Gain Therapeutics: a first-in-class, disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson's

Today we welcome Gene Mack, President and CEO of Gain Therapeutics. With over 25 years of experience spanning biochemistry, Wall Street analysis, and biotech leadership, Gene brings deep expertise in capital markets, strategy, and drug development. He joined Gain in 2024 and stepped into the CEO role in early 2025.Gain Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech pioneering next-generation allosteric small molecule therapies. Using its proprietary Magellan platform, which combines 3D structural biology and physics-based modeling, the company is unlocking novel treatments for challenging disorders. Their lead candidate is advancing toward Phase 2 as a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease, with promising Phase 1b data showing biomarker improvements and functional benefits.In this episode, we’ll explore Gene’s journey, Gain’s innovative strategy, the Parkinson’s landscape, and the future of AI in biotech.·  01:28 Meet Gene Mack ·  11:15 GAIN's mission: disease modification over symptom relief ·  17:07 Why existing Parkinson's therapies fall short ·  22:39 Origins and evolution of the Magellan platform ·  26:16 How AI changes drug discovery beyond just speed ·  28:13 Phase 1b study design and open-label extension results ·  32:09 Partnership strategy and path to Phase 2 ·  35:29 Advice for leaders in neurodegeneration Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: Promising biotechs in Maryland right nowBeyond amyloid and dopamine: emerging technologies reshaping neurology  Neurological diseases R&D trends and breakthrough innovations