Pivoting in Biotech with Dr. Tony Vanden Bush of Syntherna

On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams welcomes back Dr. Tony Vanden Bush, CEO of Syntherna, for a candid look at how the biotech startup has navigated a shifting market. Since their last chat in August 2024, attitudes toward RNA vaccines have cooled and animal-health regulatory timelines have lengthened - two forces outside the company's control. Tony explains Syntherna's dual pivot: opening their in-house RNA manufacturing capabilities as a CRO-style "pick-and-shovel" service to generate non-dilutive revenue, and elevating their slow-release vaccine implant for companion animals (with potential in livestock) to the front of their R&D roadmap. He details how a four-person team re-triages time and talent, explores crossovers like RNA delivery via implant, and keeps stakeholders aligned through frequent, transparent communication - even when the answer is "I don't know." The conversation broadens into practical founder wisdom: why platforms beat "widgets," how to think about failure as learning, and the realities of capital in Midwest biotech - balancing smart, value-add investment with the occasional need for passive dollars to bridge gaps. Tony remains bullish on RNA's long-term role, especially in cancer immunotherapeutics, even if broad adoption takes years. They close with a teaser for his forthcoming book, The Elements of Science: a pocket guide to thinking and experimenting like a scientist - applicable well beyond the lab - and an invitation to connect via the email in the show notes.