Nucleate Podcast

Time Stamps [00:00] Laurence explains biotech to a five-year-old  [01:55] Early life in the UK and first steps toward biotech  [02:47] How The Double Helix and Celltech shaped his path  [07:15] Moving from bench science to Cell and a wider view of research  [13:04] Learning business development at Millennium [15:30] Why relationships matter in biotech deals  [17:43] How Millennium changed from platform company to drug developer  [28:01] Joining Alnylam and building around RNAi  [39:19] Becoming a CEO at Warp Drive Bio  [44:36] Novel antibiotics, molecular glues, and the RevMed merger [52:07] What founders should know about building to make a lasting impact [54:50] Joining Decibel during restructuring and COVID  [58:55] Rebuilding culture and sharpening strategy  [1:09:49] Why Decibel focused on gene therapy for the inner ear [1:25:05] Advice for founders raising money in a hard market

Time Stamps (0:55) Introduction to Michal’s background and her professional journey  (7:58) How Michal leveraged tech skills to break into computational biology  (13:15) Her experience at Compugen working on early AI-enabled drug discovery   (19:52) Challenges startup founders face and strategies to overcome them (25:19) Michal’s personal experience as a founder at Anima Biotech (32:52) Resources available at academic institutions to support startups  (40:15) How to successfully negotiate as a scientific founder (46:51) Michal’s role at Johnson & Johnson (53:13) Introduction to MassBio and their purpose (58:35) Advice on networking and how to form meaningful partnerships

Time Stamps 1:37 Introduction to Szabi’s journey from economics to healthcare  3:23 Szabi’s early startup experience at Tresorit  5:27 Key takeaways from his first venture 11:46 What led Szabi to pivot into healthcare and how he managed that transition 14:37 Introduction to Turbine 17:10 Example of running large-scale experiments in collaboration with Merck  19:17 Explanation of the main phases of application of the model  22:32 What fundamental tenets were used to build Turbine’s model  29:16 How to form successful partnerships 38:53 Szabi’s experience with raising funds in a tight capital market  40:00 Advice for founders navigating this challenging market 49:20 How to find the right mentor and form a meaningful connection  51:07 Final words of wisdom

Time Stamps1:58 Merrick Smela's Early Influence03:36 Ovelle's Founding:  Travis Potter and Merrick Smela05:07 Travis Potter's Motivation After Facing Fertility Struggles06:44 Underfunding of IVG07:48 Finance/Biotech Commonalities09:15 Scientific Co-founder Role: Merrick Smela09:56 Using Statistics in Design12:25 Definition of IVG12:54 Ovelle's Mission to Revolutionize Infertility Treatment13:33 IVG vs. IVF15:49 Ovelle's Unique Scientific Approach16:39 Direct Activation vs. Natural Signaling: 18:17 Meiosis Paper Innovation: Identifying Regulatory Factors that can Activate Meiosis from Stem Cells21:23 Team Building: Finding Dedicated Scientists24:20 Culture Difference (Meaning vs. Money)28:35 IVG Process Overview: 29:36 IVM is Achieved in Humans: 30:35 Quality Control and Safety of Eggs32:35 Prioritization using Critical Path Analysis:35:02 Investor Funding for IVG as a New Fertility Approach41:21 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Claire Smith, Partner at SpringTide. She reflects on her journey from a biological engineering student at MIT to her current role in venture capital, and the key lessons she’s learned along the way. Claire explains SpringTide’s investment scope, introduces companies from her portfolio, and shares what drives her investment decisions. The conversation also explores the current landscape of TechBio and AI, including how to distinguish genuine innovation from hype, how pharma is realistically adopting AI, and differences in East Coast and West Coast perspectives on the technology. Claire provides guidance for early-stage founders navigating today’s ever-changing environment. She discusses the importance of planning realistic timelines, how and when to launch a company, and what qualities investors are looking for. She advises on what makes a great pitch, arguing that the goal of the initial meeting is not to secure funding, but to earn a second conversation. Trust is built through preparation, authenticity, and intellectual honesty, never by faking it in biotech. Books mentioned: The Pyramid Principle by Barbara MintoWhy Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management by Roger LowensteinTime Stamps:0:01:20 Introduction to Claire’s  journey from MIT biological engineering to SpringTide0:05:44 There’s “no overnight successes” in biotech0:06:47 Claire’s experience as a start up operator at Crestovo and the key lessons she learned0:09:35  Explanation of the investment  scope of Springtide 0:12:31 How Claire assesses risk when building an investment portfolio 0:14:47 Things to consider when evaluating technical founders0:15:55 Introduction to Paterna Biosciences and their impact within the fertility space  0:19:27 Platforms vs assets in tough capital markets and why Springtide has a countercyclical platform focus0:22:50 Meaning of “look boring today, but will be infrastructure tomorrow”0:24:24 Advancements in Palantir‑style business models for pharma0:28:42 What does the term “TechBio” means to Claire0:30:39 How the pharma industry is currently leveraging AI 0:33:55 Markers of AI success to keep an eye out for0:35:29 How to identify companies that are driving genuine AI innovation0:37:50 Example of Niche Bio and how they’re generating data for machine learning0:39:22 Differences in opinions between East Coast and West Coast investors on AI0:42:16 Advice for companies navigating the current capital market0:44:16 Why proactive buffer planning is critical when setting a timeline0:45:36 Advice for early stage founders on how and when to launch their company 0:50:59 What sets a great pitch apart 0:55:00 Explanation of the Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto0:55:44 3 main points about SpringTide as an investment firm0:58:28 Importance of forming authentic connections but don’t “fake it ‘til you make it” 1:01:22 Quick-fire questions

In this special panel episode recorded in Zurich, the founders of Apricot Bio, Michael Zering (CEO), Lucas Pelkmans (Scientific Founder), and Independent Professor Andreas Wicki from the University of Zurich explore the new field of functional precision oncology—an approach that goes beyond genomics to test how living cancer cells actually respond to treatment. The conversation covers the limits of genetic diagnostics, the promise of ex vivo drug testing, AI-driven decision-making, and how smarter trial design could transform cancer care. The panel also dives into Switzerland’s biotech ecosystem, venture capital realities, and what it takes to bring high-risk, high-impact science from the lab to the clinic.00:00 – 03:30 | Introduction & Panel SetupRecorded in Zurich, this special panel episode introduces functional precision oncology and why current diagnostic paradigms are reaching their limits.03:30 – 12:00 | The Limits of Genomics in Cancer CareWhy genetic screening alone can’t capture tumor complexity, molecular heterogeneity, and real-world treatment response.12:00 – 22:00 | What Is Functional Precision Oncology?Testing patient-derived cancer cells ex vivo to understand drug response, cellular context, and therapeutic combinations.22:00 – 32:00 | “The Google Maps of the Cell” AnalogyHow contextual, real-time cellular data improves decision-making compared to static genetic snapshots.32:00 – 43:00 | Clinical Trials ReimaginedWhy traditional drug-centric trials struggle—and how diagnostic-led, patient-specific trials could change oncology research.43:00 – 53:00 | AI, Data Science & Cellular ContextHow machine learning models integrate phenotypic, spatial, and functional data to predict treatment response.53:00 – 1:03:00 | Drug Combinations & RepurposingWhy single agents often fail—and how functional testing uncovers synergistic therapies missed by standard screens.1:03:00 – 1:12:00 | Beyond Oncology: What Comes Next?Potential applications in immunology, hematology, neurology, and other diseases driven by cellular dysfunction.1:12:00 – 1:20:00 | Switzerland’s Biotech EcosystemStrengths, gaps, venture capital realities, and how Swiss innovation compares globally.1:20:00 – 1:23:00 | Founder Advice, Books & Closing ThoughtsLessons for scientist-founders, navigating tough funding environments, and recommended reading. 

Time Stamps:01:22 First spark for science  05:09 Burnout with academia & turn to activism  10:18 Who should pursue a career in science  13:31 Leaving academia for industry & biotech  17:36 Rethinking drug development timelines  22:11 “Chief drug hunter” philosophy  24:39 What makes a good drug hunter  30:42 Third Rock Ventures 35:26 Curie Bio’s model & “freeing the founders”  42:52 Forward Therapeutics case study  49:18 Founding in a tough market: mindset & practical path  56:28 Communicating your idea as a founder  59:19 Two fundamental types of discoveries1:07:32 Advice for academic founders  1:13:00 The academia–industry gap & why Curie was built  1:17:07 The single biggest mistake founders make  1:18:19 Final recommendations 

Time Stamps[00:00] Titus’s ethos of doing hard things with good people[00:43] Introduction to the Nucleate Podcast and Alexander Titus[01:22] Titus discusses his post-college pivot and solo travel through Central America [04:47] How travel philosophy maps to Titus’s career [05:56] Titus discusses his experience living in a casino and learning risk management via blackjack[12:39] Resilience and irreversible mistakes [17:12] Titus discusses his non-linear career path [20:57] Tackling hard problems: humility, small wins and amplifying others [27:05] National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) & $15B roadmap[30:53] Balancing policy and industry roles[34:42] The under-invested pillar of bio-literacy[37:50] Sci-fi novel Synthetic Eden and using fiction as a bio-ethics tool[46:36] AI, biotech risk and data-driven governance [49:04] Titus’s insights into AI in therapeutics, especially its current reality versus hype [59:39] Rapid-fire Q&A: name, favorite places, book recommendations 

Time Stamps[00:44] — Introduction to the Nucleate podcast and Mikael Dolsten.[02:42] — Mikael shares his upbringing and academic journey at Lund University, highlighting the influence of mentors.[05:46] — Transitioning from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, driven by curiosity and patient needs.[19:18] — Reflecting on the pressures and leadership style of managing thousands of scientists at Pfizer.[39:56] — Highlights of vaccine development, particularly Pfizer’s role in COVID-19 vaccines and global impact.[51:09] — Behind the scenes of developing Paxlovid during COVID-19 and Mikael’s personal connection to the pandemic.[1:05:15] — Traits Mikael looks for in founders: the value of humility, talent, and collaborative culture.[1:12:05] — How to support early-stage biotech companies while maintaining entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.[1:13:41] — Mikael’s insights into the evolving role of AI in drug discovery and precision medicine.[1:23:32] — Rapid-fire Q&A: personal reflections, career advice, and influences outside of science.

In our latest episode, we sit down with Dr. John Maraganore, the legendary founding CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and one of the most influential voices in modern therapeutics. Raised in a Greek immigrant family in Chicago, John’s journey is a rare blend of scientific obsession, business acumen, and relentless optimism. We cover his whole career journey. From his early days at Biogen, where he invented the anticoagulant bivalirudin (Angiomax), to taking a leap of faith on RNA interference when few believed it could work. He opens up about being “thrust” from the lab into the business battlefield, the serendipitous experiments that changed his career, and the near-misses that almost stopped him in his tracks. We dive into how he built Alnylam from a small startup into a company with multiple approved drugs for devastating rare diseases like TTR amyloidosis, and the leadership philosophies that kept him and his team moving forward. Along the way, John shares candid lessons for today’s founders. Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves stories of grit and discovery, this conversation will inspire you. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into innovation, failure, and the future of medicine. Time Stamps 00:32 Dr. John Maraganore is introduced as the featured guest and a leader in biotech. 00:50 Asked to explain his job to a five-year-old, his answer captures a lifetime of purpose in three words. 01:05 Growing up in a Greek immigrant family shaped more than his values—it built the mindset that would drive biotech breakthroughs. 02:44 His parents wanted a doctor. One college experiment changed everything. 04:14 Snake venom, of all things, sparked his obsession with discovery. 06:20 John shares how his biotech career began at Upjohn and Biogen, inventing bivalirudin (Angiomax), and other highlights. 10:31 He talks about property hurdles behind bivalirudin’s development. 12:57 A forced career pivot from the lab to business turned out to be the twist that defined his leadership path. 17:21 Seeing science from the business side unlocked something—an insight that later shaped how he built companies. 19:09 The genomics boom at Millennium tested his ability to turn data into real drugs—and nearly broke the field in the process. 22:25 Betting on RNA interference when almost no one believed it could work. 27:40 Ten years of trial and error later, the science finally caught up to the vision. 30:57 Behind every biotech success are make-or-break partnership calls—he shares how timing meant survival. 36:14 Balancing independence with pharma partnerships became a strategy that redefined how small biotechs grow. 39:06 John shares the criteria and reasoning behind choosing TTR amyloidosis as Alnylam’s lead rare disease program. 54:22 John shares practical advice for founders facing tough market conditions. 57:47 Talking about sleep, pizza preferences, memorable child moments, and music. 1:00:43 He recommends the best reading material on drug pricing and the biotech business. 1:01:30 Conclusion and final advice from Dr. John Maraganore.

In this episode, Allyson Berent, Chief Science Officer, Foundation For Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), shares her remarkable journey from a career in veterinary medicine to becoming a leading advocate and innovator in the field of rare disease drug development, inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis with Angelman syndrome. She recounts the challenges of obtaining an early diagnosis, the emotional impact on her family, and her determination to find solutions where none existed. Allison describes how she immersed herself in scientific research, connected with experts, and joined the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, eventually helping to launch and lead multiple initiatives aimed at accelerating the development of transformative therapies for Angelman syndrome and similar neurodevelopmental disorders.Throughout the conversation, Allison emphasizes the importance of true patient-focused drug development, sharing how her personal experience shaped her approach to building companies, running clinical trials, and fostering collaboration across the biotech ecosystem. She offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and executives, urging them to listen to patients and families, remain humble, and surround themselves with experts to address knowledge gaps. This episode highlights the profound impact that new therapies are having on patients’ lives and underscores the value of mission-driven innovation in advancing treatments for rare diseases.Time Stamps00:02 – Introduction and Allison’s upbringing and early interest in veterinary medicine.00:15 – Allison shares the story of how she decided to become a vet and her educational journey.01:34 – She discusses her career as a vet, starting a family, and her daughter’s diagnosis with Angelman syndrome.04:36 – Allison describes the early signs, medical consultations, and the process of getting a diagnosis for her daughter.11:22 – Sam and Allison discuss the challenges of delayed diagnosis and the importance of proactive care.13:01 – She shares stories from the community and changes in genetic testing practices.0:14:35 – Allison explains how she and her family responded to the diagnosis and her drive to find solutions.18:18 – She describes connecting with the foundation, joining the board, and developing a roadmap for a cure.26:15 – The process of moving from mouse model research to human clinical trials, raising funds, and starting a company.31:12 – Discussion on what true patient-driven development means and how it shaped Allison’s approach.39:07 – Allison details the journey of the company, partnership with Ultragenyx, and the impact of the acquisition.45:49 – Explanation of the accelerator model, portfolio companies, and collaborative approach to drug development.51:20 – How the accelerator shares resources and knowledge across programs and with other companies.52:24 – Quincy’s Progress and the Impact of New Therapies,participation in clinical trials, and the real-world impact on families.56:05 – Sam and Allison discuss the life-changing effects of new treatments for Angelman syndrome.58:56 – Allison offers advice on keeping the patient at the center of drug development and listening to families.1:06:13 – She shares suggestions for integrating patient stories and perspectives into company culture and meetings.1:09:14 – Final Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs: Allison emphasizes humility, gap analysis, teamwork, and resilience for those starting companies.1:11:53 – Conclusion and Thanks

 In our latest episode of the Nucleate Podcast, we sit down with Joe Horsman, Investor at Madrona VC, to explore his unique path from academic researcher to biotech operator and ultimately to venture capital. Joe shares how growing up in Seattle shaped his passion for science, why he pursued a PhD in biochemistry, and what it took to stand out when transitioning into industry. From early roles at NanoString and Stratos Genomics to the Roche acquisition, he reflects on lessons learned across startups and large companies alike. We talk about:🔹 His transition from academia to industry and the importance of differentiating a PhD resume🔹 Lessons from NanoString, Stratos Genomics, and the Roche acquisition🔹 Navigating culture shifts from startup to big pharma🔹 Madrona’s investment thesis at the life sciences–tech intersection🔹 How AI and data science are reshaping the drug development lifecycle This one’s for anyone curious about where biotech meets computer science, and what it takes to build companies that endure 

In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, Armon Sharei shares his journey from early life experiences in California, Iran, and Dubai to pursuing higher education at Stanford and MIT, ultimately leading to a career at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores his motivations to make a positive impact on the world, the transition from academia to founding his first company Squeeze: a company based on innovative cell engineering technology and the challenges of navigating the biotech industry. Armon discusses the evolution of Squeeze from a platform to a therapeutics company, the difficulties of convincing investors and industry veterans, and the high-stakes decisions that shaped the company’s fate, including a major strategic pivot and the eventual fallout with the board. The episode also delves into personal and professional lessons learned, including the impact of a cancer diagnosis, the importance of safety and quality of life in drug development, and the value of mentorship and betting on talent. After Squeeze's liquidation, Armon founded Portal Biotechnologies, applying hard-earned lessons to focus on enabling broad innovation in cell therapy through platform technology. The discussion highlights the realities of biotech entrepreneurship, the significance of resilience, and the ongoing mission to empower others in the field, all while balancing personal passions and family life. Episode Notes: 00:00- Kicking off the episode and setting the stage 02:25- Armon shares a quick overview of his journey 03:24- He reflects on growing up in California, Iran, Dubai, and the US and how it shaped his worldview 05:13- Armon talks about his early love for science and how he chose his career path 06:26- Diving into Armon’s first big ideas and research interests 08:14- Armon discusses the shift from scientist to entrepreneur 10:47- How Squeeze was born. Armon shares the story behind the tech and his PhD research 13:58- Mapping the journey: PhD, founding Squeeze, and postdoc life 18:45- Armon opens up about the challenges of being a young biotech founder and raising early funding 22:53- He explains the strategic pivot from platform tech to therapeutics 26:40- Highlighting key wins: investor interest and the Roche partnership 20:01- Armon shares the tough moments — going public, market shifts, and internal debates 34:34- Navigating board decisions, layoffs, and the fallout with Roche 36:34- Armon reflects on leaving Squeeze and the emotional toll it took 40:27- Starting Portal: Armon shares what motivated him to begin again 44:27- Armon opens up about his cancer diagnosis and how it changed his perspective 49:03- Lessons from being a patient, Armon talks about safety and quality of life in drug development 51:11- He shares broader insights on industry incentives, pricing, and systemic challenges 54:10- What makes Portal’s tech unique? Armon breaks down its competitive edge 56:57- Real-world use cases and early adopters of Portal’s platform 1:00:21- Armon discusses the long-term vision: platform-first vs. therapeutics 1:03:49- Armon highlights the importance of mentorship and betting on talent 1:09:33- He talks about balancing work, life, and personal passions

In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, we are joined by Prof. Dr. Dominik Rüttinger — oncological surgeon, MD/PhD, and Global Head of Research & Early Development Oncology at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. We talk about his journey from the operating room to biotech startups and global pharma leadership, navigating a 10% success rate in oncology drug development, building unbiased decision frameworks for high-stakes calls, the realistic role of AI in drug discovery and clinical trials, balancing quality of life versus longevity in cancer treatment, and his vision for the future of prevention, early detection, and personalized medicine. Whether you’re a scientist, innovator, or leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about risk, decision-making, and impact in healthcare.  Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Dominik talks about his childhood, family background, and early influences that led him toward science 04:45 Dominik explains his decision to pursue both medicine and science, describing how his medical school and PhD experiences overlapped 07:30 Offering early career advice, Dominik talks about the importance of aiming high, questioning the status quo, and embracing a bit of naivete 11:06 Dominik discusses why he chose oncology and how interdisciplinary training shaped his career 16:45 Dominik describes his transition from academia to industry, sharing his motivations and the decision-making process behind the move 20:02 Reflecting on his adjustment to industry, Dominik highlights the differences in work environment and expectations compared to academia 23:33 Dominik provides practical tips for others transitioning from academia to industry, emphasizing humility and the value of building a diverse “toolbox” of skills 28:01 Dominik talks about moving from a startup to a large company, and how his responsibilities shifted to managing a broader portfolio 33:28 Dominik describes what his daily life looks like as a portfolio leader in oncology R&D and the types of decisions he makes regularly 37:24 Dominik delves into the challenges of decision-making in drug development, discussing success rates and the importance of a “10% mindset.” 39:27 Dominik explains the impact of biases in drug development and how organizations use frameworks to make more objective decisions 42:46 Dominik shares his perspective on the role of AI in drug development and how it can support better decision-making 47:02 Dominik discusses the use of AI in clinical trials and considers whether it can make development faster and less expensive 51:46 Drawing on his clinical experience, Dominik talks about patient care and patient perspectives, especially the balance between quality of life and longevity in cancer treatment 55:38 Dominik looks to the future of cancer prevention, early detection, and prediction, and how these areas might evolve

In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, Armand Cognetta, founder and CEO of General Proximity, shares his compelling journey from a directionless college student to a biotech entrepreneur. Drawing from personal experiences of academic struggles and scientific curiosity, Armand discusses how his passion for chemical biology and small molecule drug discovery led him to create a groundbreaking proximity therapeutics platform. He candidly explores the challenges of startup life, including early fundraising difficulties, imposter syndrome, and the critical importance of persistence, grit, and maintaining a high bar for talent. Throughout the conversation, Armand emphasizes the value of working on ambitious, world-changing ideas, the power of proximity in biological systems, and the need for founders to stay focused, resilient, and mission-driven. His story is a testament to the transformative potential of scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, offering inspiration for young scientists and aspiring founders navigating the complex landscape of biotech startups.Time Stamps00:00 – Intro 03:12 – Growing up in northern Florida 06:44 – Taking a year off college due to poor grades 07:05 – A transformative internship experience 08:33 – Paul Graham’s blog & early obsession with tech 11:25 – Learning persistence through failure 20:06 – How to generate and evaluate startup ideas 36:02 – What is General Proximity? 53:15 – Impostor syndrome & early founder struggles 1:02:00 – How past failures prepared him 1:05:53 – Recruiting and retaining talent in startups 1:09:57 – Biotech vs. tech: hiring challenges 1:16:28 – Building an effective advisory board 1:19:46 – Advice for aspiring founder-scientists 1:22:00 – Final thoughts on entrepreneurship & ambition

From science to startup: real talk on biotech founding paths. For many early-stage biotech founders, that’s where the real challenge begins—and that’s where Persephoni Bio Partners comes in. In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, Hillary Schultz and Dr. William Heath share how their unique journeys from clinical medicine and pharmaceutical R&D to early-stage investing led them to co-found Persephoni Bio, a venture studio focused on transforming breakthrough science into scalable biotech companies. Hillary and William reveal the most overlooked reasons biotech startups struggle, highlighting that success often hinges more on the team than the technology. They offer candid insights into IP strategy, founder dynamics, and patient-centered development, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.For anyone navigating the next step after Nucleate, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for building biotech that lasts! Time StampsPersonal Background and Motivation: 0:03:40 - Hillary discusses her early passion for heathcare and impact0:07:07 - William explains his journey into science, starting from childhoodNucleate Experience: 0:14:12 - Hillary's advice on making the most of Nucleate0:16:45 - William's perspective on Nucleate's valuePersephoni Bio Partners:0:26:09 - Hillary explains the founding of Persephoni0:28:56 - William discusses the mission of supporting early-stage biotechIP and Technical Challenges:0:47:48 - Discussion on IP strategies for startups0:57:11 - Technical challenges in biotech development0:58:39 - Importance of understanding patient needsEntrepreneurship Advice:1:02:11 - Advice for Nucleate Activator program graduates1:05:00 - Discussing entrepreneurial mindset and resilience1:07:24 - Embracing failure as a learning opportunityPersonal Balance: 1:10:47 - Hillary and William discuss work-life balance1:13:47 - Importance of team dynamics in success

Follow us at https://signal.nucleate.xyz0:03:41 - Dr. Pao discusses losing his father to colon cancer at age 13, which motivated his career in medicine0:05:30 - Describes his early academic training, including his PhD work on Gamma Delta T cells0:09:54 - Begins discussing the EGFR mutation discovery in lung cancer research 0:13:16 - Shares the story of being "scooped" by other researchers when publishing his EGFR mutation findings0:32:44 - Starts discussing his book "Breakthrough: The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines"0:42:35 - Tells the serendipitous story of Tylenol's discovery0:58:38 - Begins discussing entrepreneurship and decision-making in drug development1:04:29 - Talks about starting his own company, Revelio Therapeutics1:11:28 - Discusses future trends in medical research and potential breakthrough areas1:15:52 - Offers final advice about resilience for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists These timestamps highlight key moments in the conversation about Dr. Pao's career, research, book, and insights into medical innovation.

Follow us at https://signal.nucleate.xyz/[0:00] Peter begins by discussing his upbringing in a New Zealand university town.[2:39] He realizes he is not suited for bench work during his PhD and discovers a passion for computational analysis.[4:30] Campbell joins the Sanger Institute and participates in one of the first cancer genome sequencing projects using new technology.[8:00] He describes the revolutionary period of cancer genomics from 2008 to 2015, systematically exploring genetic changes in cancers.[12:32] Campbell shifts research focus to studying mutations in normal tissues across different organ systems.[13:44] Flagship Pioneering reaches out to discuss the potential clinical relevance of their research.[14:56] He co-founds Quotient Therapeutics with Flagship Pioneering to explore therapeutic applications of somatic mutation research.[20:39] Campbell explains the evolutionary process of mutations in cells, comparing it to natural selection.[26:49] He discusses the incredible genetic diversity within a single individual's cell populations.[35:12] The conversation explores the potential for personalized medicine based on genetic mutation analysis.[39:55] Campbell explains how cells adapt to environmental changes and potentially revert mutations when pressures are removed.[49:29] He describes Quotient's approach to identifying and potentially targeting specific mutations.[58:47] Campbell discusses the partnership with Pfizer in cardiovascular and renal disease research.[1:08:01] He compares the differences between academic and startup research environments.[1:15:39] Campbell offers final advice for entrepreneurs transitioning from academia to startups.

Follow us at signal.nucleate.xyz2:23 Raj describes growing up in India as a land of hustlers and the importance of being aggressive to advance oneself.6:37 Discusses the challenges of the current biotech funding environment and the importance of being capital efficient.11:17 Explains his career transition from large pharma to biotech, highlighting his ability to translate breakthrough science into products.21:11 Describes founding Rectify Pharmaceuticals and building a platform for positive functional modulators targeting membrane proteins.25:08 Explains the company's pivot to focusing on hepatobiliary diseases, particularly primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).33:00 Emphasizes the importance of relationships, mentorship, and getting feedback from various stakeholders in building a successful biotech company.56:46 Discusses how they initially vetted the Rectify platform by extensively researching ABC transporters and developing screening assays. 1:05:21 Highlights the courage to explore broader applications of their platform beyond rare monogenic diseases.1:12:44 Provides final advice for entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of having a detailed plan, being realistic, and building a strong founding team.

In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, Aikium co-founder and CEO Eswar Iyer joins host Anastasia Janas to explore how drug discovery can move beyond structured targets to engage the disordered proteome. Aikium is developing SeqRs, programmable, sequence-specific binders that can selectively target intrinsically disordered regions of proteins, unlocking new therapeutic possibilities in cancer, neuroinflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Built using generative AI and screened with a proprietary trillion-scale mRNA display system, Aikium’s platform challenges the traditional assumptions of druggability and expands the therapeutic landscape into areas once considered inaccessible.Beyond the science, Eswar reflects on the emotional realities of building a company at the frontier of biology, sharing lessons on believing in an idea before the world is ready, navigating failure and doubt, and sustaining conviction when there is no established path forward. If you are interested in the future of therapeutics, the evolution of protein engineering, or the personal journey behind pioneering biotech startups, this conversation offers a rare and honest perspective.

In this episode, Anastasia Janas and Paula Lengerke Diaz sit down with Dr. Uli Stilz, Head of the Bio Innovation Hub (BIH) at Novo Nordisk, to explore how strategic partnerships and emerging technologies are redefining the future of drug discovery. Uli reflects on his journey from chemistry and molecular biology to biopharma leadership, and shares how the BIH is accelerating breakthroughs in cardiometabolic diseases using emerging modalities like RNA editing, AI-guided drug discovery, and partnership-first science.Whether you’re an aspiring innovator, translational researcher, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers a candid masterclass in how bold ideas get translated into impact — especially in the space of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.Show Notes0:00 - 02:20: Uli’s early fascination with science (and a chemistry set mishap at home)02:20 - 05:15: Transitioning from chemistry to biology to biophysics — and why it mattered05:15 - 09:45: The value of speaking multiple “scientific languages”09:45 - 13:00: Why Uli left academia for pharma, and what drove that leap13:00 - 17:30: Founding the Bio Innovation Hub (BIH) at Novo Nordisk17:30 - 20:00: Three big questions BIH is trying to solve in cardiometabolic disease20:00 - 24:30: How programmable RNA editing is being applied to drug discovery24:30 - 28:00: Why BIH funds early science without contracts — the Greenhouse model28:00 - 33:00: How AI, human biology, and subtyping diabetes open new possibilities33:00 - 36:30: What makes small biotechs a “superpower” in R&D36:30 - 41:00: The role of trust, creativity, and iteration in building partnerships41:00 - 45:20: Advice for young scientists: embrace discomfort, follow curiosity45:20 - 49:30: What excites Uli most? The unknown. “I’m most excited about the things I don’t know today.”

In this episode of the Nucleate Podcast, Anastasia Janas sits down with Shelby Newsad, Partner at Compound VC, shares her journey from a small town in Appalachia to investing in some of the most transformative technologies shaping biotech and beyond. Starting as a first-generation college student with a pre-med background, she realized that commercialization is key to translating scientific research into real-world impact.Shelby discusses her work at Compound, a thesis-driven, research-centric venture firm investing across AI, robotics, crypto, and biotech. She explains how Compound builds deep expertise in emerging fields — developing theses, connecting with researchers, and creating ecosystems around transformational areas — to become the highest-context investors for early-stage companies. When critical gaps in the market appear, Compound even incubates companies themselves, such as in plant engineering for high-value, lower-regulation products.The conversation dives into emerging trends like autonomous science, science-driven consumer products, biohacking, and proactive healthcare. Shelby highlights the importance of individual health data ownership, the potential for brain modulation technologies, and why bold, contrarian founders are key to the future of biotech. She shares her optimism for the future, from conservation tech to cancer prevention, and invites listeners to think bigger, move earlier, and reach out with innovative ideas — and to get involved with Compound’s upcoming Research Days in San Francisco.Time Stamps00:04 - 00:27: Introduction about research days in San Francisco00:27 - 01:11: Intro about Shelby 01:11 - 03:06: Shelby’s background and fascination for science 03:06 - 10:54: Discussion about translation from academia to real-world products0:10:54 - 21:12: Compound's investment approach & what makes a good thesis 21:12 - 24:15: Compound’s incubation model 24:15 - 30:06: What Shelby looks for when meeting founders30:06 -37:06: Conversation about biohacking and medical perspectives37:06 - 40:09: Discussion about potential future technologies40:09 - 41:32: Contact information and upcoming research days41:32 - 45:32: Closing thoughts about scientific optimismFInd more about the Podcast at the Signal Website

Follow us here https://signal.nucleate.xyz/02:16 - Dave discusses his early career path and how he got into science 04:41 - Dave’s work on the Human Genome Project 13:38 - Founding Cofactor Genomics16:42 - Discussing Pioneer Fund and its investment approach 48:58 - Thoughts on AI in health and biology 58:27 - Advice for founders in the current challenging funding environment 1:09:04 - How Pioneer Fund makes investment decisions 1:14:16 - Most difficult advice for entrepreneurs 1:16:47 - Final advice for founders: "Just go do it"

Follow us https://signal.nucleate.xyz/Apply to the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program in Chicago with the CBC open from March 20-May 2,2025! https://chicagobiomedicalconsortium.org/awards/entrepreneurial-fellows/In our latest podcast, hosted by Sam Kessel, Dr. Michelle Hoffmann discusses her unique journey from a PhD in molecular neuroscience PhD to a biotech consultant, and how her experiences shaped her passion for developing future leaders in the biotech industry in Chicago.Dr. Hoffmann’s career path took her from academia to consulting, including a decade at Back Bay Life Science Advisors, where she used her scientific expertise to help biotech companies optimize their product strategies, secure funding, and build the biotech ecosystem via the Chicago Biomedical Consortium. She also discussed the Entrepreneurial Fellows program to train aspiring biomedical entrepreneurs in due diligence and company building within the Chicago ecosystem

Follow us on https://signal.nucleate.xyz/04:14 - Dr. Stehman-Breen discusses her decision to pursue a career in medicine.05:49 - Dr. Stehman-Breen explains her specialty choice in internal medicine and nephrology.08:09 - Skills and mindset that prepared Catherine for a career in industry.13:53 - The critical impact that physicians can have in biotech19:03 - Overview of epigenetic editing and Chroma Medicine's approach.0:28:22 - Early days of building Chroma Medicine from the ground up.0:38:22 - Merger with NVelop Therapeutics and future directions.0:44:22 - Dr. Stehman-Breen offers advice for entrepreneurs and the value of an Entrepreneur in Residence role.0:49:22 - Balancing her demanding career with personal hobbies and interests.

Follow us at https://signal.nucleate.xyz/02:18 - Eric Kelsic's background in physics and systems biology and how it shaped his approach to biological problems03:57 - Differences in problem-solving between Kelsic's physics/systems biology background and traditional biology backgrounds06:27 - Learning from working with George Church and his lab's approach to fostering innovation10:02 - George Church's openness to exploring ideas12:02 - How Kelsic's experience in George Church's lab led him to start Dyno Therapeutics19:55 - Kelsic's process of validating the problem of AAV gene delivery and deciding to found a company24:36 - Leveraging resources like Harvard, the Wyss Institute, and Lab Central in Dyno's early days28:17 - Overview of AAV gene therapy and Dyno's machine learning-guided approach to engineering improved capsids38:17 - Kelsic's perspective on partnerships and Dyno's collaborations with industry leaders41:02 - Kelsic's vision for the future of Dyno and the potential impact of gene therapy

Follow us on  https://signal.nucleate.xyz/Peter Barrett discussed his career journey, from starting in a technical role at Perkin Elmer to co-founding Celera Genomics and being part of the team that first sequenced the human genome. He then transitioned to venture capital, joining Atlas Venture, where he has focused on building and investing in innovative therapeutic and drug discovery companies. He shared insights on Atlas' approach, including their focus on targeted, therapeutics-only funds, their emphasis on diligence and de-risking early stage science, and their willingness to celebrate failures and redeploy talented founders. He also discussed Atlas' strategy of identifying platform technologies with broad applicability, like the cell therapy platform at Obsidian Therapeutics. He gives tips to founders to celebrate failures to learn from them and the importance of honesty and transparency rather than “faking it ‘til you make it”02:42 - Peter discusses lessons from his early career at Perkin Elmer and transitioning from a technical to business role07:57 - Peter talks about co-founding Celera Genomics and the experience of sequencing the human genome14:41 - Peter describes his transition from Celera to venture capital at Atlas Venture18:03 - Peter discusses learning about the drug development process and relying on expertise when making investment decisions21:09 - Peter emphasizes the importance of "celebrating failures" and making informed decisions to avoid wasting time26:37 - Peter explains Atlas Venture's investment strategy and approach during market downturns29:30 - Peter discusses identifying platform technologies and de-risking early stage science41:07 - Peter provides advice for entrepreneurs and reflects on balancing career and personal life

Follow the Nucleate Podcast on our website: https://signal.nucleate.xyz/Jake Becraft, the co-founder and CEO of Strand Therapeutics, discusses his journey from pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering and synthetic biology at MIT to starting a biotech company focused on developing programmable mRNA therapeutics.At MIT, he worked on developing nanoparticles for DNA delivery and became interested in the challenges of mRNA delivery and therapeutic index. This led him to co-found Strand to engineer mRNA to amplify its signal in target cells while degrading quickly in non-target cells.Becraft discusses the importance of finding mentors and advisors, like his PhD advisor Ron Weiss, to help navigate starting a company as a graduate student. He emphasizes the need for more formalized programs and funding to support scientists in translating their research.Key skills he recommends for scientists interested in the business side include strong communication, the ability to build coalitions, and understanding the principles and goals that drive you rather than just pursuing a specific career path.

The Vagina Business, by Dr Marina Gerner, covers key issues in women's health and the novel solutions in development to address them. The book has already been getting attention with grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and The Society of Authors. Kirkus Reviews has praised the book as "energetic, thoroughly engaging reading" and emphasized its potential to improve women's health outcomes worldwide. It has also been recommended as a must-read business book by the Financial Times.As a journalist, Marina has written about books and arts, as well as finance and tech for over a decade. Her range of expertise has led to Marina being called "a Renaissance woman of the modern age." ​Marina has won several awards and written for The Economist, Jewish Chronicle, Guardian, Financial Times, Wired, the Times Literary Supplement, The Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She has been a contributing editor at The Sunday Times Raconteur, the i newspaper and MoneyWeek.Before that she was a Staff Writer at Money Observer, where she wrote a column called “Marina’s Imaginary Millions.”​ She is an Adjunct Professor of Commerce & Culture at the NYU Stern School of Business (on their London campus) and she has a PhD from the London School of Economics, which was funded by merit-based scholarships.​Show Notes:00:00 Dr. Gerner discusses her background as a refugee from Ukraine and how that has influenced her journalism and focus on women's health innovation.02:40 Dr.Gerner explains how her dual backgrounds in journalism and academia prepared her to write "The Vagina Business" and the challenges she faced with the provocative title.08:24 Dr. Gerner describes the specific events and stories that inspired her to write the book, including learning about gender differences in heart attack symptoms and the lack of innovation in women's health.14:18 Discussion of the business case and broader societal benefits of investing more in women's health innovation.16:53 Dr. Gerner talks about uncovering taboos around women's health issues and the need to challenge normalized biases and pain tolerance for women.21:01 Examination of the gaps in sex-disaggregated research and sex education, and the role the femtech industry can play in addressing these issues.25:38 Exploration of how a family-integrated approach to women's health, as seen in the Saathealth app example, could be applied more broadly, and the importance of engaging men as allies in the women's health movement.

00:53 Michael discusses his background and inspirations for pursuing an intersectional career in biotech investing and film-making6:24 Michael shares about taking time away from college to backpack in places like Fiji and New Zealand, and how that impacted his personal growth 12:43 Michael reflects on his experience at Pear Therapeutics, including lessons learned about business model risk and bridging different teams16:26 Michael discusses how his Pear experience influenced his approach to investing in tech bio companies at Gold/Silver VC19:49 Michael talks about starting a new fund, TRX Capital, and the focus areas they will be investing in21:54 Michael shares his perspective on the importance of storytelling in entrepreneurship and investing, and provides tips for effective storytelling

In this episode, Anastasia Janas interviews Leo Grady, founder and CEO of Jona. With over 20 years in AI and healthcare, Leo has made a profound impact on the field, including leading the development of the first FDA-approved AI system in pathology at Paige.AI. Together, they dive into the journey that led him to create Jona, a company focused on using AI to analyze the gut microbiome for personalized health insights.Leo shares his thoughts on AI's role in healthcare today, from emerging trends to its transformative potential in improving patient outcomes. Drawing on his own experience building Jona, he offers practical advice for those looking to enter healthcare AI, touching on the unique challenges and opportunities in biotech. With over 100 peer-reviewed papers and 300 patents to his name, Leo’s contributions to AI-driven healthcare are significant. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the future of healthcare innovation!Episode Notes:Leo's background and experiences in the medical AI space [00:00]Founding of Jona: personal story [03:30]Science behind Jona [07:30]AI in healthcare: ethical considerations, problems & potential [29:30]Potential of AI in medical practice: case study with Paige.AI [36:00]Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs [42:30]

In this episode, Sam Kessel and Anastasia Janas interview Luke Timmerman, an award-winning biotech journalist and founder of the Timmerman Report, as well as host of The Long Run Podcast. They explore Luke's non-traditional background, his curiosity, and his openness to learning, which shaped his journey to becoming a prominent figure in the biotech space. Luke shares insights into his career, discussing his book Hood, the founding of the Timmerman Report, and his podcast. He also offers his perspective on the key qualities of biotech founders and VCs, the importance of diversity, and how to unlock individuals' full potential. Additionally, Luke discusses his passion for mountaineering and how he combined it with his work, creating the Timmerman Traverse, a series of fundraising expeditions that have raised over $12M for causes such as cancer, poverty, and sickle cell disease.Episode Notes:2:05 Luke's upbringing and early influences5:40 Path to journalism and early career after university10:45 Transition to biotech journalism and key lessons16:00 Book “Hood” 20:55 Founding the Timmerman Report25:40 Launching The Long Run podcast30:05 Future projects outlook32:00 Traits of a successful biotech founder 37:05 Role of VCs in biotech innovation40:05 Luke's perspective on AI in drug discovery45:50 Launching the Timmerman Traverse, blending passion for mountaineering, biotech journalism and philanthropy52:00 The importance of diversity and strategies to promote it

In this episode, Sam Kessel speaks with Irene Blat, Senior Director for Search and Evaluation at Servier. Dr Blat discusses her lifelong fascination with science and inspiration to take her Oncology studies to industry to develop new therapies for patients. She discussed the intersection of science and business in Search and Evaluation identifying promising technologies. She talks about the key aspects of early-stage biotechs she evaluates for partnerships with Servier and the emphasis on the patient experience at every stage of the R&D process. Dr Blat also touches how the biotech industry can improve in diversity and how she has integrated her work and family life together.0:50 Irene's background and path to biomedical sciences career 1:45 Transition from academia to industry during PhD 4:40 Advice for those considering industry careers 7:20 Irene's role in oncology team: bridging science and business 13:03 Servier's vision and support for early-stage biotechs 19:00 Guidance for entrepreneurs interested in Servier's programs 21:30 Irene's most rewarding experience at Servier 23:45 Future plans for Servier's early-stage biotech partnerships 25:30 Significant biotech trends with long-term impact 28:50 Mentors and their influence on Irene's career 32:10 Improving industry support for underrepresented minorities in biotech 36:00 Balancing family life with a demanding career

0:00 Background and inspiration for pursuing a career in Biotech5:10 Pivoting from academia to industry 8:30 Growth in industry from a scientist role into business development 16:15 The inspirational mission and vision for Bayer Co-lab to support early stage entrepreneurs20:30 Fiona’s role at Bayer Co-lab24:15 Fiona’s advice for entrepreneurs applying for the Co-lab29:00 Fiona’s view on trends in Biotechnology34:00 Discussing diversity in biotech and ways to improve representation

Part 2Using TikTok to develop scientific communication skills [0:00]Advice for entrepreneurs starting a company [6:00]Guardian's Series A Fundraise and how they are navigating VC Fundraising [10:30]The long-term vision of Guardian Bio for novel cell therapies treating [14:30]The importance of Diversity in Biotech [17:20]Exciting trends in Biotech that Ananya and Ricky are following [25:40]Passions outside of biotech and staying centered with a busy career [30:30]

Origin Stories and path to Biotech [00:00]Taking the leap to entrepreneurship [07:30]The formation story of Guardian Bio [20:25]The methodical process Ananya used to identify a co-founder [26:00]The core thesis of Guardian Bio- Dendritic Cells for Solid Tumors [29:00]The key pivots Guardian made early on [34:15]

Check out Episode 8 of the Nucleate Podcast. We were honored to have Sean McClain, the founder and CEO of AbSci speak about generative AI for developing novel therapies. The potential to accelerate development of therapies for patients is astronomical.

[02:15] Bobby Gaspar’s background[05:10] The science of haematopoietic stem cell therapy[12:30] Spinning out Orchard Therapeutics[21:15] Reverse partnerships with pharma[25:55] Balancing regulatory compliance and innovation[29:45] Value based payments [35:15] Recent approval of Casgevy and gene therapy regulation[39:45] Failures in a biotech’s journey[43:00] Impact and meaning in therapeutics companies

On this episode of the podcast, Signal hosts Michael Retchin and Ursule Demael interview Prof. Lee Cronin from Chemify. Lee Cronin is a Professor at the University of Glasgow, where he leads a research group focused on digital chemistry, automating chemical synthesis and origin of life. Lee Cronin is also the co-founder and CEO of Chemify, a startup advancing digitization and robotics for chemistry. In this episode, we discuss the idea of building a search engine for chemistry, the founding story of Chemify, and important differences between running an academic lab and a successful Series A stage startup. Lee Cronin shares how unique aspects of his personality and persistence were critical to build Chemify. Lee Cronin is an outspoken scientist, who is active on Twitter and has appeared on the Lex Fridman podcast, making for a fascinating and engaging episode!

Trevor talks about his inspirations for his career path [1:22]How to choose his PhD advisor and lab [3:51]Career trajectory, handling moments of uncertainty, and learning from mistakes [9:56]Trevor discovered a niche at the intersection of biology, physics, and computer science [11:54]Mammoth is uniquely positioned as an innovative science-focused company that delivers for patients [18:36]Trevor's key leadership advice he has learned as a CEO [24:43]CRISPR technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare [27:55]

Show NotesTony's career foundations as an academic scientist at MIT and early inspiration for entrepreneurship  [0:43]Engaging in entrepreneurial groups shaped Tony's early career [07:10]Tony's inspiration to co-found Petri [11:38]Pillar is rethinking the approach to biotech investing [25:21]Pillar's investment thesis [30:34]Tony's advice to a PhD student who is considering industry and entrepreneurship [35:59]

What sparked Dr. Goodman’s interest in biotech (0:00)Deciding to pivot from academia to venture capital (3:45)Failing fast and applying that mindset to science (9:44)Transitioning from academia to a start up (14:44)Advice for aspiring technical founders (20:03)Becoming an investor at MPM Capital (30:24)MPM’s investment thesis in oncology. (40:14)

Introducing Nucleate Signal, a celebration of the next generation of biotech leaders. In this episode, host Emmanuella Nnuji-John is joined by guest Cheri Ackerman, the co-founder and CEO of Concerto Bioscience.

In this episode, host Jingyi Liu and Sam Kessel are joined by guest Martin-Immanuel Bittner, the co-founder and CEO of Arctoris.