Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Stan Watowich, Founder and CEO of Ridgeline Therapeutics and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch.Stan shares his journey from academic science to biotech company building, and how Ridgeline is developing small molecule therapies aimed at improving how we age and treat chronic disease. The conversation explores the company’s focus on NNMT, a key regulator of cellular energetics, and the broader opportunity to address age-linked conditions through targeted drug discovery.They also discuss the realities of translating academic research into commercial success, prioritizing programs in a constrained funding environment, and what it takes to build a company around high-conviction science.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on May 1, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Michael Heltzen, CEO of eXoZymes, a publicly traded biotechnology company developing AI-enabled, cell-free biomanufacturing platforms designed to expand what is possible with enzyme engineering.Michael discusses the company’s thesis that producing complex molecules outside living cells may allow greater control, scalability, and speed compared to traditional biologic manufacturing approaches. We explore how advances in artificial intelligence are helping identify and optimize enzyme pathways, the strategic considerations involved in building a platform company in today’s capital environment, and what differentiates cell-free systems from more established synthetic biology approaches.We also discuss the realities of scaling a publicly traded life sciences company, how leaders balance scientific ambition with commercial discipline, and where cell-free biomanufacturing could create meaningful impact across nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on April 17, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Charles Legg of CureLab Oncology, a biotechnology company developing novel immuno-oncology therapies designed to more precisely modulate immune pathways within the tumor microenvironment.Charles shares his perspective on how immunotherapy continues to evolve beyond first-generation checkpoint inhibitors and why a deeper understanding of tumor biology may lead to more durable and broadly effective cancer treatments. We discuss the scientific rationale behind targeting immune signaling pathways, the challenges of translating complex biology into therapeutic development programs, and how emerging platform approaches may shape the future of oncology innovation.We also explore the realities of building oncology companies in today’s capital environment, including capital efficiency, prioritization of development milestones, and how biotechnology leaders communicate complex scientific strategies to investors and partners.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on April 6 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Christopher Gropp, Founder and CEO of Trialogics, a clinical trial technology company developing integrated platforms designed to improve how clinical research data is captured, managed, and utilized across global studies.Chris shares his journey building technology solutions for clinical research and explains why many trials still rely on fragmented systems that create operational inefficiencies for sponsors, CROs, and clinical sites. He discusses Trialogics’ approach to integrating eConsent, IRT/IWRS, ePRO/eCOA, and remote device management to support decentralized trials and enable real-time patient data collection.We explore the operational challenges of scaling technology in regulated environments, the growing role of AI in clinical trial management, and how modern platforms are helping sponsors run more efficient, patient-centered studies.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on March 23, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Chris Hoyt, CEO of KeifeRx, a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company developing small molecule therapies for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology licensed from Georgetown University.Chris shares his journey as an entrepreneurial executive who has launched, funded, and scaled venture-backed companies across multiple industries before entering biotechnology. He discusses how those experiences translate to building a drug development company and the strategic decisions involved in turning promising academic discoveries into IND enabled programs.We explore the challenges of funding and scaling early-stage biotech companies, the importance of capital discipline in today’s market environment, and how leaders evaluate scientific opportunities when building new biotechnology ventures.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on March 9, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Ben Scruggs, the CEO of Altis Biosciences, a biotechnology company developing advanced human intestinal tissue platforms designed to improve the predictability of drug development.Ben explains how Altis’ RepliGut® platform addresses long-standing limitations in traditional preclinical gut models, which often fail to replicate human physiology and contribute to costly downstream clinical setbacks. He shares how the company is building scalable, functional human intestinal tissue systems to better model drug absorption, metabolism, toxicity, and inflammatory disease.We explore the discipline required to commercialize complex biology, the realities of scaling a platform biotechnology company, and how improving translational models can enhance capital efficiency across the pharmaceutical industry. Ben also offers perspective on leadership in deep science ventures, partnering with pharma, and positioning infrastructure technologies for long-term impact.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on February 23, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Murat Croci, Co-CEO of Ibex Biosciences, a biotechnology company developing novel therapies to address major unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious disease.Murat discusses how Ibex is advancing high-conviction therapeutic programs from preclinical success toward the clinic, and the discipline required to translate strong scientific data into IND-ready assets. He shares insights from his career across biotechnology, operations, and company leadership, and how taking personal capital risk alongside investors shapes his approach to execution and decision-making.We explore the realities of early-stage drug development, balancing portfolio focus with optionality, and the challenges founders face as programs transition from discovery into clinical development. Murat also offers his perspective on leadership under risk and what it takes to build durable biotech companies in today’s funding environment.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on February 6, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Gitte Pedersen, founder and CEO of Genomic Expression, a life sciences company focused on advancing RNA-based diagnostics to improve cancer care.Gitte discusses how Genomic Expression is applying RNA sequencing and data-driven diagnostics to help clinicians identify the most effective treatment options for individual cancer patients. She shares insights from her career journey, spanning corporate strategy, investment, and entrepreneurship, and how her multidisciplinary background has shaped the company’s mission-driven approach to innovation.We explore the challenges of translating complex genomic data into clinically actionable tools, the realities of scaling a diagnostics company within healthcare systems, and Gitte’s perspective on the future of precision oncology and RNA-based diagnostics. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on January 23, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Jason Kralic, CEO and co-founder of Tellus Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for neonatal brain injury.Jason discusses how Tellus is building a translational biotech platform grounded in strong biological insight and disciplined execution, with a clear focus on addressing one of the most complex and underserved patient populations in medicine. He shares insights from his career journey as a neuropharmacologist and life sciences business development leader, including how his experience in large pharma and biotech informs the way he evaluates scientific risk, platform focus, and company strategy.We explore the challenges of translating science into the clinic, the realities of capital strategy and timing in today’s funding environment, and Jason’s perspective on what it takes to build biotech companies designed to endure.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on January 9, 2026. Learn more at ⁠⁠genecoda.com⁠⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Karthik Sriram, Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Parabilis Medicines, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation peptide therapeutics through its innovative Helicon™ platform.Karthik discusses how Parabilis is applying platform science and strategic financial planning to advance medicines designed to deliver extraordinary outcomes for patients. He shares insights from his career journey, transitioning from biomedical engineering into corporate strategy and biotech finance, and highlights how FP&A plays a central role in aligning scientific priorities with operational execution.We explore the company’s vision for the Helicon™ platform, the opportunities and challenges of scaling a clinical-stage organization, and the broader trends shaping the future of peptide therapeutics and biotech company-building.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on December 8, 2025.Learn more at ⁠genecoda.com⁠.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Jim Buck, President & CEO of Medcura, a medical device company advancing surgical safety through innovative hemostatic and wound treatment solutions.Jim discusses how Medcura is addressing one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, rapid and reliable bleeding control, through a platform built on biocompatible, naturally derived polymers. He shares insights from his leadership journey, the company’s path from R&D to commercialization, and how Medcura’s technology is helping surgeons and patients achieve better outcomes in both surgical and wound care settings.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on October 6, 2025.Learn more at genecoda.com.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Mike Stocum of Bantam Pharmaceutical, a biotech developing therapies that target cancer cells through their mitochondria. Mike shares how Bantam is advancing its lead programs and building a strategy to translate cutting-edge science into new treatment options for patients.Learn more at ⁠genecoda.com⁠.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on September 19, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Mark Stead of Atomic AI, a biotech harnessing artificial intelligence and structural biology to unlock RNA’s therapeutic potential. Mark shares how Atomic AI is building a discovery platform to model RNA structures with unprecedented accuracy, opening the door to new classes of medicines for oncology, rare diseases, and beyond.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on August 22, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Larry Tiffany, CEO of GenrAb, to explore how the company is developing fully human neuroprotective antibodies to address neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Larry discusses GenrAb’s scientific approach, the promise of neuroprotection in slowing disease progression, and the challenges of advancing novel biologics in today’s biotech landscape.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on June 20, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Saurabh Johri, Chief Business Officer at Catena Biosciences, a pioneering company revolutionizing protein conjugation technologies for next-generation therapeutics. Saurabh shares insights on Catena’s platform, its potential to reshape therapeutic development, and the company’s vision for advancing precision medicine through novel protein engineering approaches.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on June 6, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Darren Dasburg, CEO of Clarus Biologics, a company advancing vaccine and immunology innovation through a novel adjuvant platform designed to improve immune responses, particularly in vulnerable populations. Darren shares insights on Clarus Biologics’ technology, its potential applications in global health, and the company’s strategy for bringing novel adjuvant solutions to market.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on May 19, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Ayla Annac, CEO and Co-Founder of InvivoSciences, a precision medicine company transforming the way therapies are discovered and developed for heart failure and cardiometabolic diseases. Ayla shares insights into InvivoSciences’ innovative platform, the promise of patient-specific models in drug discovery, and the company’s vision for advancing precision medicine.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on April 11, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Anna Kazanchyan, MD, CEO of Saghmos Therapeutics, about the company’s mission to revolutionize cardiovascular and kidney protection. We explore how their lead drug candidate, ST-62516, is designed to prevent Major Adverse Cardiac and Kidney Events (MACKE) in high-risk patients undergoing PCI. Dr. Kazanchyan discusses the science behind ST-62516, why it has a strong likelihood of FDA approval, and the company’s strategic approach to clinical trials, regulatory success, and market exclusivity.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on March 28, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Charles Swindell, CEO of Glycotest, about the company’s proprietary technology that measures glycoprotein fucosylation for the detection of liver diseases. Charles shares insights on the science behind Glycotest’s platform, the challenges of bringing diagnostic innovation to market, and the future of precision liver disease detection.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on March 14, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Rich Shea, CEO of Basking Biosciences, to discuss the company’s pioneering work with RNA aptamer technology for the treatment of acute thrombosis. Rich shares insights on Basking’s scientific journey, the challenges of advancing a novel therapeutic approach, and the opportunities ahead in cardiovascular care.Learn more at genecoda.com.Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on February 24, 2025.

In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Dr. Nathan Stasko, CEO of Vast Therapeutics, about the company’s journey with nitric oxide technology in respiratory therapeutics. Dr. Stasko shares the challenges of advancing novel drug delivery approaches, lessons learned in building a biotech startup, and his perspective on innovation in life sciences.Learn more at genecoda.com.This conversation was originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on February 7th, 2025.