Michael Howell The Gap Between a Drug and a Product Stories in Life Sciences

What separates a promising drug from a commercial product runs deeper than the science. In this episode of Stories in Life Sciences by MedAxis AI, Christopher Wilson sits down with Michael Howell, Founder and President of Mountaineer Biosciences, to explore what it actually takes to move from scientific discovery to a commercially viable drug development strategy.Michael has spent 20+ years moving between academic research, big pharma, and early-stage biotech, co-inventing drugs like Skyrizi, helping build Incyte Dermatology, and serving as CSO for two publicly traded companies. Today at Mountaineer Biosciences, he works with venture firms, investment banks, and early-stage companies to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercialization strategy.We cover:How the transition from academic research to industry actually worksWhat scientists miss when they first encounter commercial drug developmentThe Lombard Street framework: finding the straight path in drug developmentHow pharma deals are actually made and what the due diligence process revealsWhat AI can and cannot do in drug discovery todayResetting the immune system: combinatorial approaches to autoimmune diseaseHow Mountaineer Biosciences helps early-stage companies find their commercial focusAdvice for scientists navigating the transition from research to commercializationWho this is for: life sciences founders, scientists considering the transition to industry, and early-stage biotech operators looking to sharpen their commercialization strategy.Guest: Michael HowellFounder and President, Mountaineer Biosciences https://mountaineerbiosciences.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-howell-357b1416https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountaineer-biosciences-incHost:Christopher WilsonFounder, MedAxis AIwww.medaxisai.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-wilson-medaxisai https://www.linkedin.com/company/medaxisaiFollow Stories in Life Sciences on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes.