Suleen Raad Human-Relevant Models and AI in Drug Discovery Stories in Life Sciences

We have made enormous progress in drug discovery. Yet most therapies still fail when they reach humans.In this episode of Stories in Life Sciences by MedAxis AI, Christopher Wilson sits down with Suleen Raad, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Telescope Therapeutics, to explore why traditional animal models continue to fall short and how human-relevant biology paired with AI could change the odds.Suleen's transition from academic research into biotech entrepreneurship is grounded in a clear conviction: the future of drug discovery depends on modeling disease in systems that actually reflect human biology. Her work brings together stem cells, organoids, and biosensors to study disease progression earlier and more accurately.Telescope Therapeutics is applying this approach to cardiac fibrosis, a major and often overlooked driver of heart failure with no targeted therapies available today. The company uses human stem-cell models combined with AI-driven virtual screening to identify potential treatments faster, cheaper, and with greater translational relevance. This conversation is about fixing the foundations of drug discovery so science has a better chance of reaching patients.We cover:Why traditional animal models continue to fall short in drug discoveryHow human-relevant models using stem cells, organoids, and biosensors improve translational successTelescope Therapeutics' approach to cardiac fibrosis, a major unmet need in heart failureHow AI-driven virtual screening accelerates and focuses drug candidate identificationWhy better models matter more than more data in early-stage researchSuleen's transition from academic research to biotech entrepreneurshipWhat translational success requires beyond biology aloneWho this is for: founders, researchers, and investors in drug discovery, cardiovascular disease, AI in healthcare, and life sciences who want to understand how human-relevant models are changing the path from lab to patient.Guest:Suleen Raad, PhD Co-founder and Chief Operating OfficerTelescope Therapeuticshttps://www.telescopetherapeutics.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/telescopetherapeutics https://www.linkedin.com/in/suleenraadHost:Christopher Wilson, Founder, 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.