Biotech 2050 Podcast

Synopsis: From managing a theme park in Canada to leading the U.S. business of one of the world’s largest privately held pharma companies, Brian Hilberdink’s journey is anything but conventional. Live from JPM 2026 in San Francisco, Biotech 2050 host Alok Tayi sits down with the President, U.S. Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim to explore how frontline sales experience shaped a career now steering launches across obesity, chronic kidney disease, oncology, and rare disease. The pair dive into Boehringer’s long-term, privately held model—one that reinvests nearly 30% of revenue into R&D—and the strategic thinking behind its ambitious pipeline: first-in-class breakthroughs in interstitial lung disease, major obesity programs, and upcoming waves of launches through 2027 and beyond. They also unpack the future of commercial pharma—from direct-to-consumer models and digital patient engagement to AI-powered launches and trial recruitment—plus Brian’s candid views on China’s innovation engine and the growing importance of rare disease. A masterclass in modern pharma leadership, portfolio strategy, and building for generations. Biography: Brian Hilberdink is an accomplished global executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as President of U.S. Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. In his role at Boehringer, he oversees several business units across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic and renal diseases, obesity, pulmonary fibrosis (ILD), and oncology. Renowned for driving impactful results and fostering cultures of accountability and engagement, Brian consistently enhances organizational performance. Previously, Hilberdink served as Executive Vice President at LEO Pharma, where he led the North American Region and served as President of the U.S. affiliate, which became the primary growth driver for the company globally.. Earlier in his career, Hilberdink held several senior-level positions at Novo Nordisk, where he worked across multiple geographies. He was recognized for developing and executing innovative go-to-market strategies, resulting in the successful launch of multiple blockbuster therapies in the areas of obesity and diabetes.

Synopsis: Fresh from the JPM 2026 in San Francisco, Alok Tayi welcomes Johan Luthman, Executive Vice President of R&D at Lundbeck, for a sweeping, deeply personal conversation on the future of neuroscience drug development. From his early days as a Swedish clinician-scientist to leading breakthrough Alzheimer’s programs and rebuilding Lundbeck’s pipeline from the ground up, Johan shares the pivotal moments—and phone calls—that shaped a 30-year career across AstraZeneca, Merck, Serono, and now Denmark’s neuroscience powerhouse. The discussion dives into Lundbeck’s bold strategic reset: letting biology lead, de-risking early in patients, embracing rare disease and sleep medicine, and making disciplined bets on monoclonal antibodies, migraine prevention, epilepsy, and neuroendocrine disorders. Johan explains how the company shifted capital toward innovation, rebuilt its portfolio through targeted acquisitions, and built one of the most advanced neuroscience pipelines in pharma today. In one of the episode’s most powerful moments, Johan opens up about his personal motivation—caring for family members with Alzheimer’s and dedicating his career to diseases of the brain. From AI-driven R&D productivity and adaptive trials to Denmark’s unique foundation-owned pharma model, this conversation is a masterclass in scientific rigor, decision-making under uncertainty, and keeping patients at the center of everything. Biography: In 1991, Johan Luthman began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in Astra, later AstraZeneca. In 2005, Johan joined Serono as Head of Neuroscience & Immunology Research, and subsequently, in MerckSerono, as Therapy Area Head, Neurology & Immunology. In 2009, he became CEO of biotech start-up GeNeuro. In late 2009, Johan joined Merck as VP & Franchise Integrator for Neuroscience and Ophthalmology. In 2014, he came to Eisai where he was Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development. Johan joined Lundbeck as Executive Vice President, R&D in March 2019. Johan is a Swedish national and is trained as a Doctor of Dental Sciences from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. He also holds a PhD in Neurobiology and Histology as well as an Associate Professor title from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. Johan is a Member of the Board of Directors of Brain+.

Synopsis: At a moment when biotech is rethinking growth, innovation, and patient impact, Alok Tayi sits down with Christophe Bourdon, Chief Executive Officer of LEO Pharma, to explore what it truly means to build a purpose-driven, commercial-stage biotech. Drawing on three decades across Sanofi, Alexion, Amgen, and now LEO Pharma, Christophe shares a clear conviction: innovation only matters when it meaningfully changes patients’ lives. At LEO Pharma, that belief is shaping a focused strategy in medical dermatology, where over one-third of the global population is affected and thousands of skin diseases still lack approved treatments. The conversation spans LEO Pharma’s evolution into a nearly $2B growth company, the rise of first-in-class therapies in atopic dermatitis and chronic hand eczema, and why formulation science, rare disease execution, and “white-glove” patient support are essential to changing standards of care. Christophe also offers sharp perspectives on AI-enabled scouting, the accelerating innovation coming out of China, and why biotech must resist “me-too” products in favor of true clinical breakthroughs. From JPMorgan Healthcare Conference insights to deeply human stories of rare disease care at 4 a.m., this episode is a masterclass in disciplined growth, differentiated innovation, and patient-first leadership. Biography: Christophe joined LEO Pharma as CEO in April 2022 and has since led the company through a strategic transformation, sharpening its focus on innovation and external partnerships. Under his leadership, LEO Pharma has accelerated growth in key markets, advanced its pipeline, and strengthened its culture, reinforcing its position as a global leader in medical dermatology. Before joining LEO Pharma, he served as CEO of Orphazyme A/S. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Amgen, including Senior Vice President and General Manager for the U.S. Oncology Business, and at Alexion as Senior Vice President, EMEAC, overseeing the commercial development of ultra-orphan therapies across 40 countries. Christophe holds an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a B.A. from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion (ISG) in Paris, France.

Synopsis: This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy. Roivant Sciences CEO Matt Gline returns to Biotech 2050 for a deeply reflective conversation with host Rahul Chaturvedi on what it really takes to build a biotech company that lasts. From Roivant’s transformational $7B Pfizer-to-Roche deal to delivering registrational Phase 3 data in dermatomyositis—one of biotech’s most difficult graveyard indications—Matt shares how disciplined execution, decentralization, and learning from failure shaped Roivant’s trajectory. The discussion explores Roivant’s unique “Vant” model, why multiple CEOs can outperform centralized command-and-control structures, and how thoughtful clinical trial design—down to steroid tapering and site execution—can make or break outcomes in rare disease development. Beyond science and strategy, Matt reflects candidly on his own evolution as CEO, the realities of leading a public biotech through volatile markets, and why authenticity, focus, and embracing hard lessons matter more than chasing hype. This episode is a masterclass in biotech leadership, clinical development, and long-term value creation. Biography: Matt Gline serves as Chief Executive Officer of Roivant Sciences. Mr. Gline joined Roivant in March 2016 and previously served as Chief Financial Officer. From April 2014 to March 2016, he was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Fixed Income Digital Structuring, where he focused on technology and data strategy. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Mr. Gline was a co-founder of Fourthree, a risk analytics technology and consulting company. From 2008 to 2012, he served as Vice President at Barclays, Enterprise Risk Management Advisory, where he provided analysis for corporate clients related to capital markets access for financing and risk management. Mr. Gline earned his A.B. in Physics from Harvard College.

Synopsis: This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy. What happens when engineering discipline, business pragmatism, and breakthrough immunology collide? In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi sits down with Jay Hartenbach, President & COO of Diakonos Oncology, to unpack one of the most unconventional—and promising—approaches in cancer immunotherapy today. Jay traces his journey from biomedical engineering into biotech operations, sharing how Diakonos was built outside the traditional venture playbook and why the company chose to tackle two of the most punishing cancers first: glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. He reveals how Diakonos’ dual-loading dendritic cell platform creates an exponentially stronger immune response—essentially tricking the body into launching a viral-level attack against cancer. From capital-efficient clinical execution to nontraditional fundraising and early signs of durable patient responses, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how bold science, disciplined operations, and relentless persistence can reshape what’s possible in oncology. Biography: Jay Hartenbach is a distinguished leader in the biotechnology and wellness sectors, known for his passionate commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions and transforming patient outcomes. He currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Diakonos Oncology, where he is leading the team through the development and clinical advancement of pioneering immunotherapies targeting some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, including glioblastoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.​ Since joining Diakonos Oncology, Jay has been instrumental in achieving significant milestones such as attaining FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designation for the company’s lead candidate, DOC1021, securing greater than $30 million in financing, and establishing research collaborations with leading cancer centers to advance the clinical trials of the company’s novel dendritic cell vaccine platform. Before his role at Diakonos, Jay co-founded Medterra, a globally recognized wellness company that set industry standards for quality and innovation, and where he continues to serve as Chairman of the Board, shaping high-level strategic direction. He also co-founded Perland Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage biotech firm focused on developing therapies for arthritis conditions, and has held leadership and board advisory roles across several life sciences ventures.​ Jay holds a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Engineering Management from Duke University, grounding his entrepreneurial leadership with scientific expertise.

Synopsis: This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy. In this far-reaching conversation, Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with John Lepore, CEO & President of ProFound Therapeutics and CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering, tracing a career shaped by a deep commitment to understanding the causal machinery of human disease. John shares how a Harvard-trained physician-scientist evolved into a biotech leader building one of the industry’s most ambitious platform companies. Reflecting on 17 years at GSK — from academic cardiologist to running global research — John describes the moment he realized traditional target discovery had reached its limits. That insight propelled him into Flagship’s venture-creation ecosystem and ultimately into leading ProFound Therapeutics, where the team is uncovering tens of thousands of previously unknown human proteins that could fundamentally reshape drug discovery and unlock true first-in-class opportunities. John also offers a candid look at today’s biotech leadership realities: navigating capital-tight markets, fostering high-trust pharma partnerships, making disciplined early kill decisions, and using AI to extract causal insights from vast proteomic datasets. Together, he and Rahul explore why the expanded human proteome may be medicine’s next great frontier — and what it takes, scientifically and psychologically, to lead a company bold enough to pursue it. Biography: John Lepore, M.D., is CEO and President of ProFound Therapeutics and CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering, where he is leading a new era of drug discovery by harnessing the expanded proteome to build a pipeline of first-in-class medicines. A physician-scientist and accomplished pharma executive, he joined ProFound following a 17-year career at GSK, where he was most recently SVP, Head of Research, leading a 2,500+ person global team and driving a renewed focus on immunology and human genetics across target discovery and validation, modality platforms, drug discovery, and clinical translation. He also chaired GSK’s Research Review and Investment Board, guiding capital allocation and R&D strategy. Under his leadership, GSK advanced 15 Phase 1 programs with first- or best-in-class potential and executed $1B+ in strategic R&D deals. Before joining the biopharma industry, Dr. Lepore was a faculty cardiologist and research investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, where his lab investigated the transcription regulation of cardiovascular development. He currently serves on the boards of ProFound, KSQ Therapeutics, and the Innovation Growth Board of Mass General Brigham. Dr. Lepore received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Scranton and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, after which he completed his residency and post-doctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Synopsis: This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy. Biotech is undergoing a scientific redesign, and Jason Kelly reveals to host Alok Tayi how automation, AI-ready datasets, and modular lab technologies are reshaping the future of R&D. Jason explains why legacy biopharma data—messy, inconsistent, and lacking metadata—cannot power modern machine learning, and why the industry must generate entirely new, massively standardized experimental datasets to unlock AI’s true potential. He walks through Ginkgo’s evolution from platform partnerships to a next-generation CRO built for AI-driven discovery, offering industrialized functional genomics, mammalian engineering, CRISPR libraries, and high-throughput developability assays at unprecedented scale. Jason also describes how Ginkgo’s reconfigurable automation systems—robotic building blocks that replace 18-month custom builds—are democratizing high-throughput experimentation and making advanced lab infrastructure as flexible as cloud computing. Together, Jason and Alok explore how the fusion of automation and AI can collapse R&D timelines, rewrite cost structures, and enable thousands of new biotech companies to test ideas faster than ever before. For scientists, engineers, and AI practitioners, this episode offers a compelling look at the new scientific architecture emerging at the intersection of robotics, data, and programmable biology. Biography: Dr. Jason Kelly is the co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks. He took the company public and raised $1.6B in the largest US biotech public listing to date in 2021. Today the company is pioneering autonomous labs that accelerate bioengineering across biopharma, agriculture, and industrial biotech industries. Jason also previously served as the Chair of the US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology which oversees how advancements in emerging biotechnology will shape current and future activities of the US Department of Defense. Prior to Ginkgo, Jason received B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biology and a PhD in Biological Engineering all from MIT.

Synopsis: In a conversation rich with strategic insight, Coya Therapeutics CEO Arun Swaminathan unpacks the intersections of scientific innovation, business development discipline, and capital-efficient execution that define today’s most resilient biotechs. With a 25-year foundation spanning R&D, clinical pharmacology, marketing, and BD, Arun offers investors a rare systems-level lens on how neurodegenerative programs progress from hypothesis to value inflection. Through his dialogue with host Alok Tayi, he breaks down Coya’s differentiated Treg-modulating platform and the data emerging across ALS, FTD, and Alzheimer’s. He explains why Coya’s dual-mechanism approach—restoring regulatory T-cell function while reshaping the neuroinflammatory environment—is uniquely poised to change patient trajectories. Arun also delves into the structural logic behind Coya’s partnership with Dr. Reddy’s, demonstrating how complementary strengths in manufacturing, commercialization, and regulatory strategy can dramatically shift both timelines and capital needs. For investors tracking macro trends, he contextualizes shifting interest rates, pipeline gaps, and rising M&A momentum—and why 2026 may mark the beginning of a healthier biotech cycle. A must-listen for anyone evaluating platform durability, risk mitigation strategies, and next-generation neurodegenerative therapeutics. Biography: Arun Swaminathan, Ph.D., has over 20 years of hands-on healthcare business executive experience with an emphasis on corporate and business development, strategy, and finance. He possesses a demonstrated history of prospecting, evaluating, structuring, and closing company validating transactions that augment both organizational and shareholder value. Prior to joining Coya, Arun served as Chief Business Officer (CBO) for Actinium Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: ATNM) where he was responsible for all business development. Within 1 year of joining Actinium, he successfully moved forward negotiations to closure and executed a $452M deal with $35M upfront. Prior to Actinium, he was the CBO at Alteogen (196170.KQ) where he spearheaded over $6B in deals, including deals with two of the top 10 global pharma companies and a $1B+ deal within the first year of assuming the role of CBO. Prior to this, he co-founded and served as CEO of Lynkogen Inc, a pre-clinical stage biotech. Arun began his career in clinical development and commercial roles of increasing responsibility at BristolMyers Squibb and Covance. He obtained his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.

Synopsis: Nimbus Therapeutics CEO Abbas Kazimi walks Alok Tayi through the company’s evolving pipeline and playbook for choosing the right risks in a noisy biotech environment. From Werner helicase for MSI-high cancers to a highly selective SIK2 program and GLP-1–adjacent strategies focused on body composition, Abbas details how Nimbus balances rigor, speed, and capital efficiency. He shares candid lessons from pausing and later resurrecting AMPK in partnership with Eli Lilly, the decision to remain modality-agnostic but small-molecule-centric, and the importance of knowing when not to chase the latest fad. Throughout, Abbas returns to a consistent theme: success at Nimbus comes from disciplined target selection, deep collaboration, and a culture that empowers teams to make hard calls in service of patients rather than headlines. Biography: Abbas Kazimi is the Chief Executive Officer of Nimbus Therapeutics. Previously, he served as Chief Business Officer, leading the company’s strategic and corporate development efforts while overseeing business operations. Since joining Nimbus in 2014, he has helped raise over $630 million in equity financing and led transactions totaling more than $8 billion. Notably, Mr. Kazimi spearheaded the $6 billion sale of Nimbus’s TYK2 program to Takeda, the $1.2 billion sale of its MASH (ACC) program to Gilead, and multiple licensing deals exceeding $1.5 billion with partners such as Genentech, Celgene/Roche, and Eli Lilly. Under his leadership, Nimbus has advanced four programs into the clinic, returned over $4 billion to investors, and continues to expand its computational drug discovery and clinical development capabilities. In 2025, Mr. Kazimi joined the board of Unnatural Products (UNP), a biotech company pioneering orally delivered macrocyclic peptides to tackle previously undruggable targets. He also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for In Vivo magazine, a leading publication offering strategic insights and analysis of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medtech, and consumer health industries. Along with his family, he established the Kazimi Family Endowment for Data Science in Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. This endowment reflects their personal commitment to philanthropy and their vision for revolutionizing cancer treatment through data-driven innovation. At the core of Mr. Kazimi’s leadership is a deep sense of purpose—one that seeks to change the trajectory of medical diagnoses where options are limited. The ability to give patients, prescribers, and families a new outlook on life is a powerful responsibility—and one he knows the biopharmaceutical sector has the ability to fulfill. Before Nimbus, he was at Extera Partners, LLC (formerly PureTech Development, LLC), where he provided strategic advisory, supported fundraising, and executed numerous business development transactions. Earlier in his career, he was with JSB-Partners, LP, a specialized investment banking and advisory firm serving biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Kazimi holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. from Harvard University.

Synopsis: Jim Tananbaum, Founder & CEO of Foresite Capital, joins Rahul Chaturvedi to dissect the patterns driving biotech innovation, the role of macroeconomic cycles in venture performance, and how disciplined science fuels enduring investment success. Drawing from three decades across entrepreneurship and venture leadership, Jim reflects on his path from co-founding drug discovery startups with Harvard collaborators to building one of the most respected investment firms in life sciences. He unpacks how interest rate environments shape fund vintages, why AI is emerging as the next transformative platform, and how investors can identify enduring opportunities amid volatility. Their discussion spans valuation compression, AI-driven discovery, CNS and Alzheimer’s innovation, and the geopolitical forces influencing biotech globally. Jim’s perspective offers a masterclass in balancing scientific rigor with strategic foresight — and in positioning capital where breakthrough innovation meets sustainable impact. “Lean into areas where there’s likely to be immense change,” Jim advises — a principle as relevant to biotech investing as it is to shaping the future of healthcare itself. Biography: Jim is the founder and CEO of Foresite Capital, a healthcare investment firm founded in 2011 that has approximately $3.5B in assets under management. Jim assembles the people, ideas, and money needed to launch products that save lives and improve healthcare. During the last three decades, Jim has been a thought partner for some of the fastest-growing companies of their generation, including 10x Genomics (Nasdaq: TXG), Amerigroup (Nasdaq: ANTM), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: JAZZ). Jim’s entrepreneurial experience began at Harvard Business School when he co-founded GelTex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:GENZ). With less than $80M in funding, GelTex brought two drugs to market, and the company was acquired in 1999 for $1.4B. Jim was also the founding chief executive of Theravance, Inc. Under his tenure, he raised over $350M. Theravance has since split into two parts, one of which is now part of GSK’s respiratory franchise through a joint venture, Innoviva (Nasdaq: INVA), and the other was spun out into Theravance Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: TBPH). Together, they achieved a market capitalization that exceeded $4B. Jim’s investment experience includes co-founding Prospect Ventures and, earlier in his career, being a partner of Sierra Ventures, where he established its healthcare services investment practice. Jim graduated from Yale with a BS and BSEE in Applied Math and Electrical Engineering/Computer Science. He then earned an MD from Harvard, graduating from the Harvard/MIT HST Program. He also earned an MBA from Harvard while playing rugby.

Synopsis: Host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Geoffrey Duyk, Chief Executive Officer of Grove Biopharma, for a wide-ranging conversation on navigating today’s biotech macro headwinds and building companies that can translate breakthrough science into real patient impact. Dr. Duyk traces his journey from Harvard/Millennium/Exelixis operator to TPG investor and back to company creation, explaining how board dynamics, capital cycles, and policy shifts shape execution. They dig into why this cycle feels uniquely tough—patent cliffs, reimbursement uncertainty, NIH pressures—and who funds innovation in the meantime. Duyk outlines root causes of R&D inefficiency (misaligned capital vs. 20-year timelines, shaky preclinical predictability, costly trials, underused real-world data) and makes the case for rebuilding public trust and STEM education. Then, a deep dive on Grove Biopharma: precision polymer science that creates antibody-like, fully synthetic, cell-permeable protein mimetics to tackle historically “intractable” intracellular protein–protein interactions. Duyk shares design principles, why modular/orthogonal chemistry matters, predictable pharmacology, and lessons from fundraising and board management—plus why he’s helping grow a Chicago-centered biotech ecosystem. Biography: Geoffrey M. Duyk, M.D., Ph.D. is the Chief Executive Officer of Grove Biopharma. Dr. Duyk has spent 30 years in the biotechnology industry as an entrepreneur, executive, and investor. Most recently, he was the Managing Partner at Circularis Partners, an investment firm he co-founded, focused on advancing the circular economy and promoting sustainability. Prior to that, Dr. Duyk was Managing Director and Partner at TPG Alternative & Renewable Technologies (ART)/TPG Biotechnology. Before joining TPG, Dr. Duyk served as a board member and President of R&D at Exelixis and was one of the founding scientific staff members at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Vice President of Genomics. Earlier in his career, Dr. Duyk was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and an Assistant Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). While at HMS, he served as a co–principal investigator in the Cooperative Human Linkage Center, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Duyk is a trustee of Case Western Reserve University, where he serves on the executive committee. He previously served on the Board of Trustees of Wesleyan University and the Board of Directors of the Moffitt Cancer Center. He currently serves on the IR&E (Institutional Research and Evaluation) Committee at Moffitt, a key component of its External Advisory Committee (EAC). He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), and served as its treasurer. He is a member of the Life Sciences Advisory Board at Innovatus Capital Partners and the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (DOE). Dr. Duyk previously served on the board of the Jackson Laboratory and on numerous NIH advisory committees. He is currently a Senior Advisor at Qiming Venture Partners (USA) and serves on the boards of Enno DC, Oobli, and Melanyze Dr. Duyk earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University and completed his medical and fellowship training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). While at UCSF, he was a Lucille P. Markey Fellow and an HHMI postdoctoral fellow. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Synopsis: Few biotechs can pull off what Syndax Pharmaceuticals has achieved — two first-in-class oncology drug launches, built entirely through strategic in-licensing and disciplined execution. In this episode, host Alok Tayi sits down with Michael Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Syndax, to explore how the company identified breakthrough assets, advanced them through development, and successfully commercialized them within a span of just a few years. Metzger unpacks Syndax’s distinctive model — leveraging external innovation, rapid clinical validation, and precision in go-to-market strategy — to create measurable patient and shareholder value. From the first menin inhibitor approved in acute leukemia to a novel CSF1R antibody reshaping GVHD and fibrosis care, Syndax’s portfolio embodies science that scales. The conversation offers an insider’s perspective on risk management, deal-making, data-driven decision-making, and why speed to market has become the new differentiator in biotech. A must-listen for investors, executives, and founders navigating the complexities of growth in a capital-intensive industry. Biography: Michael A. Metzger is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with extensive leadership experience in company building, operations, and strategic transactions across the life sciences industry. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Syndax Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded oncology company, a role he assumed in 2022. Prior to this, Michael served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Syndax from 2015 and has been a member of the company’s Board of Directors since 2019. Previously, Michael held leadership roles at Regado Biosciences, Inc, where he served as President and CEO and guided the company through a successful merger with Tobira Therapeutics. He also served as Executive Vice President and COO at Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., where he oversaw key strategic initiatives in ADC development for oncology. Earlier in his career, Michael held senior roles in business development and M&A at Forest Laboratories, LLC, contributing to its transformation ahead of its acquisition by Allergan plc. He also held leadership positions at Onconova Therapeutics, Inc., and was a Managing Director at MESA Partners, Inc., a healthcare-focused venture capital firm. Michael has served on several public and private company boards, including CTI BioPharma Corp., acquired by SOBI AB in 2023, and continues to be active in guiding innovative biotech organizations. Michael holds a B.A. from George Washington University and a M.B.A. in Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Synopsis: When biotech meets bold partnerships, new models of innovation emerge. In this episode of the Biotech 2050 Podcast, host Rahul Chaturvedi welcomes Paul Biondi, Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, and Uli Stilz, Vice President, R&D External Innovation Partners at Novo Nordisk, to explore the power of co-creation. Together, they unpack how Flagship’s pioneering medicines model and Novo’s Bio Innovation Hub intersect to accelerate breakthroughs in obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic diseases. They share lessons on building trust, navigating crises, and structuring alliances that go beyond transactions into enduring innovation ecosystems. From human disease atlases to new frameworks for agile collaboration, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how pharma and biotech can partner differently—turning complexity into transformative therapies. Biography: Paul Biondi is a Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, leading Flagship’s product and partnering capabilities, including Pioneering Medicines, Partnering, and Pipeline and Product Innovation. In this role, Paul oversees Pioneering Medicines, Flagship's in-house drug discovery and development unit, as well as therapeutic partnering and business development efforts for the Flagship ecosystem, including driving broad institution-wide Innovation Supply Chain partnerships with biopharma companies to jointly conceive and create innovative products. Paul also works with Flagship company CEOs and their teams to achieve the best attainable value for each company, guiding them in their pipeline strategy, product concepts, R&D execution, and partnering approach. He serves on the boards of Flagship-founded companies, including Tessera Technologies (NASDAQ: TSRA) and Valo Health. Paul Biondi is Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, joining after 17 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), where he served as SVP of Strategy & Business Development and held leadership roles in R&D. He previously spent nine years at Mercer Management Consulting. Paul earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Dartmouth College. Uli Stilz is Corporate Vice President, R&D External Innovation Partners, External & Exploratory Innovation (E2I) at Novo Nordisk., based in Boston. He leads a global R&D team that builds creative partnerships with biotech, venture capital, academia, and research hospitals to co-create next-generation therapeutics in cardiometabolic and rare diseases. Building on the success of the Novo Nordisk Bio Innovation Hub, Uli and the E2I team drive an externally anchored portfolio of collaborations that stimulate global innovation ecosystems and advance Novo Nordisk’s pipeline. Uli Stilz earned his Master’s in Organic Chemistry from ETH Zürich and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, followed by postdoctoral research at Caltech. He began his industry career at Hoechst AG and later Sanofi, where he became Associate VP of the Innovation Unit in the Diabetes Division. Over two decades, he contributed to more than 60 preclinical and clinical drug candidates in cardiometabolic, immunology, and oncology. From 2012–2014, he served as President of the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry. In 2014, Uli joined Novo Nordisk in Copenhagen and in 2019 moved to Boston to establish and lead the Bio Innovation Hub, now the External & Exploratory Innovation (E2I) organization. He also serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Frankfurt, sits on editorial and scientific advisory boards, and holds board roles at the Kendall Square Association and Gensaic, while advising the aMoon Fund.

Synopsis: From stargazing in rural Tennessee to reimagining the future of immune health, Kevin Caldwell’s journey is anything but conventional. In this episode of Biotech2050, Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with the CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health about how personal experiences with a reactive healthcare system—and a deep curiosity about the universe—sparked a mission to extend human healthspan through regenerative medicine. Kevin shares how Ossium built the first scalable bone marrow bank sourced from deceased organ donors—unlocking a powerful, overlooked source for life-saving cell therapies. He discusses Ossium’s fully integrated model, commercialization strategy, and why rigorous company-building must go hand-in-hand with scientific ambition. The conversation unpacks hard-won lessons from raising $130M+, navigating regulatory pathways, and leading with long-term conviction. A bold vision for transforming cell therapy—and a candid look at the mindset needed to build for impact. Biography: As CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health, Kevin Caldwell has built Ossium from a small startup into a clinical stage bioengineering company. Mr. Caldwell set the company’s mission to improve human health through bioengineering and designed its platform-based model for cellular therapeutics development. Mr. Caldwell has led the company’s successful pursuit, negotiation, and execution of more than 50 business relationships, including 5 successful fundraisings and dozens of supply partnerships, clinical partnerships, and commercial contracts with biopharmaceutical companies. After seven years of strategic engagement and networking, Mr. Caldwell drove the team to successfully secure a transformative federal contract with BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) that validates Ossium’s innovative approach. This milestone represents the culmination of persistent relationship-building, targeted proposals, and our unwavering commitment to addressing national biomedical challenges through cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships. Prior to founding Ossium, Mr. Caldwell served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey’s San Francisco office where he advised clients in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. His projects ranged from due diligence of acquisition targets in the biotech startup ecosystem to restructuring distressed biopharma companies. Mr. Caldwell led more than 20 engagements with more than a dozen clients, leading teams that advised clients on revenue growth, go to market strategy, and organizational restructuring. Before McKinsey, Mr. Caldwell served as a Senior Investment Associate at Bridgewater Associates where he did quantitative research for the firm’s global macro investments. Mr. Caldwell studied Physics and Economics at MIT before receiving his JD from Harvard Law School. In addition, he is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and a Fellow of the Leaders in Tech Program.

Synopsis: Some of the most game-changing ideas in healthcare come from unexpected intersections—where engineering meets biology, and where data meets patient urgency. This episode of Biotech 2050 dives into that exact convergence with a look at how one visionary leader helped pioneer blood-based cancer diagnostics. Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Guardant Health, AmirAli Talasaz, shares the story behind building one of biotech’s most impactful companies. From a graduate student navigating genomics for the first time to raising over $3 billion and leading a public company, he reflects on lessons learned, obstacles faced, and what it takes to create a patient-first culture at scale. The conversation explores the technology behind liquid biopsies and companion diagnostics, the challenges of insurance reimbursement, and how Guardant’s innovations are helping detect recurrence and screen for early-stage cancers—all through a simple blood test. Hosted by Biotech 2050 Co-Founder Rahul Chaturvedi, this episode is packed with insights on biotech leadership, pharma partnerships, and building a company that scales with both urgency and heart. Biography: AmirAli Talasaz is the co-CEO of the leading precision oncology company, Guardant Health, which he co-founded in 2012 with Helmy Eltoukhy. Prior to co-founding Guardant Health, he was senior director of Diagnostics Research at Illumina and led the efforts for emerging clinical applications of next-generation genomic analysis. Before Illumina, he founded Auriphex Biosciences, which focused on purification and genetic analysis of circulating tumor cells for cancer management. Talasaz received his PhD in electrical engineering and MSc in management science from Stanford University.

Synopsis: Amy Burroughs, CEO of Terns Pharmaceuticals, joins Alok Tayi to share how she’s leading bold innovation in CML and obesity treatment, driving two high-stakes data readouts in 2025. From a non-linear path through tech, brand management, and Genentech to building resilient biotech teams, Amy reveals why product positioning, tolerability, and mentorship matter just as much as the science. She also shares her take on CEO loneliness, the value of a “personal board of directors,” and what it takes to lead with clarity, grit, and purpose in today’s biotech landscape. Biography: Amy Burroughs joined as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors in February 2024, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience. Most recently, she served as CEO at Cleave Therapeutics, where she led the company through financings, spearheaded licensing and collaboration deals, and oversaw the clinical development of its investigational therapy, CB-5339, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Previously, she served as executive in residence at 5AM Ventures and, in parallel, as senior advisor to one of its portfolio companies, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, during its initial public offering. Earlier in her career, Ms. Burroughs held roles of increasing responsibility in commercial and strategy at Genentech, commercial and business development at other high growth therapeutics companies, talent and governance at Egon Zehnder International, and brand management at Procter & Gamble. Ms. Burroughs earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where she graduated as a Baker Scholar, and her B.A. in computer science with a minor in economics from Dartmouth College. She is currently a member of the board and audit committees at Tenaya Therapeutics.

Synopsis: Host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Jeremy Bender, CEO of Day One Biopharmaceuticals, to explore the bold mission of transforming pediatric oncology. From earning FDA approval for a groundbreaking brain cancer drug to building a culture rooted in execution and empathy, Jeremy shares lessons from big pharma and startups alike. He discusses how to lead through uncertainty, scale with discipline, and stay focused on delivering targeted therapies for underserved patients. They also dive into real-world data, AI’s emerging role in clinical trial design, and why pediatric-first innovation could reshape the future of oncology. Biography: Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., M.B.A. has served as our Chief Executive Officer, President and a member of our board of directors since September 2020. Prior to joining Day One, Dr. Bender was Vice President of Corporate Development at Gilead Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, from March 2018 to September 2020. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer of Tizona Therapeutics from July 2015 to March 2018 and Chief Business Officer of Sutro Biopharma, a biotechnology company specializing in cancer and autoimmune therapeutics, from October 2012 to July 2015. Prior to joining Sutro Biopharma, he was Vice President of Corporate Development at Allos Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on cancer treatments, from January 2006 to September 2012. Dr. Bender also sits on the board of Mereo BioPharma as an independent board member. He started his career in the life sciences practice at Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting company. Dr. Bender holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Colorado, and an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Synopsis: What do courtroom litigation, computational biology, and fibrosis drug development have in common? In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi speaks with Ahmed Mousa, CEO of Vicore Pharma, to explore his unconventional journey from biotech law to the C-suite. Ahmed shares how Vicore is advancing a first-in-class therapy targeting the angiotensin II type 2 receptor to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a devastating disease with limited options and poor survival. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping drug discovery, the promise of precision in early-stage candidate design, and the regulatory and data challenges biotech must overcome. Ahmed also reflects on leading a Swedish-listed biotech as an American CEO, and how a patient-first mission continues to fuel bold innovation across continents. Biography: Ahmed Mousa is the Chief Executive Officer of Vicore Pharma (VICO.ST), where he leads the company’s mission to advance angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonists for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other serious diseases. Under his leadership, Vicore continues to expand its clinical pipeline and global presence in respiratory and fibrotic diseases. Previously, Ahmed served as Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer, and General Counsel at Pieris Pharmaceuticals (PIRS). In this role, he was the site head for the company’s Boston office and oversaw business development, portfolio strategy, centralized project leadership, and quality assurance. He also led Pieris’ legal and intellectual property functions, including licensing, corporate governance, and management of the company’s global patent portfolio. Before joining Pieris, Ahmed was an attorney at Covington & Burling LLP, where he advised pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on a range of regulatory and intellectual property matters. He also served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and began his legal career as an IP associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Ahmed holds dual undergraduate degrees in Molecular Biology and Government from Cornell University, a Master’s in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. with honors from Georgetown Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown Journal of International Law.

Synopsis: When an introverted engineer becomes the President & CEO of REGENXBIO, transformation follows. Curran Simpson joins host Rahul Chaturvedi to unpack his unlikely journey from biotech operations to the C-suite—and how that hands-on experience is reshaping gene therapy's future. They dive into the evolution of REGENXBIO’s pipeline, tackling ultra-rare diseases like MPS II, ambitious plans for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and commercial partnerships with giants like AbbVie. Curran offers hard-earned leadership lessons, honest reflections on scaling science, and insights into how one-time gene therapies could revolutionize treatment in both rare and common diseases. From clinical nuance to strategic boldness, this is a masterclass in biotech leadership, platform focus, and staying patient-first—no matter how complex the science or market. Biography: Curran M. Simpson is the President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors at REGENXBIO. Mr. Simpson previously served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he led key business functions including Research & Clinical Development, Corporate Strategy, Manufacturing & Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial Operations. Mr. Simpson joined REGENXBIO in 2015 with extensive leadership experience across biopharmaceutical operations and served as the Company’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer before becoming COO. Prior to joining REGENXBIO, he was the Regional Supply Chain Head for North America and Interim Chief Operating Officer at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Mr. Simpson earlier served as interim CEO of Human Genome Sciences (HGS), where he led the integration of HGS into GSK, and as Senior Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at HGS. Prior to HGS, Mr. Simpson was Director of Manufacturing Sciences at Biogen. Earlier in his career, Mr. Simpson served in an overseas assignment at Novo-Nordisk Biochem in Denmark and in various senior development and engineer roles at Genentech, working on Herceptin and Avastin, among other roles. Mr. Simpson has an M.S. in surface and colloid science from Clarkson University and a B.S. in chemistry from the Clarkson College of Technology.

Synopsis: Longevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. In this insightful episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi sits down with Sergey Jakimov, Founding Partner at LongeVC, to unpack what it really takes to invest in the future of healthspan. Blending his experience as a medtech entrepreneur, rare disease patient, and venture capitalist, Sergey shares why LongeVC focuses on practical, science-backed longevity solutions rather than hype-driven moonshots. He explains why aging isn’t a disease, how diagnostics differ from therapeutics in venture ROI, and what makes AI drug discovery a pivotal unlock in modern biotech. The conversation also explores the rise of pet longevity, the role of lifestyle in aging, and how LongeVC grew from a €20M experiment to a high-performing fund now raising $250M for Fund Two—all with zero write-offs. For founders, funders, and anyone curious about the intersection of biotech, aging, and real-world outcomes, this episode offers an honest, no-fluff look at building the future of longevity—one evidence-based investment at a time. Biography: Sergey Jakimov is a founding partner of LongeVC, a venture capital fund supporting early-stage biotech and longevity-focused founders that are changing the world. He is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded 3 deep-tech ventures and raised more than $40 million in venture funding for his own ventures and as an entrepreneur in residence. He has worked with several other early-stage companies in the therapeutics space on fundraising, IP protection, and clinical trial strategies, focusing on early treatments in cardiovascular, oncology, and neurodegenerative spaces. He is also a visiting lecturer to several universities on venture capital and intellectual property rights, and he co-authored a master's program in Technology Law for the Riga Graduate School of Law. Since 2018, he has co-founded medical tech startup Longenesis, a cutting-edge company that unlocks the hidden value of biomedical data and accelerates novel drug treatment & discovery. In 2020 he co-founded LongeVC, and in 2021, he co-founded the Longevity Science Foundation - a non-profit organization advancing the field of human longevity by funding research and development of medical technologies to extend the healthy human lifespan. He holds a BSc in International Affairs from Rīga Stradiņš University and two MScs in Political Science and Government and Law and Finance from Central European University and Riga Graduate School of Law, respectively. He was named Forbes Latvia 30 Under 30 in technology and healthcare in 2020.