Beyond Biotech - the podcast from Labiotech

Most genetic medicines are built to treat one gene, one mutation, one disease at a time. That's true even for the newest modalities — gene therapy, gene editing, mRNA — each still has to be engineered disease by disease. Alltrna is testing a different idea: that the real target isn't the gene, but the process of translation itself, where genetic instructions become protein. The company's lead approach focuses on nonsense mutations, a shared error responsible for roughly a tenth of all genetic disease diagnoses, and asks whether a single engineered molecule could address it across many conditions at once.My guest today is Dr. Nerissa Kreher, Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna. Nerissa brings two decades of rare disease drug development experience, including CMO roles at Entrada Therapeutics, Tiburio Therapeutics, and AVROBIO, to the task of turning that platform thesis into an actual clinical program. We'll talk translation, trial design, and what it takes to bring the first engineered tRNA therapy into the clinic.02:45 Meet Nerissa Kreher and Alltrna's tRNA platform07:29 Gene-by-gene versus mutation-by-mutation drug development12:08 What nonsense mutations are and why they matter15:55 Phase 1 trial approval in Australia19:49 What basket trials are and FDA receptiveness27:27 Where Alltrna could be in five yearsInterested 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: Beyond Biotech - Episode 66: treating rare diseases with tRNAWill tRNA therapy be the next big thing in genetic disease treatment?Pharma giants pull back on AAV research: what’s next for the gene therapy space?

Gene therapy has largely stayed out of the brain, and the blood-brain barrier has been the reason why — it protects the brain from harm, but it also blocks most advanced medicines from ever reaching it. That's now beginning to change. The recent FDA approval of a brain-penetrant enzyme therapy for Hunter syndrome showed that biologics can cross that barrier and work. The next question is whether gene editing can do the same.My guest today is Dr. Per Lundin, Co-Founder and CEO of Evox Therapeutics, a UK biotech using engineered exosomes to deliver genetic medicines directly into the brain. Evox is now extending that platform from RNA and biologics into gene editing, targeting the genetic drivers of diseases like Huntington's and ALS, where treatment options remain extremely limited. Per also brings a background as a European Patent Attorney and repeat biotech founder. We'll talk delivery, pipeline, and what a commercially scalable genetic medicine for the brain might actually look like.02:45 Per Lundin's background and Evox's platform09:38 Denali's Hunter syndrome approval and its significance14:58 Targeting MSH3 to treat Huntington's disease20:03 What commercially scalable genetic medicine requires22:13 Evox's dominant IP position in exosome delivery27:34 What success could mean for patients in ten yearsInterested 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: Evox and Lilly Partner to Develop Neuro RNA Drugs in Deal Worth €1.1BSix exosome therapy companies driving development in the fieldExtracellular vesicles: a growing pipeline still searching for validation 

Today we’re thrilled to bring you a special episode highlighting one of Europe’s premier biotechnology events: BIOSPAIN 2026.Joining us is Stuart Medina of Asebio, who will take us inside this landmark gathering. For the first time and in response to strong sector demand and growing interest, BIOSPAIN moves to an annual format. Hosted this year in vibrant Bilbao in Spain’s dynamic Basque Country, the event runs from 29 September to 1 October at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.In this episode we explore the BIOSPAIN program, the partnering opportunities on offer, the new Talent Day on the final day, and all the practical and logistical details for attendees. 04:02 Why BIOSPAIN is moving to an annual format 05:17 Bilbao and the Basque country09:44 BIOSPAIN 2026: four program tracks13:47 One-on-one partnering 16:10 International participation and a growing Latin American presence 22:27 Talent Day: BIOSPAIN's dedicated biotech job fair 27:48 Ticket options, exhibiting, and sponsorship opportunitiesThis episode is presented with the support of Asebio and BIOSPAIN. 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: Pharma in Spain: why global investors and innovators are moving inPractical partnering at BIOSPAIN: on the ground with biotech innovators ready to take the next stepEpisode 165 - BIOSPAIN 2025: Why 1000 companies from more than 40 countries will gather in Barcelona this year

What if the key to beating cancer wasn't a new drug, but a new way of thinking about matter itself? That's the question Laurent Lévy asked when he co-founded Nanobiotix over twenty years ago — and it's a question that is now producing some genuinely compelling answers in the clinic.Nanobiotix is a Paris-based biotech pioneering what they call physics-based nanomedicine. Their lead asset is a radioenhancer made of hafnium oxide nanoparticles, designed to be injected directly into a tumor and amplify the destructive power of radiotherapy from within — without increasing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is currently in Phase 3 trials in head and neck cancer.But that's only half the story. The company's Nanoprimer platform is now emerging as a potential new engine for growth — with the promise of making an entirely new class of genetic medicines work better.02:47 Meet Laurent Lévy06:04 What physics offers that biology cannot 11:12 How JNJ-1900 (NBTXR3) works 15:14 The immune effect 18:16 Pipeline milestones ahead20:56 The Curadigm Nanoprimer platform 25:32 The oversubscribed €85 million raiseInterested 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: Radiotherapy-Enhancing Cancer Nanomedicine Secures Good Phase II/III ResultsGet to know 15 of the best biotech companies in ParisEight nanotechnology companies to watch out for

Cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease in children and young people — yet in the last twenty years, only a handful of drugs have been approved specifically to treat it. Most paediatric cancer treatments are simply adult drugs, repurposed, often at real long-term cost to the children who survive. Today's guest is working to change that, and much more besides. Tony Hickson is Chief Business Officer for Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research UK's innovation engine, responsible for turning early-stage science into new treatments, diagnostics, and start-up companies. Tony's career spans big pharma, university tech transfer, and now the translational front line of cancer research, and he's helped build dozens of spinouts along the way. We'll talk about why charity and pharma need each other more than ever, and about C-Further, a bold new push to finally build medicines made for children, not borrowed from adults.01:25 Meet Tony Hickson05:21 What sets Cancer Research Horizons apart from tech transfer offices12:17 Myrix Bio's exit to Novartis, a standout story15:54 Can patient benefit and commercial success align28:53 Inside C-Further's first two therapeutic programs41:19 How researchers and partners can get involvedInterested 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: Episode 32: Cancer Research Horizons, Enterome, OncoHost, TrakCel, TurbineCancer Research UK Deploys €700M to Foster Oncology StartupsCancer vaccines: 11 biotechs to keep an eye out for

RNA therapeutics has had its defining moments. Antisense oligonucleotides. siRNA. And then, of course, mRNA — which went from a niche academic curiosity to the backbone of a global vaccine program in a matter of months. The next chapter may be circular RNA.CircRNA is more stable than linear mRNA, longer-lasting in the body, and potentially re-dosable. And one company has quietly built what may be the most advanced independent circRNA platform in the world — and with barely a single line of English-language press coverage, until now.My guest today is Dr. Lu Gao, CEO of Therorna Inc., a clinical-stage biotech headquartered in Beijing and Shanghai. The company recently presented three posters at ASGCT in Boston, and their lead program has just entered a first-in-human trial. We're going to talk about the science, the clinical strategy, and why Western pharma hasn't paid enough attention to what's being built in China.01:33 Meet Lu Gao and Therorna 09:29 How Therorna's approach differs 15:42 How TI-0032 reprograms T cells in the body 21:22 Off-the-shelf and re-dosable: what it means for patients 24:38 Why no Chinese biotech has landed a major in vivo deal 31:27 What a successful US IND clearance would mean 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: The therapeutic potential of circular RNA: Could it soon trump mRNA technology?mRNA, RNAi, circRNA, ASOs: A comparative guide to RNA therapeuticsTherorna funding to accelerate circRNA-based platform

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

Epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, is one of those diseases that stops you in your tracks the moment you understand it. Skin so fragile that the gentlest touch can cause blisters and open wounds. No cure. And for most of its history, very little serious drug development attention.That's where today's guest comes in. Martin Steiner is Managing Director of DEBRA Research, a non-profit organization with a single-minded mission: to make EB curable. But DEBRA Research isn't a lab. It doesn't run clinical trials or make drugs. What it does is something arguably harder: it builds the ecosystem that makes drug development possible. Funding research, investing in biotech companies, building shared infrastructure, and connecting the right people at the right time.And the results are starting to show. They have a growing portfolio of investments, dedicated clinical trial infrastructure, and a seat at the table in deals that are moving the needle for patients who have waited long enough.·  01:46 Meet Martin Steiner·  03:32 What is DEBRA Research·  04:55 What it means to live with EB ·  07:43 DEBRA Research's role in the drug development ecosystem ·  12:03 Why DEBRA Research invests in infrastructure ·  20:26 Why DEBRA Research makes equity investments in biotech ·  24:50 The Replay and LEO Pharma deal: how it came together ·  30:33 Obstacles to enabling collaboration in rare disease ·  34:50 Gene therapy and read-through molecules as therapeutic approaches ·  37:36 Is the DEBRA Research model replicable for other rare diseases 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: Gene therapy for skin diseases: A field still finding its footingSix exosome therapy companies driving development in the fieldExtracellular vesicles: a growing pipeline still searching for validation 

The life sciences industry has always had one great meeting place, a few days in November where the deals get done, the partnerships form, and the direction of the industry quietly shifts. For more than three decades, that place has been BIO-Europe.But this year, something is changing. BIO-Europe has always been the destination for BD professionals and dealmakers. In 2026, it's expanding — broadening its scope to become what the organisers are calling the epicenter of biotech, with new content tracks covering regulatory strategy, clinical development, and manufacturing, new registration options, and a deliberate push to bring the entire biopharma C-suite into the BIO-Europe room.·  01:39 BIO-Europe's 32nd edition: what has kept it relevant ·  05:28 The "epicenter of biotech"·  11:06 From three content tracks to seven ·  13:31 Three new tracks: regulatory, clinical, and biomanufacturing ·  15:45 The new content-only registration pass ·  18:12 Why Cologne and what the city offers the event ·  19:48 The social program at BIO-Europe·  24:54 Where to register and find more informationThis episode is presented with the support of the EBD Group. 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: How to succeed at BIO-Europe: DISCO Pharma takes us behind the scenesMeet Fusix Biotech: 2025 BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight champion revolutionizing oncologyLisbon is calling: the BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight returns in March 2026

Today I’m delighted to welcome Andy Parker, CEO of Step Pharma.With over 25 years of experience across AstraZeneca, Shire, Zealand Pharma, andventure capital, Andy has led Step Pharma since 2019. The company is pioneeringa targeted approach to cancer and blood disorders by inhibiting the enzymeCTPS1. Their lead candidate, dencatistat, blocks this pathway that certaincancer cells and activated immune cells rely on, while sparing healthy cellsthat use the related CTPS2 enzyme.In this episode, we’ll dive into the science behind this mechanism, explore StepPharma’s expanding pipeline from lymphomas and solid tumours to essentialthrombocythaemia, and discuss their recent €38 million Series C financing.We’ll also look ahead to the future of precision oncology.01:17 Meet Andy Parker06:12 The biotech ecosystem around Geneva07:51 The CTPS1 enzyme and why cancer cells depend on it14:08 Pipeline-in-a-product strategy across three indications20:14 The series C: €38 million raise25:41 Partnering with big pharma: possibilities and limits28:11 The future of precision oncology and metabolic targetingInterested 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: Step Pharma and Concr to partner on cancer treatmentStep Pharma moves into oncology clinical trialsStep Pharma announces promising pre-clinical cancer data

Today I'm sitting down with Randy Teel, Ph.D., President and CEO of Arvinas, a clinical-stage biotech based in New Haven, Connecticut, that is doing something genuinely new in medicine.Arvinas is pioneering a technology called PROTAC protein degradation. It's a platform that doesn't just block disease-causing proteins, but eliminates them entirely using the body's own disposal system to do it. It's a fundamental shift in how we think about drug design, and it's now reached a historic milestone: the first PROTAC ever to succeed in a Phase 3 clinical trial, with a regulatory filing now in front of the FDA.01:19     Meet Randy Teel 03:41     Stepping into the CEO role in February 2026 13:17     What is a PROTAC and how it works 17:37     Vepdegestrant and the first PROTAC approval 23:43     Balancing partnerships versus keeping control of assets 31:57     Key milestones to watch in the next 12–18 monthsInterested 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: From undruggable to oral therapy: The rise of STAT6 degradersBig Pharma Strikes Megadeals In Targeted Protein DegradationThis Biotech Destroys Cancer Proteins by Introducing Them to ‘Executioner’ Proteins

Today we welcome Brandy Wilkinson, CEO of GemPharmatech, and Rikki Feng, the company’s Neuroscience Pipeline Leader. Our discussion focuses on a persistent challenge in drug development: neurology’s stubbornly high clinical failure rates. GemPharmatech is tackling this head-on with proprietary models for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and blood-brain barrier transport that better mirror human disease biology.We explore why mouse models matter more in neurology than in other fields, the design principles behind these next-generation tools, and how smarter preclinical partnerships can help therapeutic developers de-risk programs earlier. 00:00 Welcome Brandy Wilkinson and Rikki Feng03:17 GemPharmatech's mission06:26 Why mouse models matter in neurology11:11 Common translation gaps in neurology18:09 Designing proprietary neurological disease models25:45 Building stronger CRO strategic partnerships33:58 An optimistic future of neuroscience researchThis episode was produced with the support of GemPharmatech. 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: Neurological diseases R&D trends and breakthrough innovationsBrain Awareness Week: could ongoing R&D spur neuroscience breakthroughs?11 neuroscience biotech companies you should know about

This week we preview the BIO International Convention, starting next week in San Diego. This is the key partnering event of the year where biotechs connect with pharmaceutical companies and investors in partnering meetings, all to advance and fund innovative therapies.My guest is Werner Lanthaler, Founder and CEO of WLAN Holding. Werner spent 15 years as CEO of Evotec SE, scaling the company from 200 employees and €40 million revenue to over 5,000 staff and €800 million. He previously served as CFO of Intercell AG, overseeing its IPO and vaccine launch and today he leads investments and advisory in high-tech life sciences.Werner explains why partnering events like BIO are critical to advancing science in biopharma. He shares practical advice on how biotechs can prepare before the event, succeed on site, and follow up to turn meetings into partnerships. He offers clear, actionable strategies to optimize your BIO experience.01:36              Meet Werner Lanthaler06:48              The power of partnering08:55              Uncovering unexpected value13:43              Irreplaceable in-person trust17:06              Smart pre-event planning21:00              Strategic targeting24:02              Relationship-first meetings30:18              The importance of prompt, persistent follow-upInterested 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: Special Episode: The 2025 BIO International ConventionThe ABC of biotech partnershipsHow to optimize your biotech company for partnering, licensing, and business success

Today we’re diving into the world of corticosteroids and hormonal therapies — essential APIs that treat everything from asthma and autoimmune diseases to diabetes and endocrine disorders. These molecules may be decades old, but their manufacturing remains highly complex and critical to patients worldwide.Our guest is Olivier Roux, a Senior Director at Curia. He shares how Curia partners with both startups and big pharma to simplify steroid API challenges, solve supply issues, and prepare for next-generation innovations. If you want to understand what it really takes to bring these life-changing therapies to patients, stay tuned — this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.01:39 Meet Olivier Roux02:20 What corticosteroids and hormonal therapies are04:40 Evolution of steroidal hormonal therapies05:50 Common uses of corticosteroids today07:40 Key drivers of market growth10:06 Curia’s agile outsourcing solutions for steroids16:05 Importance of particle size control for steroids17:18 Aseptic processing and high potency handlingThis episode was produced with the support of Curia. 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: Eight rare autoimmune diseases biotechs are fighting to treatA clearer path to relief: sinusitis treatments on the wayAsthma study suggests lung scarring may be reversible 

Welcome to episode 200!Today I’m delighted to welcome back a very special guest: Joachim Eeckhout, the co-founder of Labiotech, co-owner of Knowbio, and founder of The Science Marketer.Joachim tells the Labiotech story, one of vision, persistence, and a deep belief that the European life-sciences sector deserved better storytelling. We go back to the very beginning with someone who was there: the frustrations, a bike tour of France that became legendary, the leap to Berlin, the fundraising rounds, the acquisition, and the launch of this very podcast.We’ll also hear where Joachim is today with his new ventures, his candid take on the current biotech media landscape in Europe, and what he sees coming next for science communication and media in our industry.01:30: Meet Joachim Eeckhout02:19: Early attraction to media creation04:32: Founding story of Labiotech platform06:35: Bike tour visiting biotech CEOs11:21: Identifying larger European market opportunity19:55: Raising seed funding for growth24:20: Acquisition by Inpart in 202130:48: Current work with Knowbio38:57: Future plans for Knowbio and biotech mediaInterested 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: Connecting the R&D ecosystem: 150 days into the integration of Inova, IN-PART and LabiotechWe raised our second financing round to become the largest biotech media 🚀How you can get involved in helping the industry–academia community solve global challenges

Today we welcome Dr. Daniel Vitt, CEO of Immunic Therapeutics. With World MS Day being tomorrow, the 30th of May, this is the perfect moment to focus on multiple sclerosis — a disease that affects nearly three million people worldwide and still leaves many patients searching for better options.In today’s episode Daniel shares his own journey into biotechnology, walk us through what life with MS really looks like for patients, and explain the science behind Immunic’s most advanced program, IMU-838. We discuss what makes Immunic’s oral therapy different from today’s treatments, uncover the latest data from the CALLIPER and ENSURE trials, and talk about what the future of MS care could look like.01:22 Meet Daniel Vitt04:54 Understanding multiple sclerosis07:53 Evolution of the MS treatment landscape12:08 Immunic’s lead MS therapy explained22:57 World MS Day and what's next for ImmunicInterested 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: 11 neuroscience biotech companies you should know aboutThe emergence of BTK inhibitors in multiple sclerosis treatment: Companies close in on approvalSix biotech companies advancing multiple sclerosis therapies

Today I am welcoming two guests: Quin Wills, CEO of Ochre Bio, a biotech developing RNA therapies for chronic liver disease using AI models, and Stéphane Barges, CEO of Lexogen, an RNA transcriptomics company and NGS service provider. It’s a deep dive into cutting edge transcriptomics, human-first data, and artificial intelligence.00:55: The challenges of liver disease04:44: How Lexogen supports NGS drug discovery07:29: Major transcriptomics developments10:05: Designing high quality AI data15:47: How the Ochre-Lexogen partnership began17:17: Why a specialist partner is essential for scale18:21: Lexogen delivers on the massive sequencing project21:50: Why high quality data is crucial27:02: Lexogen's role in AI discovery34:51: Future plans and directionsThis episode was produced with the support of Lexogen. 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: Deep phenotyping brings accuracy to precision medicineSpatial Transcriptomics: A window into diseaseSpatial Transcriptomics Landscape Shifts With Two Major Acquisitions

Today, we're digging into a topic that's getting a lot more attention lately, how early decisions in cell therapy end up shaping or complicating everything that comes later. Our episode today is Freeze Variability, Not Progress, How to Strengthen Your Cell Therapy Supply Chain from the Start, and we're going to challenge a few long-held beliefs about how starting material should be handled. My guest today is Dominic Clarke, Vice President of Technical Operations for IntegriCell at Cryoport Systems. Dominic has spent years in the trenches building and scaling cell therapy processes from early development through commercialization. So, he's seen where things break and what actually works. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dominic Clark.01:07    Meet Dominic Clarke and Cryoport Systems06:24   Fresh cells versus frozen cells08:21    Why teams switch to cryopreservation late12:37    The challenge of variability16:47    IntegriCell when you already have a process in place22:17    An argument for cryopreservation based on data25:56   The future of IntegriCell and Cryoport SystemsThis episode is brought to you with the support of Cryoport Systems.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: IntegriCell® CryopreservationCryoport Systems on the state of the ATMP market and the importance of supply chain resilienceCracking the code: Delivering biotherapeutics successfully across EMEA

Today, we dive into the future of lab management with Ryan Cawood, CEO and co-founder of Lab Thread. Ryan's journey spans groundbreaking work in virotherapy and gene delivery during his D.Phil at Oxford, to founding OXGENE, a cell and gene therapy innovator acquired by WuXi Advanced Therapies in 2021.We'll explore the frustrations of fragmented lab tools that inspired Lab Thread's integrated digital solution—combining ELN, LIMS, molecular biology, and collaboration in one seamless platform. We’ll uncover how it boosts reproducibility, ensures compliance, and frees scientists for innovation, with accessible pricing for academics and biotechs.I hope you enjoy Ryan’s insights on evolving digital workflows and accelerating breakthroughs in the lab.01:51: Meet Ryan Cawood02:31: Frustrations with early digital tools.03:19: Daily lab organization challenges.06:50: Time lost to admin tasks.11:09: Genesis of the Lab Thread concept.13:53: Integrated workflow functionality explained.17:23: Enhancing experiment reproducibility methods.20:37: Achieving compliance standards easily.26:10: The future of digital lab management.28:33: Accelerating scientific breakthroughs.This episode is brought to you with the support of Lab Thread.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: Lab Thread - Your Lab, ConnectedHiding in plain sight: how to solve bioscience’s software problemLab chaos and digital dreams

This week we dive into the Beyond Biotech archive to bring you a discussion with Dr Stanley Qi, the founder of Epicrispr.Epicrispr is an epigenetic editing company, leveraging the power of CRISPR without cutting DNA. The company’s proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) includes the smallest Cas protein known to work in human cells, enabling in vivo or ex vivo delivery via a single viral vector. In this episode we discuss epigenetic editing, why it’s reversible, and how it can treat FSHD and other conditions. 01:43 Meet Stanley Qi03:32 Founding Epicrispr05:53 CRISPR interference and epigenome explained10:04 Overview of GEMS gene modulation system11:28 Reversibility and safety of epigenetic edits18:42 Strategy for tackling multiple disease conditions23:27 Clinical trial plans for EPI-321 candidate30:06 Looking forwardThis episode is brought to you with the support of MedChemExpress.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: Could CRISPR really cure these diseases?10 gene therapy companies you should know aboutCRISPR technology’s next wave: Ten companies to watch

Today we’re joined by Patrick Andre, Chief Scientific Officer at Diagonal Therapeutics.A trained vascular biologist, Patrick’s career spans groundbreaking work at Pfizer, Acceleron, Pliant Therapeutics, and earlier companies, where he focused on TGF-β superfamily signaling and receptor pathways that keep blood vessels healthy. Now at Diagonal, he’s leading a bold mission: developing clustering antibodies that correct the root cause of serious genetic vasculopathies, rather than just managing symptoms.In this episode, Patrick walks us through his personal journey into science, the company’s DIAGONAL platform, and their lead program DIAG723, which recently received Orphan Drug Designation for the rare disease HHT, and is advancing toward the clinic. We also discuss Diagonal’s oversubscribed $125 million Series B financing that closed in January 2026, and what clustering antibodies could mean for patients with HHT, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and beyond.01:33 Meet Patrick Andre08:01 Diagonal’s mission11:39 What are clustering antibodies16:05 Receptor clustering benefits for HHT and PAH20:24 Preclinical data on preventing and reversing HHT pathology22:39 The impact of the $125 Million Series B financing roundInterested 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: Vaderis emerges from stealth to start HHT trialPulmonary hypertension after Winrevair: where GSK’s $950M bet fitsNew treatment for pulmonary hypertension: what biotech holds in store?

Our guest today is Thierry Laugel, Managing Partner of Kurma & Chairman of Argobio. With a PharmD, PhD in pharmacology, and an INSEAD MBA, Thierry has spent more than two decades bridging cutting-edge science and commercial success—first in pharma R&D, then as co-founder of Kurma Partners, and now leading Argobio’s unique venture-builder model.Since raising €50 million in 2021, Argobio has co-founded and accelerated several companies from top European academic labs. Three of them—Enodia, Laigo Bio, and Elkedonia—have already closed seed rounds totaling more than €43 million, advancing novel platforms in targeted protein degradation, precision membrane protein degraders, and non-hallucinogenic neuroplasticity enhancers for depression. Thierry shares how Argobio reduces execution risk, embeds operational expertise, and turns promising science into investable companies that can compete worldwide. 04:02 Blending pharmacology expertise with business07:50 Vision behind starting Kurma Partners12:53 Launching Argobio to address gaps in European biotech 17:40 What makes the Argobio operational venture builder model unique25:02 Criteria for selecting academic scientific breakthroughs27:34 Changing dynamics of commercializing European research35:30 Europe vs US biotech investment climates37:47 Role of venture studios in Europe’s biotech futureInterested 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: M Ventures: pharma CVC and biotech innovation in 2026Inside Flagship Pioneering's strategy: How this VC turns ideas into biotech giantsVenture capital co-creation: The next big thing in biotech investment?

Today, we're exploring the transformative potential of AI in biopharma—separating hype from reality, and zooming in on the complexities of single-cell omics data.Our guest is Parashar Dhapola, co-founder and CEO of Nygen Analytics, a Lund-based startup spun out from Sweden's vibrant single-cell genomics ecosystem. With a PhD in computational genomics from Lund University, Parashar has pioneered efficient algorithms for analyzing millions of cells, turning raw data into actionable insights for drug discovery.Join us as we discuss where AI truly delivers in biopharma, the persistent gaps in exploratory data analytics, and the critical bottlenecks in single-cell annotation. In a world abounding in AI hype, Parashar helps us cut through the noise and point out paths to data driven success.01:00 Meet Parashar Dhapola05:45 AI in biopharma09:29 AI automation vs. new capabilities11:28 What makes single-cell omics data different18:46 Risks of incorrect cell annotation34:37 Future of single-cell analyticsThis episode is produced with the support of Nygen Analytics. 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: CyteType - AI powered cell type annotationBehind the Cure51 deal: Is NVIDIA becoming biotech’s AI infrastructure?The past, present, and future of genome sequencing

This week we welcome Magdalena Tyrpien, CEO, Co-Founder and President of Nionyx Bio, just days after the company took first place in the BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight competition in Lisbon.With a background that includes leading Forge Biologics through its $620 million acquisition, Magdalena is now steering Nionyx toward a bold new chapter in gene therapy for kidney disease. In this episode we explore her journey into biotech, the science behind Nionyx’s proprietary AAV capsid platform and Kidney Atlas, what it took to win the Startup Spotlight, and what the victory means for the young company’s future.·  01:25 – Meet Magdalena Tyrpien·  07:10 – The Nionyx mission·  15:29 – The 2026 BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight·  22:23 – Looking forward and future milestonesInterested 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: Lisbon is calling: the BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight returns in March 2026BIO-Europe Spring 2026: partnership event brings funding hope to biotechsBIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiences

Today, we welcome Dr Rosanne Dunn, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of HaemaLogiX, an Australian clinical-stage biotech company that's developing next-generation immunotherapies for multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders.HaemaLogiX is taking a precision approach by targeting novel antigens that are expressed exclusively on malignant plasma cells, sparing healthy ones. Recent peer-reviewed research has validated KMA and LMA as high-value targets, reinforcing the company's unique positioning in the field.Rosanne shares her journey from antibody engineering to building HaemaLogiX, the science behind their differentiated targets, the latest clinical and preclinical progress, and her perspectives on the future of immunotherapy for blood cancers as the company gears up for key milestones, including a planned IPO later this year.01:15 Meet Rosanne Dunn07:52 HaemalogiX's mission and novel antigens09:53 Overview of multiple myeloma and its symptoms12:19 Targeting malignant plasma cells while sparing normal ones19:25 Recent Peer-Reviewed Research26:08 Synergy with IMiDs like Revlimid29:08 Potential patient impact and quality of life35:05 Planned IPO in 2026 and funding needsInterested 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: 5 cancers that immunotherapy can cureBIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiencesHow are R&D Tax Incentives shaping Australia’s biotech future?

Today we welcome Koenraad Wiedhaup, Co-Founder and CEO of Leyden Labs, and Clarissa Koch, the company's Chief Scientific Officer.Leyden Labs is pioneering a revolutionary non-vaccine approach to combat respiratory viruses like influenza and coronaviruses. Recently, they published groundbreaking data in Science Translational Medicine, demonstrating that their intranasal antibody spray is safe, well-tolerated, and delivers sustained protection right at the virus's entry point: the nose. This innovation addresses the shortcomings of traditional flu vaccines, which average just 13% effectiveness against infection and provide even less for vulnerable groups like the elderly and immunocompromised.We'll dive into the science, the company's journey since its 2020 founding, and their recent €50 million European funding boost amid U.S. biotech challenges.01:33: Meet Koenraad Wiedhaup03:13: Meet Clarissa Koch04:16: Leyden Labs' origin story06:21: Mucosal protection platform explained08:57: Complementing existing vaccines11:47: Science of mucosal immunity13:24: PanFlu lead candidate overview16:42: Key findings from recent publication22:02: Funding and future preparednessInterested 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: Seven biotech companies to know in the NetherlandsThe Netherlands’ biotech scene: The country sets its sights on becoming a global leader by 2040 Influenza solution deals pile up as pandemic preparedness increases 

Today, we welcome Janita Good, a Partner at Fieldfisher with nearly two decades of experience advising top organizations in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. With a D.Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, Janita brings a unique blend of scientific insight and legal expertise to her work on venture investments, joint ventures, partnerships, and M&A deals. She's advised on landmark transactions, including funding rounds for Phynova and MedAnnex, and collaborations like Intelligent Ultrasound's AI imaging partnerships.In this episode, Janita shares practical guidance for biotech leaders on timing partnerships with larger pharma companies, planning for commercialization from the start, balancing optimistic fundraising with realistic deal projections, and avoiding common legal pitfalls in M&A. We'll also look ahead to emerging trends in the sector and talk through the best way to structure a company for tax effective partnering and licensing.01:29: Meet Janita Good04:42: Fieldfisher's life sciences focus07:20: Fieldfisher’s differentiated approach09:41: Timing early partnering discussions17:26: Structuring for efficient deals21:36: Planning commercialization from start25:22: Key early legal considerations30:00: Balancing fundraising and realism36:25: Optimism in the biotech industryInterested 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: How biotech startups become unicornsThe ABC of biotech startup fundingBiotech’s legal storm: Why securities class action lawsuits are surging

Today we’re joined by Sean MacDonald, CEO of Kainova Therapeutics. With more than twenty years of biotech leadership and deep expertise in strategy and development, Sean is guiding the company through an exciting new chapter.We’ll dive into Kainova’s innovative GPCR-modulating platform, its promising pipeline, the science behind reversing tumor immunosuppression and targeting inflammation, and the reasons behind the recent rebrand from Domain Therapeutics to Kainova Therapeutics.We’ll also be taking a look at the broader oncology landscape—what’s hot, who’s investing big, and where the biggest opportunities and challenges lie.01:09 – Meet Sean Macdonald05:40 – Kainova's GPCR platform and therapeutic focus08:57 – The story and meaning behind the Kainova rebrand10:25 – Series B funding and pipeline programs16:43 – Exciting trends and innovations in oncology29:17 – Upcoming milestones and future plansInterested 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: GPCR therapies: Eight promising biotechs hacking the cell signaling pathwayEpisode 182: Building a smart oncology pipeline with Cumulus OncologyEpisode 34: eClinical Solutions, GPCR Therapeutics, Orbsen Therapeutics

Our guest is Sergey Jakimov, the Founding and Managing Partner of LongeVC, a venture capital firm dedicated to backing early-stage biotech and longevity startups. A serial entrepreneur, Sergey has co-founded ventures like Longenesis, a medical tech startup unlocking biomedical data for drug discovery, and the Longevity Science Foundation, a non-profit advancing healthy human lifespan. He’s been named to Forbes Latvia's 30 Under 30 in technology and healthcare, and via LongeVC, he invests in innovation in areas including therapeutics, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.In this episode, Sergey warns about the rising danger of misinformation disguised as health advice—where influencers and hype outpace evidence-based science. I hope you enjoy our discussion as we unpack this public health challenge and explore solutions for a more credible biotech landscape.01:22           Meet Sergey Jakimov06:14           Developing a longevity focus10:47           A typical day at LongeVC13:26           The LongeVC portfolio17:28           Misinformation as health crisis26:04           The harm of bad advice33:16           The impact on biotech industry funding36:18           Strategies for addressing misinformation42:17           Optimism about trends in longevityInterested 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: 13 anti-aging startups on a mission to extend livesTurning back time with cellular reprogramming: Shift raises $16 million in seed fundingAre European biotech VCs under pressure to scale? Time to get pragmatic 

Today, we're joined by Professor Matthew Wood, a leading figure in neuroscience and RNA-based therapeutics. He is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, Deputy Head of the Medical Sciences Division, and Director of both the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre and the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre, a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Oxford and Harrington Discovery Institute dedicated to accelerating therapies for rare genetic diseases affecting millions worldwide.In today’s episode we discuss his vision for making antisense oligonucleotides (or ASOs) and gene editing more modular, more scalable, and faster by collaborating with regulators, scientists, and patient groups to bring hope to those with rare neuromuscular and genetic conditions.With rare disease day coming up just next week, I hope you enjoy the insights that Professor Wood shares on the future of the fight against rare disease.01:23 – Meet Matthew Wood07:26 – The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre10:33 – Collaborations, philanthropy, and industry partnerships13:55 – Key challenges in rare disease therapy development20:00 – Modular and scalable platforms for ASOs28:08 – Scaling gene editing like CRISPR for rare diseases32:38 – Role of AI and computational tools in acceleration37:28 – Future breakthroughs in rare disease treatments44:07 – Advice for new researchers in the fieldInterested 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: Prader Willi syndrome: five much-anticipated therapies poised for approval First-ever approval for Barth Syndrome treatment: what does this mean for ultra-rare disease therapeutics? When rare diseases are not so rare after all: A closer look at where and why this happens

As we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we welcome Avital Sharir-Ivry, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ProPhet, an innovative Israeli startup launched in late 2024 from the AION Labs venture studio.With a PhD in computational biology and drug research, Avital brings deep expertise in structural biology, enzyme design, and evolutionary bioinformatics to her role leading ProPhet's scientific efforts.ProPhet itself is changing small molecule drug discovery by using advanced AI and machine learning to map proteins and compounds into a shared interaction space. This enables rapid, scalable screening of billions of molecules—even for so-called "undruggable" targets—without relying on solved structures or massive datasets, speeding up hit-finding and expanding the reachable therapeutic landscape.01:36 Meet Avital Sharir-Ivry08:55 How ProPhet emerged from AION Labs challenge12:12 Core AI technology for hit-finding at scale15:00 Benchmarks and collaborations17:54 ProPhet’s differentiation from traditional drug discovery19:45 Importance of scaling small molecule exploration24:19 Pharma AI investments and emerging trends26:11 Future AI breakthroughs in drug discovery27:04 Challenges and progress for women in science31:15 Keep up with ProPhetInterested 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: Seven influential women in biotech in 2026 Report: Adopting AI in biologics discoveryWebinar: How AI and LLMs are helping chemists design drugs faster and smarter 

Today, we're joined by Thomas Hopkins, Vice President and Head of ExploR&D at Eli Lilly. With a background as a physician-scientist in oncology, Thomas has spent his career bridging bold discovery science with rigorous development, first in academia and clinical practice, then at Lilly since 2015.Lilly ExploR&D represents new thinking in the pharma-biotech collaboration model: a shared-risk, deep scientific partnership designed specifically for early-stage biotechs. It provides full-stack R&D capabilities helping companies overcome the toughest hurdles in moving from molecule creation to clinical proof-of-concept, all while staying lean in a challenging funding environment.In this episode, Thomas dives into his journey shaping ExploR&D, how the program works in practice, current priorities in modalities and therapeutic areas, and offers some practical advice for biotechs seeking to partner with Eli Lilly.01:30 — Meet Tom Hopkins05:11 — What makes ExploR&D biotech-friendly07:46 — How collaborations work in practice09:40 — Shared risk models14:25 — Engaging bold science early28:16 — Success stories and advice for biotechsInterested 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: Eli Lilly’s strategy in motion: Beyond diabetes and obesityOver $3 billion in a month: Why is Eli Lilly starting 2025 on a buying spree?What to look for in a biotech incubator

Today, my guest is Dr. Clare Wareing, Founder and CEO of Cumulus Oncology, who joins us from Edinburgh. With over 25 years of expertise in oncology drug development, Clare has built a remarkable career translating scientific breakthroughs into life-changing therapies. Cumulus Oncology is curating a risk-adjusted portfolio of preclinical assets focused on high unmet needs in oncology. Their platform-agnostic, approach prioritizes patient subgroups and precision medicine to boost success rates and drive value creation.In this conversation, we explore Clare's journey to and through biotech, Cumulus and the current state of oncology in biotech, the vibrant Scottish biotech ecosystem, and her vision for the future for 2026 and beyond.01:17: Meet Clare Wareing03:57: Inspiration for founding Cumulus Oncology.05:38: Cumulus's unique drug development model.09:53: Overview of Cumulus's asset portfolio.13:05: Importance of the patient subgroup strategy.17:41: Trends in oncology drug discovery.21:09: Drivers of oncology deal-making activity.24:22: Challenges in accessing venture capital.30:06: Future milestones for Cumulus Oncology.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: Curing cancer: Daiichi Sankyo's ambitious ADC approachCracking Cancer’s Code: Transforming Research with Novel Cancer ModelsNew cancer cell discovery sheds light on childhood blood cancer

Today, we're thrilled to have Tim Opler, a leading voice in biotech investment banking. Tim's career spans academia, Credit Suisse, and co-founding Torreya Partners, which Stifel acquired in 2023. As Managing Director in Stifel's Global Healthcare Group, he's advised on over 150 deals totaling more than $100 billion, shaping major M&A, licensing, and financings in life sciences.Tim is renowned for his insightful Biopharma Market Updates, and in this episode, we'll dive into his December 2025 edition, where he outlines five transformative trends set to drive biopharma for the next decade: M&A booms, giant markets like obesity and aging drugs, China's rising innovation, AI's reshape of healthcare, and incredible scientific advances.01:22 - Meet Tim Opler03:12 - Stifel and the Biopharma Market Updates05:50 - Trend 1: M&A Booms10:06 - Trend 2: Giant Markets17:05 - Trend 3: China's Innovation22:29 - Trend 4: AI Reshaping Healthcare28:42 - Trend 5: Incredible Science34:18 - Looking forwardInterested 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: 10 biotech companies in China you should know aboutWhen AI isn’t enough: How physics is shaping the next wave of drug discovery JPM 2026: what’s the outlook like this year? 

Today I’m joined by not one, not two, but three guests with their takes on the biotech year ahead. In December we tasked Labiotech journalists Jules Adam, Roohi Peter, and Willow Shah-Neville with the task of identifying the five biotech players that they thought would be the ones to watch in 2026. Now you can read that article at Labiotech-dot-EU, and we’ve linked it in the show notes here in your podcast player, too, but on today’s episode I’m joined by Jules, Roohi, and Willow who explain a little more about the companies that caught their eye and what might be expected of those companies in the year ahead.15 companies, three journalists, all in one special podcast as we uncover the companies to watch in 2026.1:18     Meet Jules Adam2:30     Abivax4:04     AAVantgarde Bio6:10     Isotope Technologies Munich (ITM)8:16     MaaT Pharma9:55     Novo Nordisk13:15    Meet Willow Shah-Neville14:29    Kardigan18:23    Braveheart Bio21:16    Beam Therapeutics24:34    MindMed27:39    Kailera Therapeutics32:36    Meet Roohi Peter33:30    Aspen Neuroscience34:45    Reunion Neuroscience36:14    MapLight Therapeutiucs37:41    Hope Medicine38:59    RegenxbioInterested 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: Keep an eye on these 15 biotech companies in 2026 Biotech in 2025: A retrospective Eight of the biggest immunology and inflammation (I&I) deals in 2025

Welcome to our first episode for 2026.Today, we're joined by Hakan Goker, Managing Director at M Ventures, the strategic corporate venture capital arm of Merck KGaA. With over two decades in biotech investing, Hakan has driven transformative deals in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and beyond, including standout 2025 investments like FoRx Therapeutics and portfolio milestones such as Artios' FDA Fast Track designation. As we kick off 2026 at Beyond Biotech, Hakan shares insights on corporate VC advantages, emerging therapeutic priorities, and the industry's evolving landscape amid rising M&A and AI innovation. 1:10                 Meet Hakan Goka4:37                 About M Ventures and pharma CVC8:14                 Sourcing innovative biotechs12:52                How M Ventures works with Merck KGaA16:54              M Ventures in 202524:46                Areas to watch in the new year29:19                Looking forward to 202632:20                The next big thing in biotech?33:08                Advice for biotechs pitching CVCInterested 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: The ABC of biotech startup fundingSeven genome sequencing companies to look out forLabiotech's 2025 biotech funding tracker

Welcome to our final episode for 2025. We’re taking a little break for the holidays but we’ll be back again on Friday 9th of January to kick off our year with the Managing Director of Merck KGaA’s M Ventures, Hakan Goker.Today, though, I’m joined by Ester in t’Groen of Johnson & Johnson.Fresh off the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in Orlando, where J&J presented over 60 abstracts, Ester shares insights into the company's portfolio and the advances that the company has made over recent years in the hematology space.She walks us through the real-world evidence for some pretty significant results from the thousands of patients in their clinical trials, and explain what's next for J&J in hematology in 2026—including some exciting readouts.01:14 - Meet Ester in t'Groen    02:37 - Winning the Kilmer Medal06:32 - J&J's key focus areas07:32 - The hematology portfolio19:07 - All about ASH 202523:49 - The MajesTEC-3 data27:43 - The value of real-world datasets32:06 - Looking forward into 2026Interested 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: Blood Cancer Awareness Month: What biotech holds in store 10 oncology deals in 2025 spotlight where industry leaders are betting bigT cell engagers: A promising, fast-growing field for cancer and autoimmune disease treatments

In this episode we sit down with Martin Beck, Senior Vice President and Head of the Inflammation Business Unit at Boehringer Ingelheim. Martin grew up just down the road from the company’s headquarters in Germany, joined as a scholarship student more than 20 years ago, and never really left – and you’ll hear why he still loves it.We spend most of the episode focused on a disease that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: idiopathic and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. These are rare, fatal lung-scarring conditions that kill faster than many cancers, yet patients often shrug off the first symptoms as “just aging.” Martin walks us through why half the people on today’s treatments stop taking them, how BI just brought the first new medicine in over a decade to the U.S. market, and why an AI tool that spots microscopic changes on lung scans might finally help doctors diagnose and treat these patients’ years earlier. 01:24   Meet Martin Beck04:21   About Boehringer Ingelheim07:12   Understanding idiopathic & progressive pulmonary fibrosis10:16   Current treatments & high discontinuation rates12:25   BI’s long-term investment in PF16:02   eLung AI tool for earlier diagnosis22:16   A new oral PDE4B inhibitor28:13   Key data highlights from the recent ERS congress30:31   FDA approval & global rollout plansInterested 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: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Refoxy, Boehringer, Insilico, and more on the hunt for curative treatmentsEight respiratory disease companies advancing innovative therapies in 2025BI: Life with pulmonary fibrosis 

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide. While progress has been made, millions of patients are still in need of new treatment options that better address the complexities of their disease.BeOne Medicines is creating the world’s next-generation cancer treatments with relentless innovation, aiming to deliver therapies to more people around the globe. This week, I'm sitting down with Mark Lanasa, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors, at BeOne Medicines, to learn more about how their novel cancer models and unique in-house R&D approach is pushing them closer to cracking the cancer code.This episode is sponsored by BeOne Medicines.01:06              Meet Mark Lanasa04:56              Cancer as a differentiated and adaptative disease07:35              BeOne’s approach to cancer research and development10:30              Accelerating cancer research by bringing it all in-house15:24              Making progress and signs of success17:41              Exciting investigational stage programs23:51              The advantage of hierarchical thinking in R&D28:13              Keep up with new research from BeOneInterested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here!Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter.To dive deeper into the topic:How can treatment strategies evolve to address the challenges in chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Daiichi Sankyo has been pioneering ADCs since 2010, with a pipeline targeting over 30 indications and potentially reaching 400,000 patients.In today’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Markus Kosch, Head of the EU Oncology Business Division at Daiichi Sankyo. A physician by training with a deep academic background in oncology, Markus has spent over two decades advancing cancer care, from clinical practice to leadership roles shaping strategy across Europe and Canada. Since joining Daiichi Sankyo in 2021, he has been at the forefront of one of the industry’s most ambitious ADC pipelines, overseeing more than 60 clinical trials across 24 countries and driving landmark approvals that are redefining treatment in breast, lung, and gastric cancers.This week's episode is brought to you with the support of Kadans. Looking for the perfect space to grow your Life Sciences company? Kadans Science Partner is Europe’s leading provider of cutting-edge lab and offices spaces, tailored to your needs. Kadans puts you at the centre of innovation, giving you the chance to connect with top researchers, universities, and investors through its international network. Here, you’ll join a vibrant community of innovators driving real change. Are you ready to take your research to the next level? Learn more at kadans.com – where innovation thrives. 01:45.         Meet Markus Kosch03:12.         Clinical background shaping an industry role04:46.         Daiichi Sankyo’s 40-year oncology legacy06:19.         European investments and Munich hub10:34.         ADC platform strengths explained14:20.         Key ESMO 2025 trial dataClarification: The reference to ‘TB01’ at 16:24 refers to the TROPION-Breast02 clinical trial, not TB01.19:43.         Managing risks and partnerships23:35.         Patient advocacy in trial design33:59.         Future of oncology and ADCsInterested 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: 10 oncology deals in 2025 spotlight where industry leaders are betting bigAstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu recommended for approvalTen drugs to watch in 2025: will these therapies become blockbusters?

Two weeks ago, the biopharma industry gathered in Vienna, Austria, for BIO-Europe. Tens of thousands of one-on-one meetings were organized between innovators and out-licensors with top pharma companies and venture capitalists eager to partner and invest. For the large pharma firms, it’s a chance to learn about new science and keep tabs on evolving assets. For smaller biotechs, though, it can be three-days of high-pressure networking where a lot is riding on making the right pitch to the right company at just the right time. Get it right, and you walk away with a clear path forward and the cash to fund it. But get unlucky and you might find yourself with few options in the New Year.This year, we decided to follow one biotech heading into their first BIO-Europe partnering conference. We met with DISCO Pharma three times over the last month to follow their BIO-Europe journey:Before the event to learn about the science behind DISCO and understand what their goals were heading into BIO-Europe. At the event itself to talk about how the partnering meetings had been going and how the event had shaped up for DISCO. A week after BIO-Europe had closed, diving into the follow-up activities and learning about the next steps for this German biotech.I hope you enjoy my conversations with Ajla Hrle, Chief Business Officer at DISCO, and this behind the scenes look at BIO-Europe from an innovator’s perspective.02:25          Preparing for BIO-Europe16:51           On the floor at BIO-Europe22:23          Following up from BIO-EuropeInterested 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: BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiencesPractical partnering at BIOSPAIN: on the ground with biotech innovators ready to take the next stepBiotech in Vienna: a budding life science hub 

Last week saw more than 5,900 people from 3,200 companies gather in Vienna, Austria, for the continent’s largest biopharma partnering conference, BIO-Europe. Over three days the world’s top pharma companies, most innovative biotechs, and life science professionals from 60 countries took more than 32,000 one-on-one meetings, made the connections, and sealed deals that will drive the industry forward into 2026 and beyond.Among the highlights of BIO-Europe this year was the Startup Spotlight contest. This exciting competition offers biotech entrepreneurs an affordable opportunity to engage with top-tier investors and other important players in the biotech industry and to take their business to the next level. Eight finalists made their pitches at BIO Europe and one, Fusix Biotech from Germany, came out on top.This week on Beyond Biotech I’m joined by Fusix Biotech’s Managing Director and co-founder, Jennifer Altomonte, who tells me about her journey through the industry, Fusix’s InFUSE platform, and what it’s like to pitch – and win – one of the most important biopharma startup competitions of the year.01:34               Meet Jennifer Altomonte05:12               Co-founding Fusix Biotech10:37               Fusix Biotech and the InFUSE platform18:50               Intellectual property for a young company20:04               The BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight23:47               The impact of the competition win29:05               The milestones ahead30:33               What does a successful 2026 look like for Fusix Biotech?31:56               Learn more about Fusix BiotechThis episode is supported by EBD Group.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: BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiencesFour New Technologies That Will Change Cancer TreatmentWhy is the immunology and inflammation market suddenly attracting a wave of investment?

Urinary Tract infections, or UTIs, affect millions worldwide, driving sepsis, antibiotic overuse, and microbial resistance. Current diagnostics rely on either slow lab cultures or unreliable dipsticks, and often lead to delayed or unnecessary treatment. Llusern’s Lodestar DX changes that: a point-of-care test that detects 96% of key UTI pathogens in just 35 minutes, no lab required.In this episode I’m joined by Emma Hayhurst who shares her journey into diagnostics, Llusern’s mission, and the emergence of Wales as a biotech hub with a growing life sciences sector fueling local innovation. We discuss UTI prevalence, diagnostic gaps, and how rapid, accurate testing can transform patient care and antimicrobial stewardship. 02:14               Meet Emma Hayhurst04:37               Introducing Llusern Scientific07:21               Collaboration between Llusern and the academy08:50               The life science ecosystem in Wales12:10               Urinary tract infections (UTIs)15:45               UTI patient demographics16:54               Health impacts of UTIs: sepsis, antibiotic resistance, and more19:01               Existing UTI diagnostic options and their shortcomings24:41               Llusern’s Lodestar DX29:03               A point-of-care test, not a lab test31:44               Applications beyond UTIs36:03               Looking forward at LlusernInterested 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: Life sciences in Wales: biotechs in the scene in 2025Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance with Fast Molecular DiagnosticsUltra-Fast Diagnostics Could Transform Sexual Health

Today, I’m joined by Héctor García Martín, a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. A pioneer in metabolic engineering and computational biology, Héctor has spent over a decade decoding microbial systems, everything from termite guts to genome-scale flux models, to unlock sustainable biomanufacturing.Now, he’s leading the charge in self-driving labs: AI-powered, robotic systems that automate experiments, predict biological behavior, and accelerate the design of microbes that produce fuels, medicines, and materials.In this episode, we’ll dive into why biology has traditionally proven so hard to engineer, how AI and robotics are changing that, and where this revolution is headed next. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Hector Garcia Martin.01:12              Meet Hector Garcia Martin12:47              Introduction to the Berkeley National Laboratory14:42              Challenges in synthetic biology17:21              How unpredictability complicates biomanufacturing19:30              Self-driving labs at the nexus of AI, robotics, and biomanufacturing22:23               How is AI integrated into optimize enzyme expression28:01               Where is the market for self-driving labs?28:47               The future of synthetic biology32:24               The most exciting trends in AI-driven biomanufacturing34:10               The expected impacts of self-driving labs on everyday life35:28               Advice for aspiring scientistsInterested 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: Synthetic Biology @ LabiotechEuropean biotech: trends to watch in 2025The coming of age of European synthetic biology

Today we’re diving into the world of expression systems with Iskandar Dib, of Validogen and we’ll explore the remarkable potential of Pichia pastoris, a methylotrophic yeast that’s revolutionizing pharmaceutical protein production and beyond. From industrial enzymes to biomaterials, food, feed, and diagnostics, Pichia offers a reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient platform for recombinant protein expression. Iskandar explains how biotechs can unlock Pichia’s full potential through Validogen’s sophisticated tools and strategies, fine-tuning protein expression with innovative genetic approaches and robust screening systems to deliver unmatched yields and quality. 01:06               Why Pichia is often overlooked or underestimated03:29               The basics of Pichia pastoris05:25               How Pichia compares to microbial hosts like E.coli08:14               Key advantages over mammalian cell systems10:21               Pichia as a system for secreted production11:30               Pichia and post-translational modifications14:30               The challenges of working with Pichia16:25               Strain optimization and genetic engineering17:29               Meet Iskandar Dib and Validogen19:03               The UNLOCK PICHIA platform24:00               Real-world applications of Pichia pastoris in biopharma27:19               When Pichia outperforms expectations28:25               Adapting Pichia for emerging fields30:23               Advice for those considering Pichia pastoris for protein expression33:23               Learn more about ValidogenThis episode is sponsored by Validogen.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: Pichia case studiesUnlocking Pichia for industry

In today's episode, we welcome Clarke Futch, Chairman and CEO of HealthCare Royalty Partners, or HCRx. HCRx are pioneers in royalty-based financing, with a thirty year track record in biopharma investing. Clarke has led more than 60 royalty acquisitions totaling nearly $4 billion and raised over $8 billion across various vehicles, executing more than 165 transactions that have fueled breakthroughs in life sciences.In this interview we examine the evolution of alternative funding models, the transformative impact of alternative funding models on biotech innovation, partnerships, and M&A, and take a macro view on the financial health of the industry amid economic shifts. 02:10               Meet Clarke Futch07:58               HCRx and its mission18:55               Differences between a royalty firm and a venture firm21:34               Alternative funding models in biotech24:49               Are VCs pulling back? Are alternatives rising?30:20               How royalty financing impacts partnerships and M&A33:02               Do alternative financing models risk stifling innovation?36:33               A macro look at the health of the biotech sector41:33               What areas of biotech are underfunded right now?46:22               Looking forward: the 6-12 months ahead?48:10               Advice for founders navigating financial uncertaintyInterested 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: Moving with the times: biopharma royalty deals on the riseThe ABC of biotech startup funding2025 biotech deals tracker

When it comes to contraception, most of the innovation in the last century has focused on providing contraceptive alternatives for women. The contraceptive pill was approved by the FDA in 1960, the first IUD approved in 1968, and the female condom in 1993. For men, however, there has been little advancement since the invention of the rubber condom in 1855 and the first vasectomies in humans around the turn of the 20th century.Contraline is a biotechnology company that is aiming to change that record. They are currently heading into Phase II trials with a therapy that they claim is reliable, long lasting, easy to use, and reversible. This week, I talk with Kevin Eisenfrats, CEO of Contraline, about the challenges of bringing a new contraceptive to market, how to manage clinical trials on multiple continents, and what the world might look like if the contraceptive burden passes from women to men.01:21                      Kevin Eisenfrats and Contraline07:28                      Contraline’s ADAM09:09                      How ADAM works11:39                      Reversibility is a differentiator for ADAM14:01                      Hormonal gels and contraception17:14                      The phase I trial in Australia21:47                      The implantation process25:07                      Moving into phase II27:04                      The male contraception market29:30                      Fundraising for male contraception33:06                      The gendered burden of contraception34:54                      The future of male contraception36:49                      The cultural and social impact of male contraceptionInterested 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: MedinCell Granted €17M to Develop Cheap Long-Acting ContraceptionInpart Connect: Reversible Male ContraceptiveInpart Connect: Cyclic Peptides as Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive Agents and Methods of Use ThereofInpart Connect: Noninvasive Laser Vasectomy

Raising money in the gene therapy space can be tough right now but, for the right company and with the right team, there is still cash to be found. But how do you connect with investors, how do you get your science in front of the right people, and how do you move from ‘I’m interested’ to ‘I’m signing on the dotted line’?This week I talk with Gerard Caelles, Chief Business Office of Splice Bio, a company that just closed a $135 million series B fundraising round. I quiz him on the practical steps that biotechs need to take to move from a series A to a series B, the key members of the team that pulled the deal together, how to keep existing investors engaged while bringing new money on-board, and how it feels when it is all done. 01:14               Meet Gerard Caelles04:34               The Splice Bio platform12:34               Raising $135 million in uncertain times15:31               Laying the groundwork for a series B18:15               Building a fundraising team20:45               Identifying and approaching new investors22:38               Fundraising challenges in 202526:37               Refining the strategy and pitch29:00               Choosing lead investors 31:59               Keeping existing investors on board34:12               A look behind the scenes 37:52               What’s next for Splice Bio42:10               Learn more about Splice BioInterested 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: Labiotech's 2025 Biotech Funding TrackerThe ABC of biotech startup fundingBudget blues: where are cell and gene therapies heading? 

Immunology and inflammation are hot topics in biotech and biopharma, and innovations are emerging that can change the game for patients suffering from autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disease. For top pharma companies, identifying these innovations early is essential and, for university labs, spinouts and startups, getting their science in front of the right industry partners is key. So how does science meet industry, and how can top pharma and venture investors find the next blockbuster?This week I sat down with Joseph Ferner of Inpart, the author of a new R&D Trends Report on Immunology and Inflammation. He explained the shape of the research landscape, the areas that are generating the most interest amongst industry and investors, and the ways in which digital platforms are helping innovative scientists connect with those who have the experience and finance to bring their technologies and therapies to market.Download the Immunology & Inflammation R&D Trends ReportCreate a free Inpart Connect accountSpeak with the Inpart team02:18               The 2025 Immunology and Inflammation R&D Trends Report08:30               Priorities and challenges in immunology and inflammation research10:18               The impact of immune system complexity on drug development13:12               The challenge of clinical heterogeneity15:33               The role of organoids in immunology and inflammation R&D17:10               Comparing organoid models to animal models19:51               The R&D landscape in 202522:40               Popular modalities in immunology and inflammation research24:45               The top innovations in the 2025 R&D Trends Report28:56               How to score and rank innovations in a rapidly evolving market33:22               Engagement trends between researchers and industry partners37:09               Why companies decline to engage with academic researchers43:36               The Inpart Connect platform and how it works48:49               Looking forward to the next R&D Trends ReportInterested 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: Why is the immunology and inflammation market suddenly attracting a wave of investment?

Partnering conferences are where many deals in the biotech industry get made. With investors and top pharma companies on hand to meet with founders, learn about new science, and put money on the table for promising biotech, it’s little wonder that the biggest partnering events attract hundreds of innovators and thousands of attendees.One of the largest industry partnering events in Europe is BIOSPAIN. This year BIOSPAIN will take place in Barcelona, and the Catalan city will welcome participants from more than 40 countries for three days of exhibitions, partnering meetings, and presentations from industry leaders. Labiotech will be on the ground reporting from BIOSPAIN this year, and so we sat down with Stewart Medina fromBIOSPAIN to find out exactly what’s in store.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: Catalonia: A biotech hub going from strength to strength, with Barcelona at its core10 biotech companies you should know about in Spain20 years of BIOSPAIN – The evolution of an international biotech event