Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine

What if we could silence disease-causing proteins not by targeting the protein itself, but by preventing its mRNA from ever being translated—using small-molecule drugs?In this episode, David Weitz, Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, shares how his company is pioneering a revolutionary approach: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that block disease-causing proteins before they're even made.What we discuss:• Why mRNA represents an untapped class of small-molecule drug targets• How covalent translation inhibitors work to silence protein expression• 3D structure-guided drug discovery: revealing druggable domains in mRNA• Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration• The universal mechanism that can be applied to any mRNA with a druggable structured domain• Coming out of stealth: building Syrna and attracting top-tier investors• Personal reflections on pioneering a fundamentally new drug discovery approachThis isn't traditional RNA therapeutics. This is small-molecule drug discovery targeting mRNA—a completely new frontier in precision medicine.About the Guest: David Weitz is Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA targets using covalent translation inhibitors.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Syrna Therapeutics: [https://www.syrnatx.com/]• David Weitz: [https://linkedin.com/in/david-weitz-25ba]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #SmallMolecule #Immunology #Neurodegeneration #PrecisionMedicine #Innovation #RNATherapeutics

What if we could stop disease-causing proteins before they're even made—using small molecules to target their mRNA?David Weitz, CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, is pioneering exactly that: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that silence proteins at the source.🎙️ Full episode drops 7 January 2026In the complete interview, we dive into:• Why mRNA is an untapped drug target• 3D structure-guided discovery and covalent inhibitors• Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration• Building Syrna and coming out of stealthSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #Biotech

What if you could know before a clinical trial which patients will respond? Not after Phase 2 fails. Not after spending $50M. Before you even start.In this episode, Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, shares how his company is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far.What we discuss:• How proteomic signatures differentiate responders from non-responders in AML and ovarian cancer• Why this could reduce Phase 2 trial enrollment from 100 patients to 40—cutting costs in half• De-risking clinical trial design and addressing patient heterogeneity• Regulatory considerations for biomarker-driven and stratified trials• The future of precision oncology and patient-centric trial designThis isn't incremental improvement. This is a completely different way to run trials.About the Guest: Pilgrim Jackson is CEO of Yatiri Bio, a biotechnology company decoding proteins to predict treatment response in oncology.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Yatiri Bio: [https://yatiribio.com]• Pilgrim Jackson:[https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilgrimjackson]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics #Oncology #AML #DrugDevelopment

What if you could know before enrolling a single patient which ones will actually respond to treatment?Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far—potentially cutting Phase 2 trials from 100 patients to just 40.🎙️ Full episode drops December 18In the complete interview, we dive into:• Proteomic signatures that differentiate responders from non-responders• De-risking clinical trials and addressing patient heterogeneity• Regulatory strategy for biomarker-driven trials• The future of precision oncologySubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics

What if we could help millions quit smoking with a naturally derived compound that's been used for decades—but never brought to the U.S. market until now?In this episode, Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, shares how cytisinicline is redefining smoking cessation after receiving FDA acceptance for its New Drug Application (NDA)—a major milestone in the fight against nicotine dependence.What we discuss:• FDA acceptance for the cytisinicline New Drug Application (NDA) and what comes next• Why cytisinicline represents a breakthrough in smoking cessation• Commercial readiness and go-to-market strategy• Financial strategy and capital efficiency in late-stage biotech• Market impact and public health implications of a new smoking cessation therapy• Investor relations and communicating clinical value to stakeholders• Personal reflections on leadership and building Achieve Life SciencesThis isn't just another smoking cessation drug. This is a naturally derived therapeutic with the potential to transform public health and save lives at scale.About the Guest: Rick Stewart is CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Achieve Life Sciences: [https://achievelifesciences.com]• Rick Stewart: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-stewart-9597654]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #SmokingCessation #Cytisinicline #PublicHealth #DrugDevelopment #FDA #NDA #ClinicalTrials

What if a naturally derived compound used for decades overseas could finally transform smoking cessation in the U.S.?Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, just received FDA acceptance for cytisinicline's NDA—a major milestone that could help millions quit smoking.🎙️ Full episode drops December 4In the complete interview, we dive into:• FDA NDA acceptance and what comes next• Commercial readiness and go-to-market strategy• Financial strategy and capital efficiency• Public health impact at scaleSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #SmokingCessation #PublicHealth #FDA

What if the key to biotech success isn't just science and strategy—but self-awareness and spiritual practice?In this episode, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—biotech entrepreneur, executive, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience—shares insights from her Amazon bestselling book The Mirror Effect, exploring how intentional leadership transforms both business outcomes and organizational culture.What we discuss:• The spiritual foundation of effective biotech leadership• Deal-making and corporate development strategies from building multiple companies• Leading the development and approval of Orencia® and Nulojix®• Building diverse, high-performing teams and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood• How self-awareness and intentional practice drive innovation• Personal reflections on resilience, purpose, and the future of biotech leadershipThis isn't just another business book. This is a framework for leading with authenticity in an industry that demands both scientific rigor and human connection.About the Guest: Dr. Sheila Gujrathi is a biotech entrepreneur, executive, healthcare investor, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience. She has founded and built numerous biotech companies and led the development of life-changing pharmaceuticals including Orencia® and Nulojix®. Her book The Mirror Effect is an Amazon bestseller.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Sheila Gujrathi: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md]• The Mirror Effect: [https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #Leadership #TheMirrorEffect #DrugDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechCEO #Innovation

What if the key to biotech success isn't just science and strategy—but self-awareness and spiritual practice?Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—who led the development of Orencia® and Nulojix®—shares insights from her Amazon bestselling book The Mirror Effect, exploring how intentional leadership transforms both business outcomes and organizational culture.🎙️ Full episode drops November 20In the complete interview, we dive into:The spiritual foundation of effective leadershipDeal-making and corporate development strategiesBuilding the Biotech CEO SisterhoodLeading with authenticity in a science-driven industrySubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #Leadership #Biotech #TheMirrorEffect

What if we could bring the power of precision medicine to more cancer patients, faster—using AI to match patients with the right treatments at the right time?In this episode, Rick Fultz, CEO of Acurion, shares how his company is transforming precision oncology by combining next-generation science with artificial intelligence to deliver personalized cancer care at scale.What we discuss:• The vision behind Acurion and its mission in precision oncology• How AI and machine learning are revolutionizing cancer treatment selection• Moving beyond traditional biomarker approaches to comprehensive patient profiling• Fundraising strategies and building investor confidence in AI-driven healthcare• Leadership and culture: building a team capable of transforming cancer care• Challenges and opportunities in scaling precision medicine• Personal reflections on the future of oncology and patient outcomesThis isn't incremental innovation. This is about fundamentally changing how we match patients with cancer therapies.About the Guest: Rick Fultz is CEO of Acurion, Inc., a precision oncology company whose mission is to bring the power of precision medicine to more cancer patients, faster.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Acurion: [https://acurionhealth.com]• Rick Fultz: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickfultz]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #PrecisionMedicine #Oncology #ArtificialIntelligence #Cancer #MachineLearning #DrugDevelopment #PersonalizedMedicine

What if AI could match cancer patients with the right treatments faster—bringing precision medicine to more people who need it?Rick Fultz, CEO of Acurion, is using artificial intelligence to transform how we select cancer therapies, moving beyond traditional biomarkers to comprehensive patient profiling.🎙️ Full episode drops October 30In the complete interview, we dive into:How AI is revolutionizing cancer treatment selectionMoving beyond traditional biomarker approachesFundraising and building investor confidenceScaling precision medicineSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #PrecisionMedicine #AI #Cancer

What if we could use gene editing to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—not just manage symptoms, but address the underlying genetic cause in a scalable, precise way?In this episode, Dr. Courtney Young, CEO of MyoGene Bio, shares how her company is using CRISPR technology to transform the treatment landscape for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, offering hope to patients and families facing this devastating disease.What we discuss:• The vision behind MyoGene Bio and why Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy• How CRISPR gene editing works and why it's uniquely suited for Duchenne• Scalability, precision, and safety considerations in gene editing therapies• Navigating the regulatory pathway for CRISPR-based treatments• Fundraising in the gene editing space and building investor confidence• Leadership and culture: building a mission-driven biotech company• Personal reflections on the future of gene therapy and rare disease treatmentThis isn't just about treating one disease. This is about proving what's possible when gene editing meets rare disease—and opening the door for countless others.About the Guest: Dr. Courtney Young is CEO of MyoGene Bio, a gene therapy company developing CRISPR-based treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• MyoGene Bio: [https://www.myogenebio.com]• Courtney Young: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-young-mgb]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #CRISPR #GeneEditing #DuchenneMuscularDystrophy #RareDisease #GeneTherapy #PrecisionMedicine #Innovation

What if gene editing could treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at its genetic root—not just manage symptoms?Dr. Courtney Young, CEO of MyoGene Bio, is using CRISPR to address the underlying cause of Duchenne in a scalable, precise way that could transform rare disease treatment.🎙️ Full episode drops September 11In the complete interview, we dive into:• Why CRISPR is uniquely suited for Duchenne• Scalability, precision, and safety in gene editing• Navigating regulatory pathways• The future of gene therapy for rare diseasesSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #CRISPR #GeneEditing #RareDisease

What if we could destroy cancer cells using a completely novel payload—one that doesn't rely on traditional chemotherapy or even antibody-drug conjugates, but instead uses lytic peptides to obliterate tumors?In this episode, Dr. Stanley Lewis, CEO of A28 Therapeutics, shares how his company is pioneering lytic peptides as a next-generation cancer therapy, offering a fundamentally different approach to killing cancer cells.What we discuss:• The vision behind A28 Therapeutics and the science of lytic peptides• How lytic peptides work differently from traditional cancer payloads• Why this approach could overcome resistance mechanisms that limit other therapies• The role of AI and machine learning in drug discovery and peptide design• Fundraising strategies and building investor confidence in novel modalities• Leadership and culture: assembling a team to tackle cancer differently• Personal reflections on the future of oncology and transformative therapeuticsThis isn't another antibody-drug conjugate. This is a completely different way to kill cancer.About the Guest: Dr. Stanley Lewis is CEO of A28 Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel lytic peptide-based cancer therapeutics.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• A28 Therapeutics: [https://a28therapeutics.com]• Stanley Lewis: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-t-lewis-md-mph]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #Cancer #Oncology #LyticPeptides #DrugDiscovery #ArtificialIntelligence #NovelTherapeutics #Innovation

What if we could destroy cancer cells using a completely novel payload that doesn't rely on traditional chemotherapy or even antibody-drug conjugates?Dr. Stanley Lewis, CEO of A28 Therapeutics, is pioneering lytic peptides as a next-generation cancer therapy—a fundamentally different way to kill tumors.🎙️ Full episode drops August 28In the complete interview, we dive into:• How lytic peptides work differently from traditional payloads• Overcoming resistance mechanisms• The role of AI in peptide design• Building A28 TherapeuticsSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #Cancer #LyticPeptides #DrugDiscovery

What if we could transform the treatment landscape for rheumatologic diseases by taking bold, innovative approaches that go beyond incremental improvements?In this episode, Dr. James Mackay, CEO of Crystalys Therapeutics, shares the vision behind launching a new biotech company focused on rheumatology, combining next-generation science with strategic leadership to address unmet patient needs.What we discuss:• The vision behind Crystalys Therapeutics and why rheumatology• New approaches and innovative strategies in treating rheumatologic diseases• Approach to risk management in early-stage biotech• Fundraising strategies and building investor confidence from day one• Leadership and culture: assembling the right team for a startup biotech• Navigating the competitive landscape in rheumatology• Personal reflections on entrepreneurship and the future of autoimmune disease treatmentThis isn't just another rheumatology company. This is about bringing transformative science to patients who desperately need better options.About the Guest: Dr. James Mackay is CEO of Crystalys Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for rheumatologic diseases.About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Crystalys Therapeutics: [https://crystalystx.com]• James Mackay: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-m-mackay]• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #Rheumatology #AutoimmuneDisease #DrugDevelopment #Innovation #Startup #BiotechLeadership

What does it take to launch a biotech company with bold, innovative approaches to rheumatologic diseases?Dr. James Mackay, CEO of Crystalys Therapeutics, is bringing next-generation science and strategic leadership to patients who desperately need better treatment options.🎙️ Full episode drops August 14In the complete interview, we dive into:• The vision behind Crystalys Therapeutics• New approaches in treating rheumatologic diseases• Risk management in early-stage biotech• Fundraising and building the right teamSubscribe so you don't miss it.#SneakPeek #Rheumatology #Biotech #AutoimmuneDisease

What does it take to transform bold ideas into real-world treatments that save lives?Welcome to Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine, a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to explore the strategies, insights, and breakthroughs shaping the future of healthcare and biotechnology.Hosted by Dr. Jeff Trickett—a neuroscientist and biotech strategist—this show features candid conversations with biotech founders, CEOs, researchers, and innovators who are tackling medicine's biggest challenges. From AI-driven diagnostics to gene editing, novel cancer therapies, and precision medicine, each episode delivers substantive discussions about the science, strategy, and leadership driving transformative change.What you'll discover:• The vision and science behind breakthrough therapies• Real talk about fundraising, clinical development, and commercialization• Leadership insights from those building the future of medicine• How innovation happens—from lab bench to patient impact🧬 Bold ideas.🧠 Visionary innovators.💡 The science of tomorrow in focus today.Whether you're in biotech, healthcare, or simply fascinated by medical innovation, this podcast uncovers the strategies behind success and the breakthroughs that will define the future of medicine.🎧 Subscribe now and join the conversation.About the Host: Dr. Jeff Trickett is a neuroscientist, biotech strategist, and business development leader with experience spanning drug development, commercial strategy, and portfolio management across biopharma and life sciences.🔗 Connect:• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]• Website: [https://pointlomabiopharma.com]📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]#Biotech #Healthcare #Innovation #DrugDevelopment #LifeSciences #Podcast #MedicalInnovation #PrecisionMedicine