in Seville, demonstrating the superiority of its lead suprachoroidal capsid, coAAV‑SCS‑01. The vector showed up to 26‑fold improved performance in targeting retinal cells compared to other capsids. This work supports the company’s focus on treatments for retinal vascular diseases.Coave also recently announced the nomination of its lead gene therapy programme, CoTx‑101, for conditions such as wet age‑related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Delivered via an in‑office suprachoroidal procedure, CoTx‑101 aims to provide durable vision gains.Artificial intelligence and the GAIA ConferenceJakob Andersson is the vice president of engineering at Swedish company Anaphora, a company active in artificial intelligence and complex systems.He is also the founder and chairman of the Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance (GAIA), a non‑profit association established in 2018 to promote interest in AI, machine learning, and data science in the Gothenburg region. GAIA hosts the annual GAIA Conference, which has become a recognised event for researchers, developers, and industry leaders to share advances in artificial intelligence.At the 2025 GAIA Conference, Andersson delivered the opening remarks, outlining the state of AI and expectations for the future. The conference continues to attract international participation, with sessions ranging from lightning talks to open discussions shaped by attendees.Separation scienceMOBILion Systems is a US‑based company specialising in separation science and advanced proteomics technologies. Its proprietary platforms, including MOBIE and BILLIE, are designed to improve ion mobility and mass spectrometry workflows, enabling deeper proteome coverage and faster analysis.The company has gained recognition for its innovations in parallel accumulation mobility aligned fragmentation (PAMAF), a technique that enhances sensitivity and throughput in proteomics and multi‑omics research.In November 2025, MOBILion presented transformative advances in proteomics at the HUPO World Congress in Toronto. Its CTO, Daniel DeBord, highlighted how PAMAF technology delivers near‑complete ion utilisation, improving analysis of post‑translational modifications and proteoforms.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]