Sickle Cell Gene Therapy: Can We Afford a Cure? | Dr. Russ Weiner

In Episode 4, (Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Russ Weiner - a top scientific leader at Takeda), we boldly explore the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry, questioning its trajectory and potential impact on insurance companies.Shifting focus, we delve into a groundbreaking Sickle Cell Therapy breakthrough, discussing its triumphs, challenges, and the crucial aspect of affordability. Despite the hurdles faced by payers and insurance companies, we find inspiration in the thrill of witnessing healing.Discover the role of AAPS in shaping the biotech future and efforts to engage students. Episode 4 also highlights Russ’ passions, including a heartfelt case study and insights into his AAPS Presidential platform. Explore surprising career moments, the transformative power of AI, and personal aspects of Russ’ life, from scuba diving to family.The episode concludes with valuable advice on mentoring, self-worth, and navigating the intricacies of career development. Join us on BioTalk Unzipped for a captivating journey where science meets stories, leaving you enlightened and inspired.#biotechnology #AI#careerdevelopment #cellgenetherapy #science #careerSEGMENTS1:15 - Be Brutal to the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry - Where is CGT really going? Will it bankrupt insurance companies?3:50 - Sickle Cell Therapy breakthrough, side effects, and affordability4:22 - Difficulty for payers, insurance companies, but the thrill of people getting healed8:20 - Role in AAPS. Bringing in students to AAPS.10:16 - Russ’ #1 Passion and a Heartbreaking case study of a young woman.11:06 - Russ’ #2 Passion and his AAPS Presidential platform and amazing science done outside the US15:07 - What we need to do to help the world and realities we don’t often see17:51 - What’s the most surprising thing in Russ’ career?19:31 - AI changed everything23:43 - Russ’ other passions: scuba diving and family27:37 - Funny stories and knowing your worth29:24 - Always mentoring and always find a mentor31:09 - Who’s in charge of your career?33:51 - The difference between career development and promotionHow to find our guest, Dr. Russ Weiner, Head Oncology and Cell Therapy Clinical Biomarker Sciences and Operations at Takeda:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellweiner/Your BioTalk Unzipped Cohosts:Gregory Austin, Business Development Manager at ProPharma Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryaustin1/Dr. Chad Briscoe, Executive Vice President of Global Bioanalytical Services at Celerionhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbriscoe/ Image credits: Image by Tumisu from Pixabay Giphy: The Chemical Brothers; PBS Digital Studios; http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/07/did-an-australian-university-just-say-wi-fi-gives-you-and-your-kids-cancer/; http://dynamicoceans.tumblr.com/post/99418047836/manta-ray-glittering-in-the-sunlight-despite Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash Tenor AAPS Cardiac cell beating courtesy of IGI Deputy Director Bruce Conklin Liquid Diving Adventures, https://www.liquiddivingadventures.com/blog/post/2020/11/27/socorro-islands-mexico-only-by-liveaboard