Raising Biotech

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani finally delves into the scary zone of cancer with German biotech iOmx. The company has raised a total of EUR 115 million (Series A and B) since its inception in 2016 and is hoping to take immuno-oncology drug development to new heights. CEO Apollon Papadimitriou joins the podcast to speak about iOmx's unique mission with its iOTarg platform at the front and center, while scientific founder Professor Phillip Beckhove from the Regensburg Center of Interventional Immunology (RCI), also joins the conversation to take us back to iOmx's origins in the lab and what led his team to produce some groundbreaking research -- tackling tumor immune evasion -- which attracted heavy-hitter investors before the company was born. Apollon gives us details on ongoing clinical trials, detailed insight into some early and surprising efficacy signals coming out of the Phase I, and plans to initiate proof of concept (PoC) studies in various cancer indications. He also sheds more insight into imminent fundraising plans and potentially pulling the IPO trigger within the next two years. Jared Holz, Healthcare Equity Strategist at Mizuho also joins the podcast to give an outsider's take on iOmx's mission from a unique investor community lens. He discusses current gaps in the market, the potential attractiveness of iOmx pipeline and likely investor appetite should iOmx deliver compelling PoC datasets. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - CEO Apollon outlines iOmx's mission to level-up the field of immuno-oncology with its iOTarg platform 05:24 - Going back to iOTarg's origins with Professor Phillip Beckhove and tackling tumor resistance 08:55 - Presentation at AACR 2015 drew investor and pharma interest and led to €40 million Series A 11:04 - Early days of iOmx, Apollon's background and decision to join the company 13:47 - Animal data and biomarker drive investor interest 18:40 - Progress with lead product OMX407 in Phase I trials and surprising early efficacy signals 24:12 - Jared Holz gives his outside take on iOmx's potential amidst crowded and challenged IO landscape 26:50 - iOmx's near-term plans for Series C and potential IPO within 2 years 28:00 - Future strategic predictions and company visions for the future This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into the world of CNS and Parkinson's disease with Cerevance. CEO Craig Thompson joins the podcast to speak about Cerevance's unique mission and use of its NETSseq platform to develop more targeted precision medicines for CNS diseases, particularly targeting the GPR6 receptor in Parkinson's disease. He speaks about the company's origins, its unique financing journey (close to $200 million since inception), what drove him to join during the company's growth phase, plans for upcoming clinical trials as well as a potential near-term IPO. Expert neurologist Dr Karl Kieburtz, the founder of advisory firm Clintrex and Professor in Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical School gives us his take on the general Parkinson's unmet need and Cerevance's unique mission to go beyond targeting the dopaminergic pathway. As a company advisor, Karl has a good understanding of the NETSseq platform and how targeting GPR6 might make a meaningful difference for Parkinsons' patients, but he also illustrates what challenges Cerevance will have to carefully navigate to avoid a crowded Parkinson's graveyard. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - Background on Cerevance's work in Parkinson's disease with its proprietary NETSseq platform 05:48 - Going beyond targeting the dopamine pathway to the GPR6 receptor - releasing the "break" on movement. 07:00 - Cerevance's origin story - Brad Margus and creating NETSeq with scientists from Rockefeller University 08:00 - Initial fundraising journey, CEO transition in growth phase and strategic financing for an eventual IPO 12:50 - Convincing investors on a intriguing yet scary CNS space riddled with failures 16:40 - CNS expert Dr Karl Kieburtz explains why Parkinson's is such a tough disease to treat and the original Levadopa breakthrough 18:50 - Scientific thesis of going beyond the dopaminergic pathway to tackle the GPR6 receptor 21:35 - Cerevance's clinical trial plans for CVN424 as a monotherapy and combination therapy with standard of care 24:13 - Navigating the many challenges associated with conducting a Parkinson's disease clinical trial 26:02 - Pricing considerations and benchmarks for "off-time" and non-motor improvement for successful reimbursement 29:45 - Cerevance's eventual wish to IPO and potential inflection points to pull the trigger 31:20 - Future visions for the company in 5 years time This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani learns that it's never too late to launch a biotech as Sparrow Pharmaceuticals was born when its founder, Dr David Katz, was ready to retire. During his long career within big pharma, David had always had his eye on solving the 75-year old puzzle of steroid side-effects. The company raised $50 million in its Series A in 2020, and now has three clinical trial programs ongoing for its HSD1-inhibitor in Cushing's Syndrome, Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (ACS) and polymyalgia rheumatica (as a gateway to a broad range of inflammatory diseases) in combination with common steroid prednisolone. David discusses his decision to pursue this endeavor when he "should" have been retiring, challenges in getting drug licenses and investor interest, as well as plans to release Phase II data in 2024. Surani also speaks with Dr Peter Merkel, Chief of Rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania as well as Dr Leon Henderson-MacLennan, Co-founder at InThought Research and former medical internist, to get more context on the drug's potential in each indication and nuanced considerations for positioning the drug in the current treatment paradigm. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - Background of Sparrow Therapeutics and tackling cortisol imbalances in Cushing's Syndrome and ACS 05:34 - Sparrows mission to tackle the side-effects of common synthetic steroids for inflammatory diseases 07:50 - David's big pharma background and his light bulb moment around HSD-1 inhibitors for glucocorticoid excess 10:30 - The decision to start a new biotech venture at a time when David was "technically" ready to retire 12:05 - Negotiating an out-licensing deal with big pharma and pitching to investors to secure $50 million in 2020 16:40 - Dr Peter Merkel talks about the HSD-1 inhibitor potential in broad and common inflammatory diseases 22:00 - Dr Leon Henderson-MacLennan gives his outside view tackling the common and significant steroid issue 23:15 - Fitting into the existing treatment paradigm of inflammatory diseases and tricky commercial considerations 25:45 - Deciding to pursue Cushing's Syndrome to nab investor attention with a "buzz word" 27:35 - Where the drug fits in the Cushing's paradigm and driving awareness around under-diagnosed ACS 29:15 - Tackling the tough question of pricing in three distinct indications with an existing treatment paradigm 31:20 - Ongoing Phase II clinical trials, plans for readouts later in 2024 32:00 - Sparrows plans to raise more funds and future visions for the company - M&A or IPO This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the fascinating world of vision restoration and optogenetics with Ray Therapeutics. The company raised an oversubscribed $100m Series A in May 2023, which was particularly noteworthy during a extremely grim year for fundraising. Surani speaks with CEO and Co-Founder Paul Bresge about how his daughter's retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis drove him to enter the biotech world. He discusses meeting Co-founder Sean Ainsworth and seeing groundbreaking experiments in blind mice from inventor Dr Zhuo-Hua Pan that lead to the formation of Ray. He also talks about what drew investors to Ray's mission, its clear regulatory path forward (first in retinitis pigmentosa patients followed by Stargardt disease and geographic atrophy) and visions for the company's future. Surani is also joined by renowned optogenetics leader Dr José-Alain Sahel, Distinguished Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, to talk about Ray's scientific foundations, early data, theoretical safety/efficacy profile and potential to make a meaningful impact in late-stage retinal disorder patients with close to no vision. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - Background of Ray Therapeutics and focus on late-stage retinal diseases 04:30 - CEO Paul Bresge's backstory, personal motivations to enter the biotech world 07:30 - Formation of Ray Therapeutics in 2021 with Co-founder and Chairman Sean Ainsworth 09:50 - Leveraging breakthrough science from inventor and optogenetics pioneer Dr Zhuo-Hua Pain 11:00 - How Ray was able to attract investors and secure an oversubscribed $100m Series A 16:40 - Dr José-Alain Sahel gives his take on Ray's early data and scientific potential 19:45 - Ray's plans to get the drug into Retinitis Pigmentosa patients and regulatory pathway 26:50 - Safety benchmarks and meaningful efficacy outcome measures 38:20 - Optogenetics competitive landscape and Ray's potential edge 29:00 - Future financing goals and the company's longer term vision This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the truly unique story of Fauna Bio -- a female trio founding team that is studying evolution and the intersection of animal and human genomics to unlock powerful new therapeutics to treat complex human diseases. The company has raised a total of $19 million in financing since its inception (2018), but most recently made headlines for its $494 million collaboration with Eli Lilly to study obesity drugs. Ashley Zehnder, CEO and co-founder talks about her academic beginnings as a veterinarian and serendipitously meeting her fellow co-founders in her post-doctoral group at Stanford. She talks about their fundraising journey, getting through investor doors and how the company hopes to take its novel thesis into the clinic. Surani is also joined by Professor Elinor Karlsson, Director of the Vertebrate Genomics Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard to give more context on how studying different mammalian species and evolution can give scientists clues to treating common human diseases. She also discusses the significance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in allowing this thesis to shine. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - Background of Fauna Bio and animal biology thesis 04:01 - CEO Ashley Zehnder's backstory and company formation with Linda Goodman (CSO) and Katie Grabeck (COO) 07:45 - Fauna's first kick-start with the Longevity fund accelerator 09:01 - Fauna's seed financing journey and attracting investors with curiosity 15:10 - Professor Elinor Karlsson (MIT/Harvard) gives some context on Fauna's unique scientific thesis 18:50 - The era of AI/ML making this prime time for exploring Fauna's thesis 22:30 - Partnerships and pipeline: initial focus on cardiopulmonary and obesity assets 29:00 - Challenges ahead for the company to navigate 31:25 - Future mission and visions for the company This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the multi-layered start-up story of Israeli lipid nanoparticle biotech Mana.bio. This is a tech meets biotech story, where AI and machine learning is being leveraged to develop novel lipid nanoparticle formulations to get nucleic-acid based therapies (DNA, RNA, CRISPR) to hard to reach organs. The company announced a $19.5 million seed financing in October 2023, and its exciting new chapter was heavily impacted by the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. CEO Yogev Debbi gives his tech backstory, decision to move into life-sciences, fundraising journey, what it was like to suddenly navigate a company launch as a wartime CEO and future visions to grow Mana through partnerships and a pipeline. Dr Barry Ticho, a veteran big pharma executive and chief medical officer at Stoke Therapeutics, also joins the podcast to give his expert take on Mana's scientific thesis, competitive edge, challenges ahead and future potential to advance the world of gene therapy. Timestamps: 00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai 01:05 - Background of Mana.bio and lipid nanoparticle thesis 05:30 - CEO Yogev Debbi's tech origins, backstory and Mana.bio formation 08:15 - Mana's initial work and "reverse due-diligence" fundraising journey 11:15 - Launching the company during an unexpected outbreak of war 19:25 - Industry expert perspective (Barry Ticho) on Mana's scientific and business thesis 21:55 - Competitive advantage of using AI to optimize the lipid nanoparticle design 23:40 - Which organs can these lipid nanoparticles reach in mouse models and non-human primates? 27:15 - De-risking events, challenges ahead and safety assurances 29:15 - Advantages of tackling new-age biotech with a tech background 30:24 - Mana's future business plans: comprehensive partnerships and building a pipeline This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24 For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the untapped world of tRNA therapeutics with Flagship Pioneering-founded company Alltrna. The company raised $109 million in a series B in August 2023. Surani talks to CEO Michelle Werner about the inception of Alltrna, the company's tRNA therapeutic thesis and her journey to the role. She also talks about the company's plans to study its technology in rare genetic liver diseases and the potential to accelerate clinical trials with the use of basket trials. Dr David Weinstein, a rare diseases pediatrician and owner of Weinstein Rare Disease and Clinical Development Consulting also joins the podcast to give his take on the potential of tRNA therapeutics to serve thousands of diseases. He gives his thoughts on the company's mission, potential clinical trial challenges ahead and how the therapeutics might fit into the treatment paradigm. Timestamps: 01:58 - Background of Alltrna and tRNA therapeutics for rare genetic diseases 06:00 - Company formation under Flagship and Michelle's personal backstory 11:35 - Focussing on stop-codon diseases of the liver for first clinical trials 12:55 - Dr Weinstein talks about tRNA therapies for rare genetic diseases 16:55 - The use of basket trials to accelerate clinical trials 18:30 - Efficacy and safety considerations & regulatory pathway 21:45 - How tRNA therapies would fit into the treatment paradigm 24:05 - Potential for tRNA in other genetic diseases beyond the liver  26:00 - Alltrna's future pipeline and business strategy  For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into Arialys and its mission to revive an autoimmune encephalitis drug from the grave after big pharma no longer wanted it. The company founders are a bunch of venture capitalists (Avalon Ventures, MPM Capital & Catalys Pacific) who saw potential in pursuing the preclinical drug candidate -- raising a $58 million seed financing in September 2023 to take it into human testing. Surani speaks to CEO Jay Lichter (Avalon) about his background, success stories, how he stumbled across Astellas' drug (now ART5803) and why he was so impressed with preclinical data in non-human primate marmoset models. Marty Jefson, CEO of Pinteon Therapeutics, a veteran neuropsychiatry drug development executive, talks about the drug's potential to fit in the treatment paradigm and what convinced him to join the company's clinical advisory board. Also joining the podcast to give medical context on the drug's potential is Dr Leon Henderson MacLennan, medical advisor and co-founder, InThought. The experts discuss the drug's safety and efficacy considerations, clinical trial hurdles and potential for the drug to expand to other autoimmune psychosis conditions including schizophrenia. Jay talks about clinical trial plans ahead, his preferences when it comes to a future IPO vs M&A and what he thinks will be the key value driver for a company exit. Timestamps: 01:56 - Jay's background & history investing in novel technologies 03:30 - Astellas looks to sell CNS assets 04:00 - What exactly is anti-NDMA-receptor encephalitis (ANRE)? 05:15 - Avalon Ventures team up with MPM Capital and Catalys Pacific for asset sale 07:10 - Preclinical trials and impressive data in marmoset models 09:15 - Marty (Pinteon) discusses ANRE burden and ART5803's clinical potential 12:10 - Leon (InThought) discusses unmet need for targeted approach 13:55 - Marty and Leon talk about first impressions of preclinical data 15:05 - Experts discuss human trial considerations and Jay talks clinical trial plans 19:15 - Safety considerations and historical challenges developing CNS drugs 22:00 - Market opportunity of ANRE and other autoimmune indications like schizophrenia 26:10 - Arialys' financing plans, long-term visions and potential future exit For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into Synchron and its mission to develop a potential first-in-class implantable brain computer interface (BCI) that allows people with motor impairment to communicate their thoughts through a device. Founded in 2012, Synchron has raised $145 million since inception, which has taken the implant into clinical trials and the company is gearing up for its final clinical trial. Surani speaks to Dr Tom Oxley, about his origins as a neurologist in Australia and his inspiration for Synchron's BCI. He talks about his struggles to finance the company in Australia, which led Synchron to the US. Dr Elad Levy, Professor and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, University at Buffalo gives his view of the technology's potential, particularly its favorable risk profile and straightforward implant procedure versus more invasive competitor BCIs. Dr David Putrino, Director of Rehabilitation Innovation, Mount Sinai Health System speaks about the BCI's utility, its potential to improve patient quality of and reduce overall healthcare costs. Kurt Haggstrom, CCO talks about navigating Synchron through reimbursement and commercial considerations and building Synchron into a bigger brand. Tom outlines next-step clinical trial and financing plans, thoughts on IPO vs a sale and ultimate visions for the company. Timestamps: 01:46 - The crux of the Synchron's BCI 03:00 - Back story of Tom and the "light bulb" for Synchron 05:52 - Learning the hard way: Australian investors vs US investors 07:23 - Synchron vs BCI competitors (including Elon Musks's Neuralink) 11:10 - Published clinical trial data so far, current risk/benefit profile 12:23 - Dr Levy (UB) gives his view on the potential impact of Synchron's BCI 14:57 - Dr Putrino (Mount Sinai) talks about Synchron's impressive progress 16:43 - Dr Levy and Dr Putrino give thoughts on clinical data, safety and efficacy 19:20 - Kurt and Tom talk about designing the pivotal trial with reimbursement in mind 23:24 - Expert insights on potentially acceptable pricing of a BCI 25:36 - Market reach with tech boom and "less complex" implant procedure 27:58 - Future financing plans, IPO possibilities, and building Synchron into a bigger brand 30:58 - Tom's thoughts on acquisition and comments on Elon Musk's BCI vision 32:15 - Future vision for Synchron and BCI capabilities For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani Fernando speaks with eGenesis CEO Mike Curtis on its mission to create pig donor organs for humans waiting for a transplant. The company has raised $263 million over the last 6 years and is now raising further funds to start human clinical trials. Surani speaks to Mike about the company's history overcoming past Xenotransplantation challenges and using CRISPR Cas9 to finalize their platform -- which conducts 69 edits in the pig genome for optimal compatibility and safety in humans. After recent data (Nature) showed a maximum survival of a monkey surviving with a pig kidney for over 2 years, the company is talking to regulators to enter clinical trials and in parallel is talking to investors and potential partners to take its programs forward. As the company enters unchartered territory, all future strategic business options are on the table. Dr Adam Griesemer, associate professor of surgery at Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, gives his take on the unmet need and progress of Xenotransplanation and eGenesis' scientific thesis of 69 gene edits. He also discusses the academic debate around the number of genetic edits needed and logistical considerations for implementing and scaling the availability of pig donor organs for human transplantation. Timestamps: 02:00 - CEO Mike Curtis describes organ shortage issue 02:57 - The history of xenotransplantation 04:57 - Creating the perfect pig donor organ: 69 gene edits & using CRISPR Cas9 06:40 - Founding of eGenesis with Harvard scientists George Church and Luhan Yang 07:30 - Financing so far, raising $263 million in three financing rounds 09:02 - Nature paper showing two-year survival of monkey with pig kidney 10:46 - Dr Adam Griesemer (NYU) paints unmet need and eGenesis' scientific thesis 15:07 - Thoughts on recent results and academic debate on number of genetic edits 16:45 - Talks with regulators for clinical path forward in kidney transplant 18:07 - Target patient population for first US human trials and Japanese opportunity 20:45 - Logistical and implementation considerations if finally approved 21:45 - Choosing pigs as ideal donors and upscaling considerations 25:05 - Societal impacts: patient advocacy and animal welfare sentiment 27:00 - Future financing plans and potential partnerships with global players 29:30 - eGenesis' 10 year vision of donor organs without immunosuppression For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani speaks with CEO and co-founder Jack O'Meara of Ochre Bio, a company dedicated to tackling the large and unsolved problem of complex and chronic liver diseases. Founded in 2019, Ochre raised an impressive $30 million after only three years in start-up mode and is now gearing up to take some of its drug candidates into the clinic. Surani speaks to Jack about his individual journey and the moment he met and decided to partner up with co-founder Dr Quin Wills. Jack discusses their light bulb idea of setting up a company to study the liver and develop novel and targeted gene therapies using human donor organs as preclinical models instead of mice. Jack talks about Ochre's fundraising journey in Europe vs US, his own experiences raising funds as a relatively young biotech founder and how the company successfully set up an organ "ICU" to conduct its research. Dr Scott Friedman, Dean of therapeutic discovery and Chief of the division of liver diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, joins the podcast to share his thoughts on Ochre's thesis and mission with siRNA gene therapies and its "deep phenotyping" approach. With 40 years of experience in the field, he's seen a lot of failure, so discusses what types of challenges Ochre will have to think about as they progress into human testing. Jack discusses next steps as the company moves towards the clinic -- which involves partnership talks, a Series B fundraising and narrowing down the first indication to test its medicines. Timestamps: 02:00 - CEO Jack O'Meara gives Ochre Bio's liver disease thesis 04:08 - Rewinding to Jack's back story and connecting with co-founder Dr Quin Wills 05:30 - Generating the "light bulb" moment of using discarded human donor organs for research 07:05 - Why liver disease, particularly NASH has seen so many catastrophic failures (Intercept) 08:38 - Quin and Jack search for investors and take roadshow to more "risk-friendly" US investors 10:25 - What it was like for Jack being such a young biotech entrepreneur and how that impacted fundraising 13:40 - Dr Scott Friedman (Mount Sinai) gives his take on Ochre's scientific thesis and mission 15:00 - After some initial logistical hiccups, Ochre builds its own "organ" ICU centre for testing 17:36 - Use of siRNA therapy and deep phenotyping approach to generate lead drug candidates 20:52 - A compelling strategy to de-risk trials, but potential challenges ahead to consider 24:45 - Partnership discussions and Series B plans to get drugs into the clinic 25:08 - Prioritizing "smaller" disease to tackle in first clinical trials 28:17 - Jack's visions in building Ochre into a large multi-product company in Europe. For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of Raising Biotech, Surani speaks with CEO and co-founder Jason Park of Empress Therapeutics, a Flagship Pioneering company that was unveiled in June 2023 with a $50 million financing. Surani speaks to Jason about his journey to co-founding Empress and the ideas behind Empress' scientific thesis of looking for small molecule drug leads "within the human body." He also talks about how the company is deciding which of its 15 drugs candidates to take into the clinic while it also talks to potential development partners. Jim Collins, Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering & Science and Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, gives his take on Empress' unique technology, its use of AI in a different way to competitors, and its advantageous position to discover drugs "faster, better and cheaper." Dr Leon Henderson-MacLennan, medical advisor and co-founder of consultancy firm, InThought also gives his views on the various targets that Empress' compounds are hitting and where the company could add value amidst the current treatment paradigm of small molecules and biologics. Jason and expert guests also weigh-in on questions around the platform's potential to treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological indications given current problems penetrating the blood brain barrier with biologics. All three guests also discuss the potential impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on incentives for small molecule development. Timestamps: 00:55 - Jason gives Empress' elevator pitch on the Chemilogics platform 03:20 - Rewinding the clock to Jason's back story 04:28 - The business model of VC firm Flagship Pioneering 05:33 - What sparked the idea for Empress' scientific thesis 08:05 - 2017 up to present - datasets to 15 drug leads 09:35 - Jim (MIT) gives his take on Empress' platform 11:50 - Can Empress' thesis impact the clinical trial path and timelines? 14:03 - Which indications and therapeutic areas are on the table? 15:55 - Leon (InThought) speaks on drug targets enzymes, cytokines, GCPR and ion channels 21:06 - Potential for Alzheimer's disease with blood brain barrier penetration 22:53 - Impact of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on small molecule developers 25:44 - Empress' future steps to prioritize drug candidates and partnership talks 28:11 - Future visions for the company For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special on-the-ground episode of Raising Biotech, Surani takes you inside BIO-Europe 2025 in Vienna — the dealmaking, the caffeine, and the cautious optimism shaping Europe’s biotech landscape right now. Over three packed days, 6,000+ attendees from more than 60 countries gathered to broker partnerships, court investors, and debate what’s next for the industry. Surani attended panels, spoke with companies, investors and experts on the ground, and gives her observations and analysis. This episode includes a special conversation with Patrik Frei, CEO and Founder of Venture Valuation AG — who shares insights on valuations, investor behaviour, and why Europe might quietly be regaining its strategic importance. In this episode: How US pricing policy shifts are reshaping European biotech strategy China's growing dominance may require Europe to proactively collaborate What investors are really rewarding right now: proof over promise Why founders must raise with confidence and plan beyond the next milestone Exploring investor psychology and the quiet reset in European biotech Music featured in this episode: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (I. Allegro) and “Rondo alla Turca” (Turkish March). Both recordings are in the public domain, courtesy of GregorQuendel

In this episode, we dive into ReproNovo’s “trash to treasure” biotech story. Founded in Switzerland in 2021, the company is reimagining reproductive medicine, one of the most underserved areas in biotech, by reviving overlooked and discarded assets. Earlier this year, ReproNovo raised a $65M Series A from a syndicate of esteemed European investors to advance programs in male infertility, embryo implantation, and adenomyosis. CEO Jean Marie Duval reflects on her unconventional path from patent attorney to biotech CEO, why she and her co-founders put their own capital on the line, and how they convinced investors to back them without fresh data. We also talk about the unique hurdles of drug development in fertility, the challenge of designing and powering clinical trials, and why the next two years will be pivotal for ReproNovo to prove its vision of revival and hopes for a successful exit. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Jean Marie’s elevator pitch on ReproNovo 03:00 – Pipeline overview: RPN-001 and RPN-002, from Novartis/Mereo and ObsEva 06:00 – Jean Marie’s career journey: from biomedical engineer to patent attorney to pharma exec and biotech CEO 07:30 – Founding story: bootstrapping, co-founders, and the first in-license 10:00 – The 18-month grind: capital risk, grit, and courage 12:00 – Bringing in M Ventures and building the Series A syndicate 15:00 – Convincing investors in an under-served field 19:00 – Asset history: male infertility data signals, IVF trial failures, and fresh strategies 21:30 – Embryo implantation and adenomyosis: unmet need and opportunity 22:00 – Clinical trial plans: Phase II timelines, endpoints, and design challenges 26:30 – Safety vs efficacy: the importance of balancing risk in women’s health trials 28:30 – Trial recruitment and patient motivation 30:00 – Looking ahead: pivotal studies, Series B or big pharma exit For any comments, questions or feedback you can connect directly with ⁠⁠Surani Fernando⁠⁠ on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

In this episode, we look at AltruBio’s Cinderella story. While the company officially launched in 2020, its roots go back more than 20 years with a rich immunology pipeline stuck in “academic-style experiments.” On the brink of bankruptcy, a team of executives — including Dr. Judy Chou — stepped in to reboot the company, which has since raised nearly $300M. Judy reflects on her journey from med school in Taiwan to Ivy League colleges and senior roles at AbbVie and Bayer before taking the leap into biotech leadership. We talk about AltruBio’s bold pivot into autoimmune disease, how Judy successfully convinced investors to save a sinking ship, her IPO visions for the company, and her mission to keep patients the priority. With Phase IIa ulcerative colitis data expected later this year, the question remains: will this Cinderella story endure? Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Judy’s journey: From to Ivy League and Big pharma all the way to biotech CEO 08:00 – Rebooting AltruBio: AB Genomics, rebrand, and pivot13:00 – Near-bankruptcy and the $63M Series A lifeline18:00 – Tough pipeline decisions: cutting staff, keeping one trial alive19:00 – GVHD data: survival benefit from 28 days to 180+ days20:00 – Building mode: second-generation antibody ALTB-26822:00 – Fundraising in tough markets and the $225M Series B25:00 – The unmet need in UC and promise of ALTB-26828:00 – Expansion potential beyond UC: dermatology, rheumatology, GVHD30:00 – Future outlook: IPO, partnerships, and Judy’s patient-first philosophy For any comments, questions or feedback you can connect directly with ⁠⁠Surani Fernando⁠⁠ on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

This episode of Raising Biotech takes a different turn — not just the story of a biotech, but of a partnership. Steve Butts, CEO of Arrivo BioVentures, and Dr. Dave Adair, Co‑Founder and Managing Partner of Solas BioVentures, have built ten companies together over nearly two decades. From Steve's first shaky startup pitch to Dave in San Francisco to major exits and a novel company‑building model, Surani explores their individual paths, their serendipitous meeting that kicked it all off, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way right up to their current venture, Arrivo BioVentures, which has raised over $100 million to be the first to tackle female depression. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to a different kind of story: a founder–investor partnership 01:21 – The dinner that started it all 02:32 – Steve’s path from Eli Lilly to biotech startups 03:39 – Dave’s journey from OB‑GYN to angel investor 05:04 – Writing that first $750K check 08:48 – First exit: proof of concept for the partnership 09:40 – Scaling the model: 10 companies, 5 exits 10:38 – Aerial Biopharma and its $400M deal 12:07 – Launching Arrivo with capital first, assets second 14:54 – Structuring for flexibility: two subsidiaries, two assets 17:16 – A loyal investor base outside the usual big funds 19:18 – Forvisirvat: a “happy accident” in women’s depression 21:49 – Dave on why this matters for postpartum depression 23:05 – Reframing failure and challenging women’s health blind spots 25:25 – $45M Series B and a 450‑patient trial with cognitive endpoints 27:23 – Strategic options: M&A, IPO, or both 29:39 – Big pharma potential and broad applications 30:39 – The next five years for Steve and Dave For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with ⁠⁠Surani Fernando⁠⁠ on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

In this episode, we go inside the creation of Xaira Therapeutics — the biotech startup that raised over a billion dollars at launch without a product or clinical data. Speaking with Vik Bajaj, CEO and co-founder of Foresite Labs (and one of the people behind Xaira’s creation), Surani explores how Xaira’s approach could redefine biotech company building, why it’s different from typical AI hype, and what makes it such a bold bet. We follow Vik’s journey from academia to Google to Grail, and then into biotech investing with Foresite Labs, uncovering how a unique incubator model led to Xaira’s launch. From the big idea to the billion-dollar financing, we unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Xaira’s billion-dollar launch matters 01:00 – Vik Bajaj’s journey from academia to Google and Grail 04:00 – Moving from big tech to biotech: lessons and perspective 06:00 – Founding Foresite Labs and its unique model for biotech incubation 08:00 – Why data generation is key in biotech AI 09:00 – Foresite’s approach: building data, tools, and teams from scratch 11:00 – The origins of Xaira: ideation, science, and assembling the team 13:00 – Bringing in David Baker’s advanced protein design technology 16:00 – Early team building and leveraging Grail and Illumina networks 17:00 – Xaira’s $1B+ fundraising: why it happened and what it means 20:00 – Why Xaira needed so much capital up front 21:30 – What separates Xaira from other AI drug discovery companies 22:30 – The ambition to build a foundation model of the cell (GPT for biology) 23:00 – De novo design: creating antibodies from scratch 24:30 – Building products and platforms in parallel — not sequentially 26:00 – Where Xaira is today and Foresite’s ongoing role 27:00 – Vik’s vision for success: timelines and goals for Xaira 28:00 – Reflections: Can Xaira’s model really change how biotech is built? 29:00 – Outro: What to watch next, and how to support the podcast For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with ⁠⁠Surani Fernando⁠⁠ on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)

In this bonus episode, Surani shares an honest update on what’s been happening behind the scenes at Raising Biotech, why Season 3 took longer than planned, and what to expect going forward. From reflections on building the podcast solo to plans for the future, it’s a candid check-in for listeners who’ve been waiting patiently — and a thank you to everyone who’s supported the journey so far. Support Raising Biotech via the Patreon Page.

A new narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that explores biotechs raising impressive funds to develop ambitious medical breakthroughs. Surani speaks with CEOs and founders as well as medical and industry experts for a comprehensive view of each unique endeavor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.