Base to Base Biotech

This week, we have a conversation with congenital myotonic dystrophy patient advocacy consultant Lisa Harvey-Duren, who was the founding Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation executive director in 2008, and Michael Snape, CEO and CSO of AMO Pharma, which is developing a treatment for the disease.AMO PharmaAMO Pharma is a clinical-stage specialty biopharmaceutical company working to identify and advance promising therapies for the treatment of serious and debilitating diseases in patient populations with significant areas of unmet need, including rare and severe childhood onset neurogenetic disorders with limited or no treatment options.In addition to developing AMO-02 for congenital myotonic dystrophy, the company is also progressing AMO-02 as a clinical stage treatment for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.AMO-01 is being investigated for treatment of Phelan-McDermid syndrome and AMO-04 as a clinic-ready potential medicine for Rett syndrome and related disorders.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, our conversations are with Uwe Diegel, CEO of Lifeina, about their cooling technologies, and with Dirk Beher, CEO of FundaMental Pharma, about treatment resistant depression.Times:02:37 FundaMental Pharma23:56 LifeinaFundaMentalFundaMental Pharma is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for treatment‑resistant depression (TRD).The company’s platform centres on proprietary dual‑acting modulators of the N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate receptor (NMDAR). These molecules simultaneously disrupt the pathological complex formed between NMDAR and the TRPM4 ion channel, while also acting as potent NMDAR antagonists. This dual mechanism is designed to intervene upstream in the neurobiological processes associated with excitotoxicity and impaired neuronal signalling, offering a differentiated strategy compared with existing antidepressant classes.FMP374 is the company’s lead candidate and has demonstrated strong antidepressant‑like effects at low nanomolar concentrations in preclinical proof‑of‑concept studies. Importantly, these studies have not shown dissociation‑related behaviours, ataxia or hyperactivity at efficacious doses, supporting the potential for an at‑home therapeutic profile. The molecule is orally bioavailable and is progressing toward IND‑enabling studies.The company’s goal is to deliver new therapeutic options for patients with severe unmet medical needs, where current treatments often fail to provide adequate relief.LifeinaLifeina is a French health‑tech company focused on portable, connected medical‑device solutions for people who rely on temperature‑sensitive medications. Its flagship product, LifeinaBox, is a compact, battery‑powered mini‑fridge designed to keep biologics such as insulin, growth hormones and certain injectable therapies within a safe temperature range during travel or daily use.The device pairs with a mobile app that monitors temperature, battery status and usage patterns, providing alerts if the medication is at risk.The company positions its technology as a way to give patients greater independence and mobility. Lifeina works with patient groups, clinicians and pharmaceutical partners to refine its devices and expand compatibility with a wider range of biologic medicines.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, our conversations are with Bruce Leuchter, co-founder, president, CEO of Neurvati Neurosciences and GRIN Therapeutics; and Daniel Vitt, CEO of Immunic.Times:02:54 Immunic24:04 Neurvati Neurosciences/GRIN TherapeuticsGRIN TherapeuticsGRIN Therapeutics Inc. is dedicated to the research and development of precision therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal of bringing hope to patients and caregivers.In 2024, GRIN Therapeutics reported promising topline data from a phase 1b/2a clinical trial evaluating investigational radiprodil in GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD) in patients with gain-of-function variants, leading to the decision to advance to the global pivotal phase 3 Beeline trial.The company has an additional ongoing clinical trial to evaluate radiprodil for the potential treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII). GRIN Therapeutics is an affiliate of Neurvati Neurosciences.ImmunicImmunic Inc. is a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases. The company’s lead development programme, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is currently in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, for which top-line data is expected to be available by the end of 2026. It has already shown therapeutic activity in phase 2 clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, progressive multiple sclerosis and other diseases. Vidofludimus calcium combines neuroprotective effects, through its mechanism as a first-in-class nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) activator, with additional anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, by selectively inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).The company’s development pipeline also includes earlier-stage programmes, including IMU-856 and IMU-381, aimed at building a broader therapeutics platform addressing neurodegenerative, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune-related diseases.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, our conversations are with Steve Perrin, president and CSO of Eledon Pharmaceuticals, and Jason Bock, CEO and co-founder of CTMC.Times:03:18 CTMC35:46 Eledon PharmaceuticalsCTMCCTMC is a joint venture between Resilience and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. It works like an internal manufacturing group, adapting to change in real time without charge ups and allowing for better control as a company develops their research process. With all of the resources in one circular supply chain (patients, clinicians, manufacturing, and regulatory), CTMC is executing the manufacturing and analytical processes while also supporting active engagement with MD Anderson, preparing to launch trials as soon as the FDA approves an IND.CTMC provides biotech partners with access to MD Anderson's clinical trial network, allowing therapies to be tested in patients without the biotech having to coordinate the trials themselves.The recent Link announcement of $60m Series A financing led by Johnson & Johnson highlights the success of the partnership between CTMC and Link for advancing the development of CAR T therapies for solid tumours into the clinical stage.Eledon PharmaceuticalsThere are major challenges in transplantation, such as a global donor organ shortage and patients often needing repeat transplants.Eledon Pharmaceuticals is the only company developing an immunosuppression drug that targets the CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway in organ transplantation – a well-validated immune system communication pathway. This anti-CD40L antibody aims to reduce or eliminate the toxicities associated with today's standard of care drugs and help organs last longer, which may also free up organs for new patients, reduce repeat transplants, and help alleviate the global donor organ shortage.Eledon plans to move into a phase 3 trial in kidney transplantation this year after discussions with the FDA.The company is also active in islet cell transplants resulting in insulin independence in patients with previously near-uncontrollable type 1 diabetes.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, because April 11 is World Parkinson’s Day, we chat with Dieter Willbold, CSO of Priavoid, and Antje Willuweit, director preclinical development of Priavoid, and Karsten Eastman, CEO and co-founder of Sethera Therapeutics, about the company’s work on peptides.Times:02:52 Sethera Therapeutics22:35 PriavoidPriavoidPriavoid, a company advancing novel disease-modifying approaches for neurodegenerative disorders, recently presented preclinical proof-of-concept data for its candidate PRI-101 in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. The results show that PRI-101 inhibited aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) and actively disassembled α-syn-fibrils across in vitro and in vivo models relevant to PD. α-syn aggregates play a key role in the disease pathology of Parkinson’s, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and other synucleinopathies.In PD mouse models, PRI-101 was associated with prolonged median survival versus placebo. Short- and long-term treatment also led to a dose-dependent reduction of α-syn aggregates in the brain, accompanied by significant improvements in behavioural performance.PRI-101 is orally available all-d-peptide candidate based on Priavoid’s proprietary detangler platform. By binding to α-syn, PRI-101 aims to promote the conversion of the toxic and self-replicating neurodegenerative aggregates back towards native, non-toxic α-syn-monomers, thereby counteracting disease-driving aggregation processes.Sethera TherapeuticsA team of researchers from the University of Utah and Sethera Therapeutics have uncovered a new way to build more stable and drug-like peptides, opening the door to medicines that could target diseases long considered “undruggable.”The team studied a natural enzyme, PapB, that can ‘staple’ peptides into circular structures known as macrocycles. What makes PapB so unusual is that it combines flexibility and precision: it works on many different building blocks—including those that biology usually rejects—yet still creates a single, predictable bond. In a single gentle step, it transforms linear peptides into sturdy, ring-shaped molecules that are more stable, more resistant to degradation, and better suited for drug development.Many peptide drugs are stabilized with disulfide bonds, which break down in the body, or rely on complicated, costly, and time-consuming chemical methods to achieve the same effect.PapB streamlines the process, creating durable “stapled” peptides that drug developers can program with unprecedented ease. This opens vast new chemical space for peptide medicines, including scaffolds associated with better cell penetration and oral dosing—two qualities essential for advancing peptide therapeutics.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

On this week’s episode, as April 2 is World Autism Day, we have a conversation with Manish Arora, CEO of LinusBio, on its test that can rule out if someone has autism, and we talk to Thomas Kledal, CEO of Synklino, about improving kidney transplantation outcomes through better cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention.Times:03:18 LinusBio35:43 SynklinoLinusBioLinusBio has expanded access to its ClearStrand ASD test, the first non-invasive biochemical tool to rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for children up to age 10. The limit was previously four years of age).Using only a strand of hair, the CLIA-certified test offers 90% sensitivity to aid early diagnosis. It is available by prescription in 49 US states.The test uses laser-based robotics to analyse biological, metabolic, and molecular patterns, and has 90% sensitivity and 95% negative predictive value for ruling out ASD.SynklinoSynklino A/S is a Danish biotechnology company pioneering transformative therapies to improve kidney transplantation outcomes through better cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention.Preclinical data demonstrate greater than 90% reduction in CMV reactivation from latency, establishing proof-of-concept for SYN002 in human kidneys.The company recently published a preclinical study – Inhibition of cytomegalovirus reactivation by ex vivo treatment of human kidneys with the SYN002 immunotoxin – in the American Journal of Transplantation.Regulatory clearance has been granted by both UK MHRA and Health Canada for a phase 1 clinical trial of SYN002, with the Canadian study to be conducted independently by Atul Humar at UHN, Toronto.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

On this week’s episode, we chat with Hans Eriksson, chief medical officer (CMO) of HMNC Brain Health, about ketamine and treatment-resistant depression, and with Krishna Polu, CEO, president and co-founder of new kidney health biotech company R1 Therapeutics.Times:03:57 HMNC Brain Health29:47 R1 TherapeuticsHMNC Brain HealthHMNC Brain Health is a Munich-based clinical-stage biopharma company developing personalised treatments for depression. It has a phase 2 programme using oral, non-dissociative ketamine to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD).The Ketabon programme, a joint venture between HMNC Brain Health and Develco Pharma, features an oral prolonged-release formulation of ketamine (KET01) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with minimal dissociative side effects. This approach aims to make ketamine treatment suitable for use at home, potentially improving the risk profile and patient convenience compared to existing intravenous and intranasal ketamine therapies.The development of oral prolonged-release ketamine could also extend to other indications beyond depression, such as anxiety, aggression, PTSD, and panic disorder.Prior to HMNC, Eriksson was CMO at COMPASS Pathways and was senior director of clinical research at Lundbeck, as well as medical science director at AstraZeneca. He has led five clinical programmes in depression, three of which have resulted in regulatory approvals.R1 TherapeuticsR1 Therapeutics is a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of first-in-class therapies for patients with kidney disease.The company recently announced its launch – during National Kidney Month – with an oversubscribed $77.5m Series A financing, along with the exclusive global license to develop and commercialize AP306 outside of Greater China from China-based Alebund Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.Proceeds from the financing will fund R1's global development program of AP306 in partnership with Alebund, including a phase 2b study planned to start later this year.AP306 is a first-in-class, pan phosphate transporter inhibitor in development as a monotherapy for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whereas currently available approved phosphate lowering therapies work by inhibiting "passive" transport of phosphate through binding phosphate and other mechanisms, AP306 is the only agent that blocks the "active" transport of phosphate for the treatment of CKD.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

On this week’s episode, we chat with Gabriel Levin, gynecologic oncologist at the McGill University Health Centre, and director of oncology at CureLab Oncology Inc., about elanagen, a promising therapeutic advance for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; Eden Ben, CEO of Amorphical, about nano-amorphous mineral therapeutics inspired by blue crayfish; and Hans Schambye, CEO of BOOST Pharma, a company making progress in the battle with brittle bone disease.Times:03:36 Amorphical26:26 CureLab Oncology43:31 BOOST PharmaCureLab OncologyCureLab Oncology Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in the greater Boston area. The company is focused on developing safer, more effective treatments for solid tumours and inflammatory conditions.CureLab's lead programme, Elenagen, is an investigational DNA therapy consisting of a plasmid encoding the human protein p62/SQSTM1. In clinical studies conducted outside the US, Elenagen demonstrated a strong safety profile and statistically significant clinical benefit when combined with chemotherapy, along with evidence of immune activation and mitigation of chronic inflammation.AmorphicalAmorphical is a biopharma company advancing a novel class of nano-amorphous mineral therapeutics, inspired by the blue crayfish.Amorphical's proprietary nano-amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) agent demonstrates a unique mechanism: targeting and neutralizing the acidic microenvironments associated with inflammation and tumours.The novel pH-modulating approach is already showing traction in a phase 2 FDA trial for hypoparathyroidism and the company recently reported positive data in a Crohn's disease trial, with other programmes in pancreatic cancer.BOOSTBOOST Pharma is BOOST Pharma was founded based on science from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, a world-leader in cell therapy research. BOOST Pharma is developing a cell therapy treatment, BT-101, a cell therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, using mesenchymal stem cells.BT-101 has demonstrated more than 70% fracture reduction in year one and about 78% in year two during phase I/II trials. The company is now gearing up for phase III paediatric trials with the more severe forms of OI (Types III and IV), aiming to move beyond the usual supportive care model and into potentially disease‑modifying territory.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

As this week’s podcast comes hot on the heels of International Women’s Day and World Kidney Day, which was yesterday, we’ve been able to squeeze them both in. The conversations this week are with Hansa Biopharma CEO Renée Aguiar-Lucander, about imlifidase for kidney transplant patients; Kyron.bio CEO Emilia McLaughlin, about glycosylation; and hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions company AmacaThera’s CEO, Mike Cooke.Times:03:56 Kyron.bio19:14 AmacaThera43:01 Hansa BiopharmaHansa BiopharmaHansa Biopharma AB is set for a busy year. In December, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the company that the previously accepted Biologics License Application (BLA) for imlifidase has been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of December 19, 2026.Imlifidase is conditionally approved in the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and the UK under the tradename IDEFIRIX for the desensitisation treatment of highly sensitised adult kidney transplant patients with a positive crossmatch against an available deceased donor. IDEFIRIX is also approved in Australia and Switzerland.The company also has HNSA-5487, a next-generation IgG-cleaving molecule being developed for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).Kyron.bioFrench biotech company Kyron.bio and pharma company Servier recently announced a partnership to advance precision glycosylation in antibody therapeutics.The partnership underlines the two companies’ vision to unlock the potential of glycans in next-generation biologics design to deliver safer and more effective therapeutics for patientsKyron.bio’s glycobiology platform aims at enhancing the efficacy, safety, and scalability of next-generation antibody therapeutics across multiple disease areas. To date, engineering of glycans have been under-exploited, due to technical challenges, limiting the use of glycan engineering in drug design.AmacaTheraAmacaThera is a developer of next-generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions. Using a blend of known polymers, AmacaThera’s clinically validated hydrogel platform is transforming drug delivery by enabling the precise, tunable, and sustained release of a range of therapeutics, from small molecules to biologics.Transforming from liquid to gel at body temperature, AmacaThera’s hydrogel enables drugs to be delivered to and stay where they are needed and released over days or weeks, depending on the specific needs of each therapeutic application.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we’re chatting with Haseeb Ahmad, CEO of Purespring Therapeutics, about gene therapies in kidney disease, and with Pahini Pandya, Panakeia CEO, about colorectal cancer biomarkers, the potential of AI in clinical decision-making and how AI can transform workflows in diagnostics.Times:03:34 Purespring24:11 Panakeia TechnologiesPurespring TherapeuticsPurespring is a precision nephrology company pioneering first-in-class, targeted genetic therapies designed to preserve kidney function.The company is focused on transforming the treatment of kidney disease—an area of enormous unmet need, with more than 840m people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease.Purespring’s lead programme, PS-002, for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is set to enter the clinic this quarter. It marks the first podocyte-targeted gene therapy to reach clinical development and offers a highly differentiated approach compared with other emerging treatments, including those from Vertex and Otsuka.Panakeia TechnologiesPanakeia Technologies recently published a real-world clinical validation showing that AI can determine critical colorectal cancer biomarkers in minutes, in a test across 1,243 patients and 3,576 images in NHS hospitals.While not yet used directly in patient care, the study demonstrates the potential for AI to support clinical decision-making, reduce lab bottlenecks, and help clinicians act faster — a topic highly relevant to the goals of the UK government's cancer plan and the ongoing discussion around innovation in healthcare.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

The conversations on this week’s podcast are with CEO of Merz Therapeutics, Stefan König, about a variety of neurodegenerative conditions and a botulinum neurotoxin, and with CEO of Kainova Therapeutics, Sean MacDonald, about – among other things – G-protein coupled receptors, or GPCRs.Times:03:21 Merz Therapeutics30:34 Kainova TherapeuticsKainova TherapeuticsKainova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company develops drug candidates targeting GPCRs, with programmes focused on immuno-oncology and inflammatory diseases.The company’s pipeline includes antibody and small-molecule programmes directed at GPCR targets. These include a CCR8-targeting antibody programme being evaluated in oncology, as well as PAR2 and EP4 antagonist programmes with potential applications in inflammatory conditions. Its development activities span preclinical and early clinical stages.Kainova was previously known as Domain Therapeutics.Merz TherapeuticsMerz Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. It operates as the therapeutics arm of the Merz Group and focuses on the development and commercialisation of medicines for neurological and neuro-related conditions.The company’s portfolio includes treatments used in areas such as movement disorders, spasticity and other neurological conditions.Merz Therapeutics also engages in focused acquisitions and partnerships to broaden its portfolio and reach more patients globally.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

The conversations on this week’s podcast focus on a rapid and accurate prostate cancer diagnostic test, with Valley Diagnostics’ CEO Dave Taylor; and on gene therapy for retinal disease, with Lance Baldo, CEO of Beacon Therapeutics.Times:03:12 Beacon Therapeutics27:38 Valley DiagnosticsValley DiagnosticsValley Diagnostics is a Welsh company developing next‑generation lateral flow diagnostic tests designed for early detection of human and animal diseases.Their approach uses patented biomarkers to make faster and more accurate screening possible in GP surgeries, point‑of‑care settings, and at home. Their current pipeline includes tests for prostate cancer, lung cancer, and bovine tuberculosis.The company is working with academic and clinical partners across Wales and England to validate its biomarkers through large‑scale studies. One example is the OSCAR clinical study, which is screening thousands of urine samples to support development of a rapid prostate cancer test.In recent weeks, Valley Diagnostics signed several licensing agreements with Aberystwyth University, securing exclusive global rights to biomarker IP across four major disease areas. These agreements are intended to support commercialisation of their point‑of‑care tests and move them toward market readiness.Beacon TherapeuticsBeacon Therapeutics is an ocular gene therapy company focused on inherited retinal diseases, including X‑linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP).Earlier this month, the company announced it had raised over $75m in an oversubscribed Series C financing led by Life Sciences at Goldman Sachs Alternatives and with participation from the Retinal Degeneration Fund (RD Fund), the venture arm of Foundation Fighting Blindness.The new funds will be used to complete the development of lead programme, laru-zova, a potential best-in-class gene therapy currently being investigated for the treatment of patients with XLRP, and progress commercialisation plans. The funds will also be used to help support the development of Beacon’s pipeline candidates for geographic atrophy, as well as an inherited cone rod dystrophy, and another undisclosed asset.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

The conversations on this week’s podcast are with Vibhor Gupta, director and founder of Pangaea Data, and endogene.bio CEO María Teresa Pérez Zaballos.Times:03:09 Pangaea Data23:43 endogene.bioEndogene.bioendogene.bio is a precision medicine company based in France developing a non-invasive diagnostic for endometriosis. The company’s aim is to apply precision medicine to female health.The company was formed in 2022 by Maria Teresa Perez Zaballos and Cristina Fernandez Molina. Its innovations include a non-invasive diagnostic approach that uses menstrual blood rather than traditional blood draws or invasive surgery. By focusing on the uterine environment directly, the company aims to replace the current "gold standard" of laparoscopic surgery with a high-signal "liquid biopsy" that can be collected at home.The company recently published a preprint, “Beyond one-size-fits-all: single-cell transcriptomic signatures predict drug efficacy and reveal responder subgroups in endometriosis.”The company’s most recent scientific output, it was published in January 2026, and shows how the company uses single-cell transcriptomic signatures to map the molecular heterogeneity of the disease. The research has identified distinct "responder subgroups," suggesting that endometriosis is not a single condition but a collection of cellular programmes that dictate how a patient will react to specific therapies. This primary data positions endogene.bio’s platform as both a diagnostic tool and a predictive framework for patient stratification in clinical trials, aiming to move the field toward personalized treatment selection.Pangaea DataPangaea Data provides a clinical-grade AI platform, PALLUX, designed to identify untreated, misdiagnosed, and under-treated patients by extracting intelligence from unstructured records.The platform emulates clinical reasoning to scan doctors’ notes and pathology reports, identifying care gaps across conditions such as oncology, rare diseases, and chronic kidney disease. It operates behind the healthcare organisation's firewall to ensure data privacy while integrating directly into existing EHR workflows and ambient listening tools.The platform's "Privacy by Design" architecture allows it to scale across multiple disease areas without the need for manual data labelling. By mapping clinical features and disease trajectories, PALLUX provides clinicians with a single dashboard to access actionable insights. The methodology is currently deployed across 13 countries, helping pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers discover up to five times more patients who would otherwise be missed by conventional search methods.In December 2025, the London-headquartered company announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca to advance precision healthcare through multimodal AI. The collaboration focuses on co-developing an enterprise-grade platform that fuses clinical, imaging, and genomic data to improve real-time treatment recommendations and speed up clinical trial recruitment.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we chat with Affibody CEO David Bejker, and Martin Gleave, founder and chief medical officer at Sustained Therapeutics.Times:03:47 Affibody23:28 Sustained TherapeuticsSustained TherapeuticsA spin-out from the University of British Columbia in Canada, Sustained Therapeutics utilises a proprietary polymer gel technology to develop locally injected, long-acting medications. The platform is designed to release active pharmaceutical ingredients in a controlled manner over several weeks, aiming to replace traditional oral delivery or frequent injections.While the primary focus is on managing acute and chronic pain without the use of opioids, the company is also exploring applications for the technology in inflammatory diseases and urology.The core of the company’s pipeline involves a non-addictive, sustained-release formulation that targets the site of pain directly. By providing localized treatment, the technology seeks to minimize systemic side effects and reduce the patient's reliance on addictive substances. Beyond pain management, the firm is adapting its delivery system for oncological use, specifically targeting upper tract urothelial carcinoma, where localized, prolonged drug exposure is clinically advantageous.In January 2026, the company reported positive data from its phase II clinical trial for a long-acting non-opioid medication designed for chronic pain. The results indicated that the sustained-release mechanism effectively extended pain relief while maintaining a favourable safety profile. These findings support the continued expansion of their clinical program into other chronic pain indications, including pelvic and scrotal pain, which are slated for further study throughout the year.AffibodyAffibody, a Swedish clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, is developing a new class of small proteins known as Affibody molecules. These engineered proteins are significantly smaller than traditional monoclonal antibodies—roughly one-tenth the size—which allows for better tissue penetration and flexible formatting for multi-specific treatments. The company’s research spans two main pillars: immunology and radiopharmaceuticals, leveraging its library of more than 10bn unique protein sequences to identify highly specific binders for various disease targets.Recent activity has centred on a significant financial and clinical milestone. In late January 2026, the company launched a $29m rights issue, fully guaranteed by its lead shareholder, to fund its expanding radiopharmaceutical pipeline. This capital injection follows successful early-stage data for its RLT candidate, ABY-271; a Trial Review Committee recently recommended advancing the candidate to the second part of a phase I study in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer after initial patient cohorts showed promising safety and biodistribution.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we chat with Pan Cancer T CEO Dr. Rachel Abbott, about – among other things – triple-negative breast cancer. We also have a conversation with Erik Manting, CEO of immunotherapy company Mendus, and Janet Hoogstraate, CEO of the CDMO helping them, North X Biologics.Times:03:56 Pan Cancer T20:23 Mendus/NorthX BiologicsMendusMendus is a Swedish–Dutch immuno-oncology company developing cell-based therapies aimed at stopping cancers from coming back rather than treating only the initial tumour. Its lead product, vididencel, is an off‑the‑shelf dendritic cell vaccine being developed as a post‑remission therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and more recently chronic myeloid leukaemia, who remain at high risk of relapse after standard treatment. Mendus’ pipeline explores how active immunotherapies could extend treatment‑free survival in different myeloid malignancies.In 2025, Mendus refined its strategy for vididencel on the back of positive data from a phase 2a trial in high‑risk AML, where long‑term follow‑up has shown durable remissions and an encouraging safety profile. Vididencel is also being studied in a phase 2b trial in combination with oral azacitidine, aimed at broadening its use beyond patients with measurable residual disease.NorthX BiologicsNorth X Biologics is a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and national innovation hub for complex biologics in Sweden. The company provides GMP‑grade development and manufacturing services for plasmid DNA, recombinant proteins, viral vectors, and cell & gene therapies from its facilities in Matfors and on the Karolinska University Hospital campus in Stockholm. Its goal is to give emerging biotechs and academic groups access to infrastructure and regulatory expertise that would be hard to build alone.NorthX has expanded into cell therapy manufacturing, adding capabilities for multiple cell types, including pluripotent stem cells. The organisation aims to strengthen Sweden’s role as a European centre for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).NorthX has collaborated with Mendus since 2023. In late 2025, they announced successful GMP manufacturing certification for vididencel at NorthX’s facilities, which supports Mendus’ upcoming late‑stage clinical trials and eventual commercial supply.Pan Cancer TPan Cancer T brings a different angle to cancer immunotherapy, focusing on engineered T cell receptor (TCR‑T) therapies for hard‑to‑treat solid tumours.Based in Rotterdam and spun out from Erasmus MC in 2020, the company is building a pipeline around tumour‑specific antigens that are consistently and strongly expressed across multiple cancers. Its lead programme, PCT1:CO‑STIM, is being developed for women with triple‑negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease with limited treatment options and poor survival once it has spread.By focusing on shared antigens across different tumour types, Pan Cancer T aims to develop treatments that could, in time, be applied beyond breast cancer to other solid tumours including melanoma and cancers of the skin, colorectum, stomach, oesophagus, ovary and uterus.In December 2025, the company announced €10m financing to move PCT1:CO‑STIM into its first‑in‑human clinical trial in the Netherlands.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to advertise on the podcast, [email protected]

This week, we have a conversation with Lisa Guerrettaz, executive director, Pharmacology and Translational Science at Artiva Biotherapeutics; and Avacta Therapeutics’ CEO Christina Coughlin.Times:04:12 Artiva Biotherapeutics21:30 Avacta TherapeuticsArtiva BiotherapeuticsArtiva Biotherapeutics is a clinical‑stage cell therapy company developing off‑the‑shelf (allogeneic) natural killer (NK) cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Headquartered in San Diego and founded in 2019, the company was created as a spin‑out from GC Cell (formerly GC Lab Cell) in South Korea, alongside a strategic partnership granting Artiva exclusive rights (outside Asia, Australia and New Zealand) to GC Cell’s NK manufacturing technology and associated programmes.​Artiva’s lead programme is AlloNK, a non‑genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy designed to enhance antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) when paired with monoclonal antibodies. The company positions this approach to achieve deep B‑cell depletion in outpatient settings without the complexity and cost associated with bespoke autologous cell therapies.​In terms of clinical activity, AlloNK is being evaluated across three ongoing trials in B‑cell‑driven autoimmune diseases, including company‑sponsored and investigator‑initiated basket studies covering indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and Sjögren’s disease. Artiva has treated more than 100 patients with AlloNK across oncology and autoimmune disease and is planning FDA interactions in the first half of 2026 aimed at enabling a pivotal trial pathway in rheumatoid arthritis.Avacta TherapeuticsAvacta is a life sciences company best known for its Affimer platform—engineered binding proteins positioned as an alternative to antibodies for use in diagnostics, reagents and therapeutics. ​ The company’s activities span both life science reagents/diagnostics and oncology therapeutics, with the latter centred on its pre|CISION technology, which is designed to activate drugs selectively in the tumour microenvironment. ​In therapeutics, Avacta’s most advanced programme is faridoxorubicin (AVA6000), which uses a fibroblast activation protein (FAP)‑targeted mechanism intended to release an active form of doxorubicin preferentially at tumour sites. The programme has moved into phase 1b expansion cohorts to assess efficacy in more homogeneous patient populations and help guide expectations for later‑stage studies.​Earlier this month, the company announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its FAP-Exd programme, the first pre|CISION peptide drug conjugate based on the highly potent topoisomerase I inhibitor, exatecan.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, three interviews, and five guests. We have conversations with Ulrik Tirsted Zeuthen, CEO, and Katarina Cantell, founder/CSO of Adalyon; Nisit Khandelwal, co-founder/CEO, Cycuria Therapeutics; and Craig Ritchie, founder/CEO of Scottish Brain Sciences and Deborah O’Neil, CEO/CSO of NovaBiotics as well as chair of the Life Sciences board of Opportunity Northeast, which runs ONE BioHub, and BioAberdeen.Times:02:38 Adalyon32:44 Cycuria Therapeutics53:43 Scottish Brain Sciences/One BioHubCycuria TherapeuticsCycuria Therapeutics is a preclinical oncology company based in Graz, Austria, which is developing first‑in‑class protein therapeutics for hard‑to‑treat blood cancers. Its lead programme, CUR‑101, is designed to target both acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) tumour cells and the tumour stem cells thought to drive relapse, while sparing healthy blood formation.The company combines cytokine biology with protein engineering to deliver durable efficacy alongside a better safety profile in preclinical models.Cycuria recently announced significant public grant funding to support the translation of CUR‑101 and follow‑on assets into the clinic.Scottish Brain SciencesScottish Brain Sciences runs brain health research centres that specialise in clinical trials for early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s.Scottish Brain Sciences is building one of the world’s largest biobanks of genetic, blood and imaging data in neurodegenerative conditions. It has helped more than 100 people with Alzheimer’s enrol into drug trials, and is leading the IONA longitudinal cohort study to characterise very early disease changes and prevent progression to dementia.The company recently opened a new office at ONE BioHub in Aberdeen.One BioHubONE BioHub is a £40m life sciences innovation hub on Aberdeen’s Foresterhill Health Campus, created for high‑growth life science ventures in the north‑east of Scotland. The facility brings together start‑ups, spin‑outs and scaling companies with flexible labs, offices and grow‑on space, alongside commercialisation and skills programmes.Led and co‑funded by Opportunity North East with support from the UK and Scottish governments, Scottish Enterprise and regional partners, ONE BioHub can accommodate up to 400 bio‑entrepreneurs. The aim is to accelerate research from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University and NHS Grampian into market‑ready solutions, diversifying the regional economy and creating life sciences jobs.AdalyonAdalyon develops AI‑driven speech biomarkers to serve as digital endpoints in clinical trials, helping sponsors detect treatment response earlier and manage patient engagement. Its platform analyses natural speech from voice journalling or guided conversations to extract behavioural, emotional and paralinguistic features relevant to psychiatric and neurological conditions.The company combines AI engineering, clinical research operations and behavioural science to build tools that align with regulatory expectations for digital endpoints. Its technology is designed to automate aspects of psychometric assessment, flag dropout risk and shorten trial timelines by enabling earlier, objective insight into how patients are responding to therapy.To get in touch, please email [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about eye treatments with Oculis CEO, Riad Sherif, we have a conversation about mitochondria, with the CEO of Vandria, Klaus Dugi, and there’s also a short discussion about GoCo Health Innovation City in Gothenburg, Sweden, with Moa Dicksdotter, Partnership and Ecosystem.Times:02:35 Vandria20:03 GoCo Health Innovation City25:54 OculisLooking to the eyesOculis is a Swiss ophthalmology company developing topical and biologic treatments for retinal disease and neuro‑ophthalmic conditions. Its pipeline spans diabetic macular oedema, dry eye disease, and optic neuropathies, with a focus on non‑invasive delivery formats that can replace or reduce the need for injections. The company’s lead asset, OCS‑01, is in late‑stage development as a topical alternative for diabetic macular oedema.In December, the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Oculis’ neuroprotective candidate, Privosegtor (OCS‑05), for optic neuritis. The decision followed phase 2 data showing clinically meaningful improvements in low‑contrast visual acuity. The designation allows for closer FDA interaction as the programme moves toward registrational studies.Oculis is now preparing for multiple clinical milestones across 2026, including pivotal readouts for OCS‑01. The company continues to position itself around differentiated delivery technologies in ophthalmology, with programmes spanning both front‑ and back‑of‑the‑eye disorders.Mitochondrial therapeuticsVandria is a Lausanne‑based biotech developing small‑molecule mitophagy activators aimed at restoring mitochondrial quality control in age‑related and chronic diseases. Its approach centres on orally available compounds designed to improve cellular resilience in neurological and muscular disorders. The company’s lead programme, VNA‑318, is being advanced for neurodegenerative indications.In November 2025, Vandria released phase 1 results for VNA‑318, reporting that the study met its safety and pharmacokinetic objectives and showed biomarker evidence of target engagement. The data support progression into phase 2 development for Alzheimer’s disease, with trial planning now under way.The company is also preparing for its next financing round to support clinical expansion and further development of its mitochondrial therapeutics platform.GoCo Health Innovation CityGoCo Health Innovation City is a life‑science district in Mölndal, south of Gothenburg, Sweden, designed as a mixed ecosystem for research, industry, and healthcare organisations. The campus brings together established companies, scale‑ups, and academic groups across health, biotech, and medtech, with a focus on co‑located labs, offices, and community‑driven programmes.Recently, the site marked a major milestone with the opening of Mölnlycke Health Care’s new global headquarters on the campus. The inauguration brought renewed attention to GoCo’s role as a strategic hub for Swedish life‑science activity and its ability to attract multinational tenants.The district is continuing to expand its research infrastructure. Thermo Fisher Scientific is establishing a new bioanalytical laboratory on the campus, scheduled to open in late 2025. The facility will support pharmaceutical and biotech clients with GLP‑compliant services and is expected to add significant analytical capacity to the region.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about skin and wounds, with Ned Swanson, president and chief medical officer at PolarityBio, and Nikolai Sopko, chief operating officer, chief scientific officer and director at PolarityBio; and we discuss anchored immunotherapy with Howard Kaufman, CEO of Ankyra Therapeutics.04:03 Ankyra Therapeutics34:31 PolarityBioAnchored immunotherapiesAnkyra Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, develops anchored immunotherapies that tether cytokines at the injection site to stimulate local immune responses while limiting systemic toxicity. The company’s technology is designed to unlock cytokines that have historically been limited by safety concerns.Its lead programme, ANK‑101 (tolododekin alfa), is an anchored IL‑12 construct. Early trials have demonstrated safety and local immune activation, and the company is now testing the drug in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for non‑small cell lung cancer. The platform is modular, allowing other immune payloads to be developed using the same anchoring chemistry.Ankyra recently began dosing patients in its phase 1b LANTERN trial, combining ANK‑101 with PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitors in non‑small cell lung cancer.The science of skinUtah-headquartered PolarityBio focuses on regenerative skin therapies for chronic wounds. Its flagship product, SkinTE, is an autologous heterogeneous skin construct designed to restore functional skin architecture in Wagner Grade 1 diabetic foot ulcers.The company’s development strategy centres on pivotal trials to demonstrate healing rates, durability, and safety, with regulatory and reimbursement pathways treated as critical for adoption. SkinTE has Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA.PolarityBio recently announced completion of its pivotal phase III trial, with final results expected in early 2026.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Jakob Andersson, vice president of engineering at Anaphora and founder and chairman of GAIA; Coave Therapeutics’ CEO Rodolphe Clerval; and MOBILion Systems’ CEO, Melissa Sherman.Times:03:13 Coave Therapeutics 24:43 GAIA Conference 36:55 MOBILion SystemsGenetic medicine for ophthalmologyCoave Therapeutics is a Paris‑based biotechnology company focused on developing genetic medicines using its ALIGATER platform. The company has pioneered ligand‑conjugated AAV vectors, enabling precision capsids that are highly tissue‑specific, safer, and more effective.In October 2025, Coave presented data at the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Congress in Seville, demonstrating the superiority of its lead suprachoroidal capsid, coAAV‑SCS‑01. The vector showed up to 26‑fold improved performance in targeting retinal cells compared to other capsids. This work supports the company’s focus on treatments for retinal vascular diseases.Coave also recently announced the nomination of its lead gene therapy programme, CoTx‑101, for conditions such as wet age‑related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Delivered via an in‑office suprachoroidal procedure, CoTx‑101 aims to provide durable vision gains.Artificial intelligence and the GAIA ConferenceJakob Andersson is the vice president of engineering at Swedish company Anaphora, a company active in artificial intelligence and complex systems.He is also the founder and chairman of the Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance (GAIA), a non‑profit association established in 2018 to promote interest in AI, machine learning, and data science in the Gothenburg region. GAIA hosts the annual GAIA Conference, which has become a recognised event for researchers, developers, and industry leaders to share advances in artificial intelligence.At the 2025 GAIA Conference, Andersson delivered the opening remarks, outlining the state of AI and expectations for the future. The conference continues to attract international participation, with sessions ranging from lightning talks to open discussions shaped by attendees.Separation scienceMOBILion Systems is a US‑based company specialising in separation science and advanced proteomics technologies. Its proprietary platforms, including MOBIE and BILLIE, are designed to improve ion mobility and mass spectrometry workflows, enabling deeper proteome coverage and faster analysis.The company has gained recognition for its innovations in parallel accumulation mobility aligned fragmentation (PAMAF), a technique that enhances sensitivity and throughput in proteomics and multi‑omics research.In November 2025, MOBILion presented transformative advances in proteomics at the HUPO World Congress in Toronto. Its CTO, Daniel DeBord, highlighted how PAMAF technology delivers near‑complete ion utilisation, improving analysis of post‑translational modifications and proteoforms.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Sjanna Bosma, international relations officer at Health Holland; Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix; and PDS Biotechnology CEO Frank Bedu-Addo.04:17 Phenomix 32:53 Health Holland 44:02 PDS BiotechnologyPhenomix takes on obesityPhenomix Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on precision obesity medicine. The firm has developed the MyPhenome test, a saliva‑based assay that uses machine‑learning algorithms and genetic risk scores to classify obesity phenotypes and predict treatment outcomes.The company positions itself as the first commercial precision obesity medicine biotech, aiming to improve patient stratification and guide therapeutic decisions for obesity management. Its work is closely tied to the Mayo Clinic, where co‑founder Andres Acosta has led much of the underlying research.Recent studies have expanded the evidence base for MyPhenome, particularly in relation to GLP‑1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide. At Obesity Week 2025, Phenomix presented data showing the test’s ability to predict weight‑loss response across diverse patient populations, including those who had undergone bariatric surgery.PDS Biotechnology harnesses immune system to kill cancer cellsPDS Biotechnology is a late‑stage immunotherapy company in New Jersey. It develops novel treatments that harness the immune system to target and kill cancer cells, with its lead candidate PDS0101 designed for HPV16‑positive cancers.The company’s pipeline is based on its Versamune platform, which is intended to activate both CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T cells to generate durable anti‑tumour responses. PDS Biotech has advanced multiple clinical programmes, with head and neck cancer as a primary focus.PDS0101 could become a new immunotherapy option for patients with HPV‑related cancers, addressing a significant unmet medical need.The Netherlands life sciences industryThe Dutch life sciences industry was represented at the Nordic Life Science Days in Gothenburg. Health Holland, the public‑private partnership that promotes the Dutch life sciences and health sector, coordinated the Dutch Lounge at the event.This brought together biotech, medtech, and contract research organizations from the Netherlands, highlighting the country’s strengths in innovation, collaboration, and international partnerships.The Netherlands has established itself as a hub for advanced therapies, biopharma, and medical technologies. At NLS Days, more than 30 Dutch companies emphasised their expertise in areas such as cell and gene therapy, diagnostics, and digital health. The event provided opportunities to showcase collaborations with Scandinavian partners and explore new avenues into the Nordic market.The Netherlands continues to develop international cooperation and attract investment into the life sciences sector and continues to position itself as a leading European life sciences hub, leveraging events like NLS Days to build visibility and connect with key stakeholders across the region.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Jérôme Van Biervliet, chair of the board of Flanders life sciences body Biovia and managing director at VIB; Sylvain Sachot, partner at Asabys Partners; and Jonas Béal, head of science strategy, R&D, at Owkin.03:32 Owkin 27:42 Biovia/VIB 38:06 Asabys PartnersBiovia/VIBBiovia has emerged as a new health innovation cluster in the Belgian region of Flanders, created through the merger of flanders.bio and MEDVIA.The organisation brings together more than 450 members across biotech, medtech, and digital health, with a focus on unmet medical needs and value‑based healthcare. It positions itself as a spearhead cluster supported by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).In July 2025, Biovia launched its second funding call of the year, offering €8m in non‑dilutive support for consortia projects.Biovia’s broader vision is framed around “One Health,” emphasizing the interdependence of human and planetary health. This approach is intended to break down silos between sectors and align with EU priorities for sustainable healthcare innovation.VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) is a research institute founded by the Flemish government in 1995. Its main objective is to strengthen Flemish life sciences research and to turn the results into new economic growth.Asabys PartnersAsabys Partners is a Barcelona‑based venture capital firm specialising in healthcare investments. The firm manages funds focused on biotech, medtech, and digital health, and has steadily expanded its portfolio through both direct investments and strategic partnerships.In September 2025, Asabys led a €10m extension of SafeHeal’s oversubscribed Series C financing round. The funding is intended to accelerate commercialization of Colovac, a medical device designed as an alternative to temporary stoma in colorectal cancer surgery.In early October, Asabys integrated Aliath Bioventures into its platform, boosting assets under management from €300m to more than €400m. The integration strengthens its position in European life sciences investment and sets a trajectory toward building a €1bn platform by 2030.OwkinOwkin is a French‑based biotech company focused on applying artificial intelligence to clinical research and drug development.Founded in 2016, it has built a platform that combines machine learning with multi‑modal biomedical data, aiming to accelerate discovery and improve trial efficiency. Its work spans oncology, cardiovascular disease, and immunology, with a focus on predictive modelling and biomarker identification.The company’s core product, Owkin K, functions as an AI copilot for biology. It is designed to integrate genomic, imaging, and clinical data to help researchers uncover mechanisms of disease and optimize trial design. By embedding AI into the research process, Owkin positions itself as a bridge between raw health data and actionable therapeutic insights.Owkin has established partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies including Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Merck, as well as collaborations with European cancer centres and teaching hospitals.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Robert Bunn, founder and president of Ultrasound AI; Laura MacNeill, CEO of the Charcot Marie Tooth Research Foundation; and Iris Örhn, investment advisor at Business Region Göteborg.03:00 Ultrasound AI 30:19 Business Region Gothenburg 39:35 CMTRFBusiness Region GothenburgBusiness Region Gothenburg (BRG) is the regional development agency for western Sweden, tasked with driving growth and innovation across key sectors, including life sciences. Its work spans business support, investment promotion, and cluster development.Gothenburg has more than 600 life science companies with around 11,000 employees, creating a strong ecosystem for biotech, medtech, and pharma. This is reinforced by BRG’s efforts to attract global investors.The recent NLS Days event, held in Gothenburg for the first time, highlighted the city’s growing influence. It featured the launch of SwedenBIO’s updated pipeline report, which tracks more than 500 active drug development projects across the country. BRG focuses on infrastructure and innovation platforms such as GoCo Health Innovation City, aiming to strengthen the city’s role in precision medicine, digital health, and advanced therapies. These efforts reflect a long-term strategy to ensure the region remains globally competitive in life sciences.Ultrasound AIUltrasound AI is a US technology company specialising in artificial intelligence solutions for ultrasound diagnostics, with a focus on improving accuracy in pregnancy-related diagnostics. Its technology is designed to predict gestational age and identify risks such as preterm birth with precision, reducing uncertainty in care for premature babies.By analysing image data alone, the platform aims to support clinicians in making faster, more reliable decisions at the point of care.Ultrasound AI recently expanded its portfolio, securing additional patents that cover predictive algorithms for obstetric and cardiovascular applications.These developments build on earlier work in gestational age estimation and preterm birth prediction, areas where AI-driven tools are gaining traction in clinical practice. The company’s technology integrates into existing ultrasound systems, making adoption practical for hospitals and clinics.As demand for point-of-care diagnostics rises, Ultrasound AI’s approach reflects a broader shift toward data-driven healthcare.Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation (CMTRF)The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation (CMTRF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating the development of treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a group of inherited neuropathies affecting peripheral nerves.CMTRF focuses on funding research that moves promising therapies from the laboratory into clinical trials, bridging the gap between discovery and delivery.It has recently advanced several projects aimed at addressing different genetic subtypes of CMT. These include preclinical studies on gene therapy and small-molecule approaches, as well as partnerships with biotech firms to support early-stage drug development.The foundation prioritises collaboration with academic researchers and industry partners to maximise impact and shorten timelines for therapeutic breakthroughs.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Malin Kjällström, Gothenburg Tech Week Press and partnerships lead; Eliot Forster the CEO of Levicept; and Christophe Demaison, CEO of ENA Respiratory.Gothenburg Tech WeekGothenburg Tech Week is western Sweden’s largest technology event, held annually across multiple venues in the city. The 2025 edition ran from October 14–16, with a programme that includes startup and investor matchmaking, thematic forums, and partner showcases.The event covers a wide range of topics, including AI, life sciences, and sustainable technologies. Sessions are hosted at The Yard, World of Volvo, and other partner locations, with activities designed to connect regional innovation with international networks.Gothenburg Tech Week has established itself as a meeting place for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in Northern Europe. The event provides a platform for new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities, reinforcing Gothenburg’s role as a hub for technology and innovation.LeviceptLevicept is a biotechnology company based in Sandwich in the UK.It is developing LEVI‑04, a therapy for osteoarthritis and the associated pain that targets the neurotrophin‑3 pathway. The programme is intended as a non‑opioid alternative for chronic pain management. The company originated from research at Pfizer’s former R&D site in Kent, where founder Simon Westbrook spun out the programme to continue development independently.In June 2025, Levicept presented new data from its large‑scale phase II trial at the European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in Barcelona. The study enrolled more than 500 patients with knee osteoarthritis and demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function.Levicept is advancing preparations for late‑stage clinical trials.ENA RespiratoryENA Respiratory is a clinical‑stage pharmaceutical company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. It develops antiviral host defence enhancers for the prevention of complications from respiratory viral infections. Its lead product, INNA‑051, is a nasal spray designed for weekly self‑administration.INNA‑051 works by priming innate immune responses at the entry site of respiratory viruses in the upper airways. This mechanism accelerates viral clearance and reduces dissemination to the lungs. The product is being evaluated in clinical studies for safety and efficacy.Last month, ENA Respiratory raised $34m in a Series B funding round to support the development of INNA‑051.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

It’s World Immunization Day on Monday, so we had a chat with Geovax chairman, president and CEO David Dodd, and in our other conversation, we talked about infertility, with Igyxos Biotherapeutics’ chief medical officer Elke Bestel.Challenging infertilityIgyxos Biotherapeutics is a French biotechnology company founded in 2017 and based in Nouzilly, France. The company focuses exclusively on infertility, developing monoclonal antibody‑based therapeutics designed to enhance the activity of gonadotropins, the hormones central to reproduction.Its lead program involves a first‑in‑class antibody that potentiates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), aiming to improve the effectiveness of fertility treatments for both men and women. Igyxos brings together a small team of scientific experts and has raised venture capital to support its research.The company’s approach is intended to overcome limitations of current infertility treatments, which often have modest success rates. By targeting hormonal pathways directly, Igyxos aims to deliver more reliable outcomes for patients.In October 2025, Igyxos announced it had secured a €5.7m grant from the French government under the France 2030 program. The non‑dilutive funding will support phase 2 clinical trials of its lead antibody, IGX12, across France and Europe.World Immunization DayWorld Immunization Day is observed annually on November 10 to raise awareness of the importance of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting public health. The day emphasizes that immunization is one of the most effective and cost‑efficient health interventions, preventing millions of deaths each year.The observance highlights both the successes of global vaccination campaigns and the challenges that remain, including plateaued coverage rates and disruptions caused by the covid‑19 pandemic. It underscores the role of vaccines in combating infectious diseases, reducing antibiotic resistance, and strengthening community health worldwide.GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a US‑based, clinical‑stage biotechnology company founded in 2001 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company develops vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancers, using proprietary Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector technology to generate virus‑like particles in vivo.GeoVax’s pipeline includes candidates for covid‑19, Mpox, Ebola, Zika, malaria, and haemorrhagic fever viruses, as well as immunotherapies for solid tumours. Its lead clinical programme, GEO‑CM04S1, is a next‑generation covid‑19 vaccine designed to provide broader and more durable protection, particularly for immunocompromised patients.In late October 2025, GeoVax highlighted phase 2 clinical data for GEO‑CM04S1, showing robust T‑cell responses and cross‑variant durability. The company linked these findings to new Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidance emphasising the need for tailored vaccines for immunocompromised populations.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Cosmo Feilding Mellen, CEO of Beckley Psytech; Sirli Rosenvald, CEO of Estonian company Funki, and Per von Mentzer, CEO of Swedish company PharmNovo. We spoke with Funki at Life Sciences Baltics in Vilnius, Lithuania, recently, and with von Mentzer at NLS Days in Gothenburg.Taking on painPharmNovo AB is a biotechnology company headquartered at Medicon Village in Lund, Sweden. Founded in 2008, it specialises in the development of novel treatments for neuropathic pain, a condition that affects millions of patients worldwide and remains difficult to manage.The company’s lead candidate, PN6047, is a selective delta opioid receptor agonist. Preclinical studies have indicated analgesic effects without the tolerance and dependency risks associated with traditional opioids. PN6047 has progressed into Phase II clinical trials, marking a significant step in evaluating its safety and efficacy in patients.PharmNovo conducts its clinical programme across European trial sites, with a focus on peripheral neuropathic pain indications such as diabetic neuropathy and post‑surgical nerve injury. Data from these studies will inform the design of later‑stage trials and determine the potential pathway toward regulatory approval.Funki fungiFunki is an Estonian food biotech company developing fungi‑based proteins as alternatives to meat and fish. The company combines food science with product development to create sustainable foods that replicate the taste and texture of conventional protein sources.Its work gained international recognition as a finalist in the XPrize “Feed the Next Billion” competition, where it presented a salmon analogue made from pea protein and fungi. This project highlighted both technical capability and consumer‑oriented design.Funki’s research and production efforts are part of a wider European movement to diversify protein supply chains and reduce the environmental impact of food systems.Psychedelics take a leap forwardBeckley Psytech is a UK‑based biotechnology company developing psychedelic‑derived medicines for serious mental health conditions. Its lead programme, BPL‑003, is an intranasal formulation of 5‑MeO‑DMT designed for the treatment of treatment‑resistant depression (TRD). The company is also advancing ELE‑101, an intravenous psilocin candidate, for major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.Clinical progress has been significant. Phase IIb trials of BPL‑003 met primary and secondary endpoints, showing rapid and durable reductions in depressive symptoms. On the back of these results, the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation in October 2025, expediting the path toward phase III trials. ELE‑101 is in earlier‑stage studies, with recruitment completed for initial safety and efficacy assessments.By targeting conditions such as TRD — where existing therapies often fail — Beckley Psytech is addressing one of the most urgent gaps in psychiatry. Its strategy combines short‑acting psychedelic compounds with controlled delivery methods, aiming to make treatments both clinically effective and practical within healthcare systems.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations on data integration with Lithuanian company Vugene, and we talk protein degradation with Amphista Therapeutics.Multi-omicsVugene is a Lithuanian bioinformatics company focused on multi-omics data integration. Founded in 2021 by CTO Juozas Gordevičius, the company is headquartered in Kaunas.Its core offering is a software platform designed to help researchers make sense of complex biological datasets — including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics — without requiring deep coding expertise.The platform is a flexible, modular tool for academic and commercial labs that need to process high-throughput data but lack in-house bioinformatics capacity. Rather than offering a fixed pipeline, Vugene provides a semi-automated interface that allows users to upload raw data, select relevant analysis modules, and receive interpretable outputs.The emphasis is on speed, reproducibility, and transparency.Their early traction has come from collaborations with research groups in Europe and North America, particularly in oncology and neurodegeneration. While still early-stage, the company is positioning itself as a pragmatic alternative to both DIY bioinformatics and expensive consultancy models.We had a conversation with Gordevičius and the company’s CEO, Gražina Mykolaitytė.Protein degradationAmphista Therapeutics, based in the UK, recently announced first data from its SMARCA2 degrader programme, marking significant progress in the targeted protein degradation field.Amphista’s Targeted Glues achieved potent, selective degradation of SMARCA2 within four hours, with CNS penetration in vivo, avoiding off-target effects on the closely related SMARCA4 protein, a key challenge in the field.Building on SMARCA2 data, Amphista also unveiled its TEAD oncology programme, introducing a novel mechanism of action via F-Box Protein 22, distinct from cereblon- or VHL-based PROTACs. This marks the company’s second new MOA this year, reinforcing its leadership in the TPD space and expanding on the BRD9 MOA announced in 2024. Amphista has made significant progress across its pipeline.Their chemistry doesn’t depend on known ligase recruitment, which opens up targets that are inaccessible to conventional TPD platforms.This week, our guest is Louise Modis, chief scientific officer of Amphista.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have one interview, covering enzymes and AI with Biomatter Designs, from our visit to Life Sciences Baltics in Vilnius, Lithuania recently. And from the trip to Dublin in Ireland we talked about technology that can be useful in neurological condition diagnosis, and much more, with Danu Sports.Enzymes and AIBiomatter Designs is a Lithuania‑based biotech working at the frontier of protein design. Since its launch in 2018, the company has concentrated on building tools that use artificial intelligence to generate new enzymes and proteins from the ground up.The idea is to move beyond tweaking what nature already provides and instead create molecules with tailor‑made properties for medicine and industry.Its Intelligent Architecture platform is designed to cut through the slow, trial‑and‑error cycles that usually dominate protein engineering. By training generative models on structural and functional data, Biomatter aims to give researchers a way to specify what they need—a catalyst, a therapeutic, a material—and have the system propose viable candidates that can be tested in the lab.We had a conversation with the company’s CEO, Laurynas Karpus.Learning through gaitFounded in 2017, Danu Sports develops wearable technology designed to help athletes train smarter and reduce injuries.The company’s flagship product is a “smart sock” system that uses embedded sensors to capture gait and movement data in real time. Coaches, physiotherapists, and athletes can use the analytics platform to monitor performance, identify risks, and support rehabilitation.Backed by venture funding and based in Dublin, Danu Sports is part of a new wave of sports‑tech companies blending biomechanics, data science, and everyday usability to make high‑level performance insights available outside the lab.In September 2025, the company announced a partnership with Hoka at the Ultra‑Trail du Mont Blanc, showcasing its smart sock technology with elite athletes, while also expanding into medical applications.Our conversation is with Oisín Lennon, CEO of DANU Sports.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have three interviews done during Life Sciences Baltics, which was held in Vilnius, Lithuania recently. While we have more still to come, this week on the podcast we have conversations with Justinas Mačiulaitis, Keli Therapeutics’ founder and CEO; Arnas Karužas, CEO of Ligence; and Emilė Radytė, CEO and co-founder of Samphire Neuroscience.LigenceLigence is a health‑tech startup using artificial intelligence to automate echocardiography.Founded in 2019 by a team of medical doctors and engineers, the company’s flagship product, Ligence Heart, applies deep learning to 2D ultrasound images, automatically recognising views and performing cardiac measurements. This reduces the manual workload for clinicians and improves diagnostic consistency in heart disease monitoring.Headquartered in Vilnius, Ligence has raised seed funding from European investors including Simpact VC and the EIC Fund, and is working to expand its AI‑driven cardiac diagnostics platform into hospitals and clinics across Europe.Samphire NeuroscienceSamphire Neuroscience is a femtech and digital health company developing non‑invasive neurotechnology to support women’s health.Founded in 2021, the company’s first product is a wearable headband, Nettle, that uses gentle electrical neuromodulation to alleviate symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, such as pain, fatigue, and mood changes.With offices in Vilnius and London, Samphire has attracted international venture backing and accelerator support, positioning itself at the intersection of neuroscience, wearables, and women’s health innovation. Its mission is to provide accessible, science‑based tools that improve quality of life for women worldwide.Keli TherapeuticsKeli Therapeutics is advancing next‑generation cell therapies for acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.Its lead candidate, KELI‑101, is designed to prevent acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac bypass surgery — a complication that often progresses to chronic kidney disease. In September 2025, Keli announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with Bramble Bio to scale production of KELI‑101, pairing its activated perinatal‑origin mesenchymal stromal cells with Bramble’s cGMP expertise.Earlier this year, the company also secured a €2.5m European Innovation Council grant to launch clinical trials in AKI. With a platform up to 20 times more potent than standard MSCs, Keli is positioning itself as a leader in regenerative medicine with broad potential across inflammatory and degenerative diseases.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have two interviews again. We talk about treating high blood pressure with CEO of George Medicines, Mark Mallon, and have a conversation with Jack Hoppin, CEO of Ratio Therapeutics, and John Babich, CSO, about the field of radiotherapeutics.Blood pressureNearly half of US adults have high blood pressure and despite all the treatments already available, three in four remain uncontrolled. This is often because the traditional stepwise treatment approach stalls before reaching target blood pressure.George Medicines believes its solution could help millions of patients achieve better outcomes, faster.The company has developed the first and only triple combination pill for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. It’s available in unique low dose options, offering the power of combination therapy, with good tolerability, in a single pill — a paradigm shift in hypertension care. This drug is the first to be approved for use right at the start of treatment.The company is a spinout from the George Institute for Global Health in Australia.RadiopharmaceuticalsRadiopharmaceuticals sit at the intersection of nuclear medicine and precision therapy, offering a way to deliver radiation directly to tumours while sparing healthy tissue.The next wave of oncology innovation is changing how we think about cancer therapy, but it comes with unique challenges—from isotope supply and manufacturing logistics to regulatory navigation and the race to harness rare isotopes like actinium-225.Jack Hoppin, CEO of Ratio Therapeutics, and John Babich, CSO, are leaders in this space, and they are our guests on the podcast today. Their company is developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals using proprietary platforms (Trillium and Macropa) designed to enhance tumour targeting and drug design.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have two interviews. We chat with Step Pharma CEO, Andy Parker, and also have a conversation with Re-Vana CEO, Michael O’Rourke.Ocular therapeuticsRe-Vana Therapeutics and Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced a $1bn+ deal to develop long-acting ophthalmic therapies.Re-Vana Therapeutics is a privately held, US and UK based developer of ocular therapeutics and innovative ocular drug delivery technologies which spun out of Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland.Terms of the deal include up to three development programmes per year leading to a potential total deal value exceeding $1bn contingent on milestone achievements. The agreement grants Boehringer Ingelheim target exclusivity, and provide for upfront, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments to Re-Vana.Re-Vana’s drug delivery technology is designed to release slowly over six to 12 months, aiming to drastically reduce injection frequency.Lowering the treatment burden could lead to higher treatment compliance and potentially result in better therapeutic outcomes.Re-Vana’s is developing internal assets - a six-month sustained release aflibercept and a six-month bispecific – both photo-crosslinked, bio erodible and delivered in the clinic with no surgery.Step Pharma takes on CTPS1Step Pharma is taking a smart and focused approach to tackling cancers and blood disorders by targeting an enzyme called CTPS1, which plays a key role in how cells produce the building blocks of DNA and RNA.The idea is simple but powerful: Cancer cells and certain immune cells rely heavily on CTPS1 to grow and survive. By selectively blocking this enzyme, Step’s lead candidate, dencatistat, deprives malignant cells of the raw materials they need to divide, while healthy cells are largely unaffected because they can fall back on a related enzyme called CTPS2. This selectivity is what makes the approach potentially safer and more effective than broader chemotherapy.They have been moving quickly, expanding beyond blood cancers into solid tumours and a rare condition called essential thrombocythaemia, which causes overproduction of platelets.We spoke with the company’s CEO, Andy Parker, about the work the company is doing.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have two interviews: one to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, on osteosarcoma with Paul Romness from OS Therapies; and IMUNON’s CEO, Stacy Lindborg, talking about ovarian cancer, immunotherapy, covid, and more.Interview times:02:33 OS Therapies23:03 IMUNONChallenging osteosarcomaOS Therapies is a clinical stage oncology company focused on the identification, development, and commercialisation of treatments for osteosarcoma (OS) and other solid tumours. OST-HER2, the company's lead asset, is an immunotherapy leveraging the immune-stimulatory effects of Listeria bacteria to initiate a strong immune response targeting the HER2 protein.OST-HER2 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Fast-Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency.The company reported positive data in its phase 2b clinical trial of OST-HER2 in recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic osteosarcoma, demonstrating statistically significant benefit in the 12-month event free survival (EFS) primary endpoint of the study.Ovarian cancer, immunotherapy and moreIMUNON has two DNA-based technology platforms: TheraPlas and PlaCCine. They are designed to use DNA as a therapeutic to code for proteins, which the body can then use to produce medicine where needed.TheraPlas is designed to harness interleukin-12 (IL-12), a powerful cytokine and well-validated target for cancer immunotherapy, to teach the body’s immune system to fight cancer at the tumour site.PlaCCine is designed to prompt the body’s immune system to create a vaccine response against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 without needing a virus or device to deliver it.IMUNON recently announced positive phase 2 data of its IL-12 immunotherapy (IMNN-001) based on TheraPlas technology in advanced ovarian cancer and is currently initiating a phase 3 trial.Recent phase 1 data of its DNA-based vaccine (IMNN-101) leveraging PlaCCine technology in treatment of COVID-19 indicate that it may be a viable alternative to mRNA vaccines and able to target the Omicron variant as well as any emerging variants in the future, while offering advantages in terms of manufacturing and storage.We spoke with IMUNON’s CEO, Stacy Lindborg, about the work the company is doing.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have three interviews to mark Stand Up To Cancer Day. We have conversations with Simon Kerry, co-founder and CEO of Curve Therapeutics; Poolbeg Pharma CEO Jeremy Skillington; and Stefano Gulla, CSO of Kling Biotherapeutics.Interview times:03:12 Curve Therapeutics21:32 Kling Bio37:10 Poolbeg PharmaMicrocycles to address cancerCurve Therapeutics, a private biotechnology company using its gene-encoded Microcycle discovery platform to build a pipeline of innovative cyclic peptide and small molecule drugs to address high priority intracellular disease targets, with an initial focus on cancer, immunology, and inflammation.Addressing cancer treatment side effectsPoolbeg Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focussed on the development of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs.The company's clinical programmes target large addressable markets including, cancer immunotherapy-induced cytokine release syndrome and metabolic conditions such as obesity with the development of an oral encapsulated glucagon-like peptide GLP-1R agonist.The role of B-cells in beating cancerKling Biotherapeutics is a biotech company developing antibody-based drugs for cancer and infectious diseases.Through its proprietary primary B-cell platform technologies, the company combines high-efficiency B-cell immortalization with functional, antibody-first screening to uncover novel antibody–antigen pairs.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have an in-depth conversation on molecular glue degradation, with Monte Rosa Therapeutics’ chief data and information officer John Castle.Interview time:03:52 Monte Rosa TherapeuticsMolecular glue degradationA recent cover article in Science showcased research that expands by more than 1,000 the number of therapeutic targets (including undruggables) accessible through a protein degradation approach known as molecular glue degradation.Using proprietary AI and ML approaches, researchers from Monte Rosa Therapeutics used algorithms to identify more than 1,600 human proteins predicted to be compatible with cereblon (a protein with a central role in cellular protein degradation) binding.This allowed them to fingerprint previously unrecognised surfaces capable of recruiting cereblon for targeted protein degradation. These proteins represent more than 100 different target classes and a broad range of protein domains.The techniques and know-how that enabled these discoveries will substantially expand the scope of disease-associated proteins their platform can address, including many targets historically considered undruggable. Their pipeline is proof they can address these undruggable targets, which has been the long-heralded promise of protein degradation.Molecular glue degraders (MGD) are a type of protein degrader but have additional beneficial properties and the potential to treat many diseases that other modalities, including other degraders, cannot.They are a class of small molecules that promote the degradation of specific proteins by "gluing" them to E3 ubiquitin ligases, leading to their ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the proteasome.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we look at Herantis Pharma's work on Parkinson's disease, with the company's CEO, Antti Vuolanto, and we have an in-depth look at the recent cuts to mRNA vaccine projects, with Jean Peccoud, GenoFAB founder and professor at Colorado State University.Interview times:03:22 Herantis16:28 mRNA cutsCuts to mRNA vaccine projectsThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a major shift in its vaccine development priorities, initiating a “co‑ordinated wind‑down” of mRNA vaccine projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The move cancels or scales back 22 contracts worth nearly $500m, affecting research partnerships with universities, biotech firms, and major pharmaceutical companies.The cuts have sparked concern among scientists and public health experts, who note that mRNA technology was pivotal in the rapid development of COVID‑19 vaccines and has potential applications far beyond the pandemic. Critics warn that ending federal support could slow innovation in areas such as pandemic preparedness, cancer immunotherapy, and treatments for emerging infectious diseases. While some late‑stage contracts will be allowed to conclude to preserve prior taxpayer investment, no new mRNA‑based projects will be initiated under BARDA. The decision marks a significant re‑alignment of US vaccine R&D strategy, with future BARDA funding expected to focus on whole‑virus vaccines and other platforms with longer safety track records.We have a wide-ranging discussion with Jean Peccoud, GenoFAB founder and professor at Colorado State University, about the effect of the cuts.Herantis takes on Parkinson’s diseaseHerantis Pharma is a Finnish clinical-stage biotech developing disease-modifying therapies to stop Parkinson’s disease.Its lead product HER-096, a first-in-class, subcutaneously administered therapy designed to stop—and potentially reverse—the progression of PD, with brain penetration already demonstrated. It is in the clinic (phase 1b) in PD patients which is also evaluating selected biomarkers to identify novel treatment response biomarkers and monitor symptoms in patients – topline data is expected in September.Herantis is among a limited group of companies worldwide that are preparing for Phase 2 clinical trials with a drug candidate designed to stop or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.HER-096 is a small peptide with a multi-modal MOA that targets key drivers of neurodegeneration: cell stress, protein misfolding, and inflammation, while achieving excellent brain penetration.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have a wide-ranging conversation with Anna Codina, senior director strategy and business development at SciY (part of Bruker), as we discuss artificial intelligence, and digitalisation, and the effect on labs. We also chat with Fibrobiologics’ CEO Pete O'Heeron about fibroblast spheroid technology.Interview times:03:49 FibroBiologics21:26 SciYSciY on the path to digitalisationThis week, we have a wide-ranging conversation with Anna Codina, senior director strategy and business development at SciY (part of Bruker), as we discuss artificial intelligence, and digitalisation, and the effect on labs.SciY offers a vendor-agnostic digitalisation platform and a wide range of software solutions for research, development, and manufacturing, enabling workflow integration, automation, digital transformation, and AI readiness.SciY solutions integrate scientific instruments and automation hardware with their scientific data into a digital environment. Data is ingested, standardised, reused, and preserved according to the FAIR data principles, delivering maximum value with minimal effort and disruption.FibroBiologics and fibroblast spheroid technologyBased in Houston, Texas, FibroBiologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of treatments and seeking potential cures for chronic diseases using fibroblast cells and fibroblast-derived materials.FibroBiologics holds more than 275 US and international patents/patents pending across various clinical pathways, including wound healing, multiple sclerosis, disc degeneration, psoriasis, orthopedics, human longevity, and cancer.The company is looking to create the next generation of medical advancement in cell therapy and tissue regeneration.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we talk about new treatments for wet dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with Judith Greciet, CEO of PulseSight Therapeutics, and there’s a conversation with Maite Agüeros, CEO and co-founder of InnoUp Farma about, among other things, peanut allergies.Interview times: 03:24 PulseSight 20:43 InnoUpTackling dry AMDPulseSight Therapeutics SAS, an ophthalmology biotech company developing non-viral vectorised therapies with minimally-invasive delivery technology, recently announced the first patient has been successfully dosed in its phase I clinical trial (PST-611-CT1) aiming to assess safety and tolerability of its lead programme, PST-611, in humans.PST-611 is a first-in-class non-viral vectorized therapy for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)/geographic atrophy (GA), expressing human transferrin, a highly potent iron regulator, playing a central role in restoring normal iron homeostasis.AMD is the leading cause of central vision loss in the elderly, affecting 200m people worldwide. AMD's pathogenesis is complex, and the disease still represents a high unmet medical need. Dry AMD involves the dysregulation of iron homeostasis, leading to an excess of free iron causing highly toxic effects such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and ultimately retinal cell death (ferroptosis).PST-611-CT1 is a first-in-human single ascending dose study that aims to establish, in six to a maximum of 12 dry AMD/GA patients, the safety profile of the drug and validate the maximal tolerated dose in view of the following phase IIa proof-of-concept trial. Preliminary results are anticipated early 2026, subject to patient recruitment.Our conversation is with Judith Greciet, CEO of PulseSight Therapeutics.New ways to treat peanut allergiesInnoUp is a clinical stage company specialising in nanotechnology innovations and developing oral drug delivery solutions. It has developed a Nanoparticle Platform that is protected by international patents.InnoUp has two programmes currently in the clinical stage: an oral peanut allergy vaccine (INP20) and an oral Paclitaxel to treat breast cancer (INP12).We have a conversation with Maite Agüeros, CEO and co-founder of InnoUp. To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we talk about drug discovery with Shinya Yuki, co-founder and CEO of Elix Inc., and Teresa Whalen, CEO of CytoAgents, about CAR-T therapies, cytokine release syndrome, and the FDA. Interview times: 03:53 Elix 20:58 CytoAgentsElix drug discovery platformAI drug discovery company Elix, Inc. and the Life Intelligence Consortium (LINC) have announced that for the first time in the world, an AI drug discovery platform has been commercialized that incorporates multiple AI models trained using federated learning on data provided by 16 pharmaceutical companies.The key to AI drug discovery lies in high-quality and sufficiently large datasets. Diverse and abundant data are indispensable for building superior AI models; however, pharmaceutical companies are generally limited to utilizing their own proprietary data and public datasets, resulting in significant data shortages that have posed major challenges to progress.Federated learning technology provides a solution to this challenge. Elix, in partnership with the Department of Biomedical Data Intelligence, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, developed the federated learning library kMoL, enabling multiple companies to collaboratively develop a suite of AI models without disclosing their confidential data externally. Sixteen pharmaceutical companies participated in building these learning-based models, which are now implemented on Elix Discovery, Elix’s proprietary AI drug discovery platform.By introducing Elix Discovery, users can leverage these newly developed models, and several pharmaceutical companies have already adopted the platform. The initiative marks the world’s first commercialisation of an AI drug discovery platform in partnership with numerous pharmaceutical companies utilising federated learning.Our conversation is with Shinya Yuki, co-founder and CEO of Elix.CAR-T, CRS and the FDAFDA Commissioner Marty Makary marked his first 100 days with a media tour and series of “bold” announcements.One was that the FDA has eliminated the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for six CAR T-cell (CART) immunotherapies, citing growing evidence that the treatments can be safely managed without additional regulatory oversight.While many support this decision since it has the potential to broaden the use of CART therapies, the black box warning for the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities remains. CRS continues to have a massive impact on patients and poses a threat to widespread uptake of CART therapy. CRS develops in up to 95% of cancer patients treated with CART therapies and up to 50% of those patients are at risk of developing Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) leading to extended hospital stays, inability for systems to onboard additional patients, and significant expense to care for these patients.CytoAgents is a company focused on the development of innovative pharmaceutical products for the treatment of life-threatening symptoms associated with CRS.We have a conversation with Teresa Whalen, CEO of CytoAgents, about CAR-T therapies, cytokine release syndrome, and the FDA announcement. To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, our conversations are with Wenyan Leong, director of APAC commercial and global strategic partnerships for cell and gene therapies at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, and Morten Graugaard, CEO of Orbis Medicines.Interview times: 04:01 Terumo BCT 24:52 Orbis MedicinesTerumo Blood and Cell Technologies shows integrated 3-in-1 CAR-T workflow with quantum platformTerumo Blood and Cell Technologies, (Terumo BCT), a medical technology company, recently published a new protocol in a paper demonstrating expanded capabilities for its quantum system to unlock rapid CAR-T cell expansion.The protocol consolidates the processes of T cell activation, lentiviral vector transduction and expansion of CAR-T cells in a single Quantum system, simplifying procedures that have been highly variable and dependent on a skilled workforce. The protocol demonstrated enhancement in manufacturing efficiency, with a two-fold increase in transduction efficiency over manual culture and the ability to consistently produce more than 12bn CAR-T cells in 7 to 8 days.Terumo BCT’s products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Its customers include blood centres, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organisations, researchers and private medical practices.Orbis pushes macrocycles to the foreMorten Graugaard, formerly a partner at Novo Holdings, is now CEO of Orbis Medicines.Orbis combines big data, AI and a big vision of making a class of molecules, macrocycles, reliably designable for the first time.The company launched last year and closed a Series A for a total of €116m in funding so far to usher in a new era of macrocycle drug development.To date, discovery of macrocycles, a class of cyclic peptides, has yielded transformative drugs but the complexity and diversity of these molecules have thwarted attempts at designing them from scratch. To overcome this challenge, Orbis' technology generates and tests vast numbers of macrocycle permutations with incredible speed, generating huge data sets that are fed into AI as real-life training data.Orbis' computational tools sift the data to find needles in an infinite haystack – macrocycles of the perfect size and structure to do the job of injectable drugs – but in the form of a pill. To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week’s podcast is sponsored by Nipro.This week, our conversations are with Jesus Garcia, Nipro Product Manager Water Treatment, on Nipro ’s recently-launched product LiniXia, a reverse osmosis (RO) system that ensures safe and pure water for every dialysis session, and on the future of biologics manufacturing with cell-free protein synthesis with LenioBio CEO André Goerke.Interview times:05:16 Nipro 15:52 LenioBioNIPRONipro Medical Europe is part of Nipro Corporation Japan, a leading global healthcare company established in 1954. With over 40.000 employees worldwide, Nipro serves the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Pharmaceutical Packaging industries.Nipro Medical Europe is a global market leader offering a comprehensive portfolio of medical disposables and machines across six divisions: Renal, Hospital Products, Diabetes, Cardiopulmonary, Enzymes, and In Vitro Diagnostics.With a worldwide footprint of manufacturing sites, sales offices, and distribution centres, NIPRO Medical Europe services the EMEA region. From hospitals to home care, Nipro provides products that improve the lives of patients and meet the needs of healthcare professionals and procurement managers alike.Nipro recently launched LiniXia, its new Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that reliably ensures safe and pure water for every dialysis session.With LiniXia, Nipro has added an entire range of water treatment solutions to its renal care portfolio, combining innovative RO technology with user-friendly controls, detailed logs, and remote supervision capabilities, all while ensuring up to 90% yield of high quality ultra-pure water.Visit http://www.nipro-group.com/renal-care for more information.Our conversation is with Jesus Garcia, Nipro Product Manager Water Treatment.LenioBioLenioBio GmbH is a life sciences biotech company dedicated to transforming protein production through its proprietary ALiCE technology.By eliminating the limitations and bottlenecks of traditional cell-based systems, LenioBio empowers researchers to explore new frontiers in protein expression and accelerate the development of cutting-edge therapeutics and diagnostics.ALiCE was launched earlier this year. It is the first eukaryotic cell-free expression platform specifically engineered for rapid antibody discovery and screening. By offering an end-to-end service covering DNA template generation, lead generation, purification and analysis, this new solution slashes production timelines from four weeks to as little as three days.We had a conversation on ALiCE and the future of biologics manufacturing with cell-free protein synthesis with LenioBio CEO André Goerke.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Eduardo Bravo, CEO of Citryll, and Dermot Tierney, COO of AMPLY Discovery.Interview times:02:53 Citryll21:56 AMPLY DiscoveryCitryllCitryll’s recent Series B financing of €85m at the end of last year is helping to advance its first-in-class therapy targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).Discovered in 2004, NETs are web-like structures released by white blood cells that are now understood to be fundamental drivers of inflammation - yet they've never been successfully targeted therapeutically.Three major strategic investors are backing this novel biological approach, suggesting potential for a new therapeutic class. Following phase 1 completion, Citryll is advancing into Phase 2a trials in both rheumatoid arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa.We spoke with Bravo about the implications of targeting this newly understood biological pathway and the potential market impact.AMPLY DiscoveryAMPLY Discovery is an AI company finding nature's own solutions to drug-resistant infections.Dermot Tierney is COO of AMPLY Discovery, a Queen's University Belfast spinout that's taken a different approach to the AMR crisis. Instead of trying to design new antimicrobials from scratch, they're using AI to discover what evolution already perfected over millions of years.The AMPLY platform connects the digital biological biome to high volume peptide, protein and RNAi extraction technology to unlock a new frontier in drug discovery.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, our subjects are a silica nanoparticle gene delivery system in a conversation with Nigel Theobald, CEO of N4 Pharma, and a point-of-care diagnostics system for urinary tract infections developed by Welsh company Llusern Scientific. We spoke with the company's co-founder and CEO, Dr Emma Hayhurst.Interview times:03:00 N4 Pharma 24:45 Llusern ScientificN4 PharmaN4 Pharma is a UK biotech company developing a silica nanoparticle gene delivery system called Nuvec.Nuvec is being used to enable advanced therapies for cancer and other diseases. N4 Pharma has developed a pre-clinical RNA therapeutic, N4 101, which is a patient-friendly orally delivered inflammation inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using Nuvec.N4 Pharma announced positive results from its first in vivo study, which explored the therapeutic potential of orally administered Nuvec particles loaded with siRNA alone and combined with mRNA.We had a conversation with Nigel Theobald, CEO of N4 Pharma, about the company and its work.Llusern ScientificLlusern Scientific is a treatment-directing molecular diagnostics company, developing fast, accurate, and accessible tools to guide real-time clinical decision-making at the point-of-care.Its solution, Lodestar DX, is a portable diagnostic device that delivers lab-accurate results for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in around half an hour.As well as providing guidance on the best treatment option based on the specific microbial infection, Lodestar DX also provides a clear ‘rule-out’ decision where antibiotics are not necessary, helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance through antibiotic stewardship.Our guest on the podcast is Llusern Scientific co-founder and CEO, Dr Emma Hayhurst.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Sean MacDonald, CEO of Domain Therapeutics, Carina Kern, CEO and founder of LinkGevity, and Nadia Harhen, general manager of AI Simulation at SandboxAQ. Interview times:03:41 Domain Therapeutics 27:14 SandboxAQ48:04 LinkGevityDomain TherapeuticsDomain Therapeutics is delivering breakthrough GPCR-targeting therapies in immuno-oncology and inflammation.Domain recently shared first-in-human results for EP4 antagonist DT-9081 (tumour-growth inhibition + clear RP2D), new pre-clinical detail on Treg-depleting anti-CCR8 mAb DT-7012, and breakthrough findings showing their PAR2 biased NAM can re-programme macrophages and restore checkpoint-blockade sensitivity.The highly differentiated and competitive properties of DT-7012 differentiate it from other clinical anti-CCR8 candidates, positioning it as a promising therapeutic solution to overcome immune evasion mechanisms and enhance anti-tumour immune responses in solid tumours. These preclinical findings support the advancement of DT-7012 into phase I/II trials, anticipated to start in 2025.We had a conversation with Domain’s CEO, Sean MacDonald.SandboxAQSandboxAQ, which recently raised $150m from top investors including Google, NVIDIA, Ray Dalio, Eric Schmidt, and others, is pioneering the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum (AQ) to accelerate breakthroughs in biopharma and biosimulation.Its solutions are already being applied to accelerate drug discovery through AI-driven molecule screening; predict protein folding and interactions using quantum-inspired models; optimise clinical trial design and biomarker discovery; and secure sensitive health data and infrastructure with post-quantum cryptography.We spoke with Nadia Harhen, general manager of AI Simulation at SandboxAQ.LinkGevityLinkGevity, an AI-driven drug discovery company focused on the treatment of aging and age-related diseases, recently announced its contribution to the publication of a paper in Springer Nature’s Oncogene, “Necrosis as a fundamental driver of loss of resilience and biological decline: What if we could intervene?”The paper is a collaboration by clinicians and scientists from institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Mass General Brigham, NASA Space-Health programme, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of South Wales (USW), University College London’s Medical School and the European Space Agency.The authors explain how necrosis, a form of cell death historically viewed as an unregulated and terminal event, may be one of the most fundamental and targetable mechanisms driving human aging and age-related disease. The paper brings together evidence from cancer biology, regenerative medicine, kidney disease, and space health to make the case that necrosis is more than a biological endpoint: it may be the crux of how cells and tissues fail as people age.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Phil L'Huillier, CEO of Scancell, and Shai Melcer, head of Israel’s National Bio-Convergence Program.Interview times:03:25 Scancell 28:04 National Bio-Convergence ProgramScancellScancell recently announced a partnership with the UK’s NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, enabling fast-tracked access for melanoma patients.The company’s DNA off-the-shelf cancer vaccine (iSCIB1+) is addressing a critical unmet need in advanced metastatic melanoma. It is currently in phase 2 clinical development with the next key data read outs expected in the middle of this year. Initial phase 2 clinical data showed compelling efficacy: 80% progression free survival in 25 patients at six months with 20% achieving a complete response.iSCIB1+ activates a strong and safe lasting immune response in patients and is setting a new benchmark in the treatment of advanced melanoma. It offers faster, more cost-effective and conveniently administered therapies, bringing targeted cancer treatments within reach for more patients.In addition, Modi-1, Scancell’s innovative peptide cancer vaccine, is another key programme. The company saw promising early results from the ModiFY phase 1/2 clinical study. The second stage of the trial is ongoing, with further data readouts expected in H2 2025.We spoke with Scancell’s CEO, Phil L'Huillier.Israel’s National Bio-Convergence ProgramOur second conversation is with Shai Melcer, head of Israel’s National Bio-Convergence Program. Bio-convergence is an emerging cutting-edge field that combines biology with engineering, AI, nanotechnology, and advanced materials to drive innovation across healthcare, energy, agriculture, food technology, and materials science.Melcer explains that: “Bio-convergence is the world in which biology meets other technologies from the world of engineering—both hardware and software.”This fusion is already enabling breakthroughs such as AI-driven drug discovery, bioengineered materials, sustainable biofuels, precision agriculture, and alternative protein production.In our chat, Melcer discusses how bio-convergence is redefining technological innovation, AI-driven drug discovery, bioengineered materials, sustainable energy, and future food systems, and more.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Peter Nolan, CEO of BlackFinBio, and Kim Kraemer, CEO and founder of Waterhouse Brands.Interview times:01:57 BlackFinBio 19:36 Waterhouse BrandsBlackFinBioBlackfinBio is a clinical stage gene therapy company focused on the development of treatments for rare neurological diseases.Its pipeline comprises BFB-101, a clinical stage AP4B1 replacement adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy for spastic paraplegia 47 – an ultra-rare genetic neurological disease for which no treatment currently exists.BFB-201 is a preclinical stage gene therapy to treat several rare dopamine deficiency disorders.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a phase 1/2 clinical trial of BFB-101 in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia, Type 47 (SPG47).The trial is expected to start recruiting by the end of 2025. The FDA has granted an orphan drug designation (ODD) and rare pediatric disease designation (RPDD) to BFB-101 for the treatment of SPG47.SPG47 is a rare, autosomal-recessive, neurological disorder characterised by progressive lower-limb spasticity, developmental delays and intellectual disability in children. It is caused by deleterious changes in the AP4B1 gene. BFB-101 has been designed specifically to address the underlying genetic cause of SPG47 by delivering a functional copy of the AP4B1 gene, with the goal of halting or reversing disease progression. Preclinical results with BFB-101 have demonstrated promising activity and safety.We spoke with the company’s CEO, Peter Nolan.Waterhouse BrandsReputational pull can be a magnetic force for enduring value. Our guest, Kim Kraemer, CEO and founder of Waterhouse Brands, has built a career on helping many biotech, medtech and pharma companies define, build and operationalize their reputation for the good of investors, patients and employees. The company’s ALIGN Methodology is a five-part strategic and creative framework that defines category positioning and high-impact brand activation initiatives to build awareness and drive audience engagement.In our conversation we cover the dynamics of reputation, how reputational pull drives success in turbulent markets and explain how leaders can leverage reputation for strategic decision-making and team alignment.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, we have conversations with Dr Peter Tummino, president of R&D at Nimbus, and Alex Del Priore, senior vice president, manufacturing at Syngene International Limited.Interview times:02:00 Syngene 20:27 Nimbus TherapeuticsNimbus TherapeuticsNimbus Therapeutics is perhaps best known for two high-profile deals – Gilead’s $1.2bn acquisition of its NASH program and Takeda’s $4bn acquisition of its TYK2 candidate for psoriasis. NASH and TYK2 are well-known targets that many companies have tried and failed to address over the last four decades. What enables Nimbus to take on these challenging therapeutic areas and succeed?Nimbus leverages a unique computational chemistry, physics-based drug discovery engine to rapidly assess and confirm the properties, high-res structures and MOA of molecules and proteins as well as optimal target selection and molecule design.For example, AMPK—a target that has eluded researchers for 40 years despite its known importance in metabolic diseases—is one of the targets Nimbus has successfully approached where others have failed. Combined with the use of a range of AI and machine learning-based predictive modelling approaches, the company can identify and design molecules with optimal characteristics.Nimbus' approach is founded on tackling the industry's most difficult challenges – targets that scientists have long identified as valuable but put aside because they seemed impossible to drug effectively.We had a conversation with Peter Tummino, president of R&D at Nimbus, on the company, and the role of computational chemistry in drug discovery and development.SyngeneSyngene International Limited, a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), has acquired its first biologics site in the US - fitted with multiple monoclonal antibody (mAbs) manufacturing lines.The biologics facility, acquired by Syngene USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngene, from Emergent Manufacturing Operations Baltimore, LLC, will expand Syngene's growing global biologics footprint to better serve its customers across both human and animal health market segments. The new site will increase Syngene's total single-use bioreactor capacity to 50,000L for large molecule discovery, development, and manufacturing services. Additionally, it will provide Syngene's customers with continuity of supply from its four development and manufacturing facilities located in India and North America, offering services ranging from cell line development, process optimization and both clinical and commercial supply.Syngene's investment in its first facility in the US marks a strategic commitment to the US market, with significant benefits for the local economy and the broader life sciences industry.Syngene anticipates the site will see demand from innovative US mAb developers requiring direct access for 'onshore' production, as well as international innovators that want a US-based manufacturing option and complements the capabilities and capacity available across its facilities in Bengaluru. As part of the agreement, Emergent has the right to secure manufacturing capacity from the facility in the future, representing offtake potential from US-based innovators. It will also support the growing animal health segment in which a US site is often a key client requirement.We spoke with Alex Del Priore, senior vice president, manufacturing.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, our guests are Ben Cliff, CEO of UK-based CRO, Concept Life Sciences, and Ravi Rao, chief medical officer of Sitryx.Interview times01:12 Sitryx 19:40 CLS Concept Life SciencesConcept Life Sciences (CLS), a provider of drug discovery, development, and manufacturing services to the global pharma and biotech sector, recently announced an investment into its drug discovery capabilities.CLS is the UK’s biggest independent CRO, employing over 250 people, and with a corporate heritage spanning 25 years. Its recent strategic investment in the automation of its ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) which supports clients with medicinal chemistry in complex R&D projects. CLS has also made investments in its peptide discovery engine. The company’s team and infrastructure cover all modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies, from concept to the clinic.We had a conversation with the company’s CEO, Ben Cliff, about the company and how it is rapidly growing its business, through acquisition, and enhanced services, supported by its lead investor Limerston Capital.CLS has witnessed an average of 32 months to advance a drug from concept to clinic, ahead of the industry average of 60 months. The company has helped accelerate five drugs to market, 28 candidates to the clinic, and 44 candidates to the pre-clinical stage. CLS offers a broad and deep expertise, from drug discovery through early-stage development to multi-kilogram API manufacturing for phase 1 clinical trials.We had a conversation with Ben Cliff, CLS’ CEO.SitryxSitryx is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel oral therapies to restore immune balance in autoimmune and inflammatory disease.The company has a broad pipeline of novel small molecule candidates targeting major autoimmune indications with high unmet need. Its lead candidate, SYX-5219, is a potentially first-in-class PKM2 modulator in development for atopic dermatitis as a once-daily oral therapy with future development potential across multiple autoimmune diseases.In 2020, Sitryx formed an exclusive global licensing and research collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, with the first program, SYX-1042 (itaconate mimetic), now in-house at Eli Lilly and Company and in clinical development, with the commencement of a phase 1 trial in January 2024.Established in 2018 with seed funding from SV Health Investors, Sitryx has raised $85 million to date from an international syndicate of specialist investors.Our chat was with chief medical officer at Sitryx, Ravi Rao.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, we have a conversation with Ben Zeskind, CEO and co-founder of Immuneering, and a discussion with Tasso Inc.’s co-founder and chief technology officer, Erwin Berthier.Interview times:01:27 Tasso27:25 ImmuneeringImmuneeringThere is no cure for HIV, yet many people with the virus now live long, healthy lives – thanks to available medicines that prevent disease progression with minimal side effects, treating HIV almost like a chronic condition.So why don’t we treat cancer the same way?Curing cancer is seen as the gold standard in medicine, with many drugs focused on shrinking tumours as aggressively as possible – often at the expense of patient tolerability and quality of life. One widely used class of cancer drugs known as MEK inhibitors work by turning off the cancer driving MAPK pathway 24/7. But treatment also affects the healthy cells that rely on the MAPK pathway, which presents limitations in terms of tolerability and drug resistance, causing debilitating side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes. This standard approach often forces patients into an impossible tradeoff: live longer or live better.Researchers are studying a new MEK inhibitor approach that is administered in stop-and-start cycles and turns off the MAPK pathway intermittently – with clinical trial results showing this improves patient tolerability while maintaining efficacy in advanced pancreatic cancer in a first-line setting. This is the first-ever cancer drug to use this approach and could mark a broader shift in how we think about treating cancer.We have a conversation with Ben Zeskind, CEO and co-founder of Immuneering, a company leading this therapeutic approach, to discuss its mechanism of action, the future of cancer treatment, and the potential for cancer to be treated similarly to HIV and other chronic diseases.TassoOur guest is Erwin Berthier, co-founder and chief technology officer of Tasso, Inc., which is transforming blood collection to improve patient care and accelerate clinical research. Traditional methods rely on painful finger sticks and inconvenient clinic visits, often leading to poor patient retention in clinical trials.Tasso is making clinical trials more accessible and efficient. With more than one million devices shipped, Tasso is driving breakthrough research—including partnerships with Hims and Hers Health, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.The company recently launched the Tasso Mini and Tile-T20 to further modernise blood collection.The Seattle-based company recently established a new joint venture company with Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd. to exclusively distribute Tasso’s proprietary on-demand blood collection device in Japan.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, we have a conversation with Vidmantas Šakalys, CEO of bioprinting company Vital3D Technologies, and a chat with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, CEO and co-founder of AOA Dx, another of the companies that attended the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago recently.Interview times:01:47 Vital3D Technologies20:46 AOA DxVital3D TechnologiesLithuanian company Vital3D Technologies is developing 3D bioprinting technology aimed at bridging the organ supply-demand gap by specializing in the 3D printing of human organs.As the company progresses on its journey towards printing organs like the kidneys, via printing human skin, Vital3D Technologies has made practical, ready-to-use applications along the way - one of them being organoid application for drug testing.Bioprinting shows particular promise in cancer treatment by producing tumour models from patient-derived cells. With instances of cancer on the rise globally and the mean cost of cancer drug development estimated at $4.4bn per drug, bioprinting has the potential to alleviate some of the many stressors currently affecting the healthcare system.We have a conversation with the company’s CEO, Vidmantas Šakalys.AOA DxAOA Dx, an early-stage biotech company developing the first test to diagnose ovarian cancer in symptomatic women, and Sonrai Analytics recently announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of AOA’s multi-omic liquid biopsy test.The partnership aims to advance the development of the diagnostic test through a multi-omic biomarker validation strategy.AOA Dx is transforming cancer detection with its proprietary GlycoLocate platform, a first-of-its-kind, multi-omics liquid biopsy that integrates gangliosides, lipids, proteins, and clinical data using advanced machine learning.The company’s lead test, AKRIVIS GD, is designed to diagnose ovarian cancer in symptomatic women, where no other diagnostic currently exists.Our conversation is with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, CEO and co-founder of AOA Dx.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]

This week, we’re talking to some of the companies that attended the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago.We have interviews with Microbiotica, 1Cell.Ai, and Tessellate Bio.Interview times:01:55 Tessellate Bio17:02 1Cell.Ai (formerlyOneCell Diagnostics)44:04 MicrobioticaMicrobioticaMat Robinson, SVP Research at Microbiotica, is one of our guests.Microbiotica presented new data at AACR about the microbiome and the mechanism of action of MB097, a clinical-stage drug candidate being evaluated in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with advanced melanoma.MB097 comprises nine different species of gut commensal bacteria, all linked to positive CPI response in multiple clinical studies. Microbiotica has developed in vitro human systems using primary immune cells to investigate how gut bacteria modulate the immune response to cancer.Three of the MB097 strains induce dendritic cells to produce high levels of IL-12, which in turn stimulates Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and NK cells with potent tumour cell killing activity.1Cell.Ai1Cell.Ai, formerly known as OneCell Diagnostics, an AI-powered precision oncology company, announced a new product for the US biotech and pharma market and a new partnership before the AACR meeting,1Cell.Ai launched OncoIncytes, a multi-modal cancer diagnostic panel that integrates multiple types of data, including circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumour cells (CTC) at single cell resolution, RNA transcriptomics, and proteomics (150 proteins at the single cell level).The company said the technology is transforming cancer research, drug development, patient selection, and therapy response monitoring with unprecedented granularity.1Cell.Ai is also joining forces with BioSkryb Genomics, a pioneer in single cell multi-omics, to co-develop and commercialize next-generation single cell multi-omic solutions.Researchers can now isolate CTCs at one in a billion, and characterize DNA, RNA, and protein targets from these individual single cells with unprecedented precision, significantly accelerating the development of advanced therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates.On the podcast, we had a conversation with Mohan Uttarwar, CEO and co-founder of 1Cell.Ai.Tessellate BioBoehringer Ingelheim and Tessellate Bio have partnered to develop first-in-class precision treatments for people with hard-to-treat cancers. The partners will focus on developing first-in-class, oral precision treatments for people living with cancer.The collaboration aims to develop treatments targeting tumours dependent on alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) for their growth. This feature is present in 10-15% of all cancers and is associated with poor prognosis and a lack of targeted therapies.Tessellate Bio has developed inhibitors of an undisclosed target that plays a key role in enabling the uncontrolled growth of ALT positive cancer cells. Blocking this target has been shown to lead to increased DNA damage, replication stress and ultimately tumour cell death, specifically in ALT positive tumour cells. A benefit is that healthy cells are not affected because they have no dependency on this mechanism.Andree Blaukat, CEO of Tessellate Bio, tells us more.To get in touch with guest suggestions, please email [email protected]