Life Science Success

In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Rafael G. Amado, an esteemed leader in oncology research and development, currently serving as the President and Head of Global Oncology at Zai Lab. With a distinguished career spanning multiple leading biotech firms, Dr. Amado brings a wealth of experience in gene-engineered cell therapies and innovative cancer treatments. Professional Background: Dr. Rafael G. Amado is currently the president and head of global oncology at Zai Lab. He has a rich background in medicine, starting with his education in Spain, followed by a move to the U.S. where he specialized in Internal Medicine and later Hematology Oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Passion for Oncology: Dr. Amado's interest in oncology stems from its complex nature and the multifaceted approach it requires, combining diagnostics, therapeutics, and a detective-like inquiry into patient cases. His career shift towards oncology was influenced by its holistic approach to patient care and his personal drive to solve complex medical puzzles. Research and Development Focus: At Zai Lab, Dr. Amado oversees oncology research and development, focusing on gene-engineered cell therapies among other innovative treatments. He has been involved in significant breakthroughs, such as determining drug inefficacies in patients with certain genetic mutations, which has influenced global regulatory changes in cancer treatment. Corporate and Global Strategy: Under Dr. Amado’s leadership, Zai Lab has approved six drugs in China, with a strong emphasis on addressing grievous illnesses through open innovation. He is instrumental in expanding the company's global reach, aiming to impact a broad patient base internationally by aligning clinical trials and regulatory strategies across diverse geographic locations. Vision and Future Goals: Dr. Amado is committed to advancing drug development that significantly outweighs potential risks with therapeutic benefits. He is driven by a mission to impact oncology treatment on a global scale, with ambitious goals to reach approximately a million patients by 2030 through continuous innovation and strategic drug development.

This week on the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Dan Lunz. Dan Lunz is the CEO and Co-founder of Previse, a pioneering company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in offering tests for the prediction and earlier detection of upper-GI cancers. Background of Dan Lunz: Dan Lunz, CEO and co-founder of Previse, shares his journey from growing up in Baltimore, serving in the Marine Corps, experiencing healthcare firsthand as a patient in the VA system, to studying at Johns Hopkins and working in clinical research. His career path was significantly influenced by his desire to serve others, leading him to the life sciences sector. Formation of Previse: Lunz's collaboration with Dr. Steven Meltzer, a professor at Johns Hopkins, sparked the founding of Previse. They focused on developing diagnostic tools for early detection of upper GI cancers based on Meltzer's research on biomarkers. Their shared mission was to improve patient outcomes through innovative medical technologies. Previse's Diagnostic Innovations: Previse specializes in detecting and predicting upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The company offers a commercial test called ESO Predict, which assesses the risk of esophageal cancer in patients with conditions like Barrett's esophagus, helping physicians strategize patient management and surveillance intervals. Challenges and Leadership Insights: Throughout the interview, Lunz discusses the entrepreneurial challenges of securing funding and navigating regulatory landscapes. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and humility in leadership, learning from rejections, and the critical role of assembling a talented team to overcome complex challenges. Future Goals and Impact: Looking forward, Previse aims to expand access to its existing diagnostics across the U.S. and continue developing non-endoscopic tools and medical devices to enhance GI cancer detection. Lunz is driven by the potential impact of their technology in preventing cancer and improving patient care, underscoring his dedication to service and innovation in life sciences.

In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast our guest is Leonard Mazur, CEO and Co-Founder of Citius Pharmaceuticals. With over 50 years of experience in the biopharma industry, Leonard has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. Background and Entry into Biopharmaceuticals: Leonard Mazur, CEO and co-founder of Citius Pharmaceuticals, began his career through an unexpected newspaper ad, leading him to pharmaceutical sales. His liberal arts background as a psychology major did not initially suggest a career in biopharma, highlighting the unpredictability of career paths. Early Career Development: Mazur's rapid career advancement occurred within Cooper Laboratories, an entrepreneurial company where he transitioned from sales to marketing and strategic planning. This period involved substantial growth through acquisitions, providing him with a broad range of experiences in the pharmaceutical sector. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Throughout his career, Leonard Mazur has initiated multiple entrepreneurial efforts, ultimately leading to the founding of Citius Pharmaceuticals. His story is marked by significant risk-taking, including personal financial stakes in business initiatives, reflecting his deep commitment to his entrepreneurial pursuits. Focus of Citius Pharmaceuticals: Citius Pharmaceuticals, which Mazur co-founded, is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for critical care. A key product from Citius is an antibiotic lock solution for treating infections in central venous catheters, illustrating the company's commitment to addressing complex medical needs. Views on Industry and Innovation: Mazur discusses the critical role of the biopharmaceutical industry in global drug development, emphasizing the potential risks to innovation from policy changes such as the implementation of socialized medicine. His insights reflect on the industry's dynamics and the importance of sustaining an environment conducive to pharmaceutical innovation.

In this episode of Life Science Success, we sit down with Marc, an entrepreneur, certified coach, and a beacon of leadership in the life sciences and business coaching sectors. Marc shares his journey from the entrepreneurial services group at EY to founding and leading companies in the life sciences field, and how he leverages his vast experience to mentor and inspire others towards professional excellence and personal growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of business acumen and scientific innovation, and discover Marc's unique approach to fostering success in the competitive world of life sciences.

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Darwin Shurig, founder and CEO of Shurig Solutions. Darwin brings strategic value to medical device, life science, and pharma companies. Darwin is responsible for most, if not all, business processes, including project management, recruitment, sales, operations, quality, and regulatory affairs, to mention a few. Guest Introduction: Darwin Shurig, the guest, is introduced as the founder and president of a company involved in the recruitment industry, particularly within the life sciences sector. Darwin shares his journey of starting the business, highlighting his prior experience in clinical respiratory therapy and his transition to entrepreneurship nearly nine years ago. Business Challenges and Insights: Darwin discusses the challenges he faced as a newcomer to the business and recruitment industries. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and the critical role of understanding market needs and analytics to sustain a business in a competitive environment. Recruitment Philosophy and Strategies: Throughout the interview, Darwin explains his approach to recruitment, focusing on the importance of specialization, understanding client needs, and delivering value without having to return fees. He stresses a high client acceptance rate and successful placement track record as indicators of his company's effectiveness. Industry Perspective and Future Outlook: Closing the conversation, Darwin reflects on the broader industry trends, including the impact of technology like AI on recruitment and other business processes. He is optimistic about the potential of new technologies to enhance business efficiency and expresses curiosity about future developments in life sciences and AI.

In this episode of Life Science Success, host Don Davis has a conversation with Dr. Mohit Jain, a physician scientist with extensive experience in physiology, biomedicine, and mass spectrometry. Dr. Jain shares his unique journey from clinical training to leading breakthroughs in mass spectrometry and computational biology. He discusses the inception of Sapient Bio, a company that leverages mass spectrometry to unlock new horizons in drug discovery and patient diagnosis by analyzing thousands of molecules in the human body. They explore the future of medicine, emphasizing personalized therapy and the potential to diagnose diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's years in advance. Dr. Jain also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in biotech, the impact of computational biology, and the pivotal role of Sapient Bio in pioneering the field of drug discovery. The conversation concludes with Dr. Jain's reflections on leadership, inspiration, concerns, and what excites him about his work, offering deep insights into the promising future of life sciences. Key Highlights: 01:23 Introducing Dr. Mohit Jain: A Multifaceted Scientist 02:04 The Journey to Sapient Bio: Unraveling Dr. Jain's Career Path 03:39 The Evolution of Mass Spectrometry and Its Impact on Health 06:45 Sapient Bio: Democratizing Access to Advanced Technologies 13:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Leading a Biotech Company 16:54 The Future of Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine 23:47 Sapient Bio's Differentiation and Future Prospects 29:24 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections from Dr. Jain

Jennifer Hawks Bland is a distinguished leader in the life sciences sector, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of NewYorkBIO, an organization at the forefront of advancing New York's life sciences ecosystem. With a rich background spanning legal practice, government affairs, and executive leadership in companies like Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role in fostering innovation and growth within the industry.

In this episode of Life Science Success, we're thrilled to welcome Britney Winterberger, the Senior Director of North America Project Management and Clinical Operations at Tigermed. Britney brings a wealth of experience in clinical trials across various therapeutic areas and a deep personal commitment to advancing patient treatments, particularly in the fight against cancer.

In this episode of Life Science Success my guest is Dr Dr. Rahul Kakkar we will dive into the life and innovations of his tremendous career. From founding groundbreaking biotech companies to his vital role at Tome Biosciences and balancing life as a practicing physician, Rahul's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Discover the cutting-edge of genomic medicine and get a peek into the mind of a true life sciences pioneer. Dr. Rahul Kakkar's Journey: Dr. Kakkar, CEO of Tome Biosciences and a distinguished biotech executive and physician scientist, shares his journey from training in the Harvard Hospital System to his disillusionment with academia's limitations on drug development. This frustration led him towards a career in biotech, underscored by his entrepreneurial spirit and the significant influence of mentors who supported him at pivotal moments. Entrepreneurial Shift and Tome Biosciences: His experiences, particularly at AstraZeneca, highlighted the challenges of navigating entrenched corporate cultures, sparking his entrepreneurial journey. This journey includes the founding of Corvidia Therapeutics and ultimately leading to his current role at Tome Biosciences, where he emphasizes a flat, open company culture focused on innovative drug development. Balancing Medicine and Leadership: Kakkar balances his roles as a physician and a biotech leader, finding real-world clinical experiences vital for grounding his work in biotech. He maintains an active part in patient care, which he finds complements his leadership in biotech, keeping his work relevant and impactful. Advancements in Biotech and Tome's Focus: Kakkar discusses the evolution of biotechnology, from monoclonal antibodies and nucleotide-based therapeutics to the future of DNA editing. At Tome Biosciences, the focus is on programmable genomic integration, aiming to create differentiated, impactful drugs. This approach underscores the importance of technology in developing meaningful new therapies. Leadership Philosophy and Inspiration: Sharing insights on leadership, Dr. Kakkar emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and making the best of situations. He finds inspiration in the human spirit's perseverance, whether in family, healthcare, or scientific discovery, driving him to overcome challenges in healthcare and biotech innovation.

This week on Life Science Success, we are thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Smalley as our guest. Elizabeth is the VP, Product Management, Data & Analytics at ArisGlobal, where she plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives in the realms of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the life sciences sector. With an impressive background that bridges technology and life sciences, Elizabeth has been instrumental in the formation and launch of the GenAI Council, an innovative effort aimed at harnessing generative AI to revolutionize research and development in life sciences. Introduction of Guests and Focus: Don, a consultant in life sciences, introduces Elizabeth Smalley, VP of Product Management, Data, and Analytics at ArisGlobal. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of generative AI (GenAI) in the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on Elizabeth's leadership in strategic AI initiatives at ArisGlobal. Elizabeth Smalley's Background and Journey: Elizabeth recounts her diverse experience in product management across e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthtech. Her story highlights the central role of AI in her career, including significant achievements in developing AI-driven clinical solutions at Teladoc Health and her progression to leading ArisGlobal's data, analytics, and AI strategies. ArisGlobal's Innovations and Role: The conversation explores ArisGlobal's impact on life sciences, especially its innovative use of AI in pharmacovigilance and regulatory processes. Elizabeth points out ArisGlobal's pioneering introduction of AI into case processing workflows and its leadership in adopting generative AI, aiming to enhance efficiency and patient safety in the sector. Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities: Elizabeth discusses the economic potential of generative AI in life sciences, acknowledging regulatory challenges and the necessity of industry-wide collaboration to navigate these. She emphasizes the importance of creating a responsible AI adoption playbook, addressing transparency, and fostering innovation within a regulatory framework. Vision for the Future: The interview concludes with a forward-looking view on how generative AI could revolutionize patient care, streamline drug development, and optimize regulatory compliance. Elizabeth advocates for a collaborative approach to leverage AI responsibly, aiming to improve health outcomes, enhance operational efficiencies, and ensure patient safety in the evolving landscape of life sciences.

This week on the Life Science Success Podcast, my guest is Dr. Tiago Reis Marques Dr. Marques is a psychiatrist and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pas i thea Therapeutics. Pasithea is developing new molecular entities for the treatment of CNS disorders, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Noonan syndrome. On this episode of Life Science Success, Don Davis interviews Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, the CEO of PACEA Therapeutics. They discuss Dr. Marques's journey in psychiatry, the company's focus on CNS disorders, their pipeline of drugs targeting neurological conditions like schizophrenia and ALS, and the impact of their research on rare disorders like neurofibromatosis type one. The conversation also touches on leadership advice, inspiration, concerns about global issues, and what excites them.

In the interview, Don Davis PhD, MBA talks to Toban Zolman about his company, Kivo. Zolman takes us through his impressive journey of over 20 years in life sciences and the transformation he has witnessed in the industry. He further details the services of Kivo, stating that the company helps businesses involved in life sciences, specifically those developing clinical trials for pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech companies, to streamline and optimize their processes. He specifically speaks about the significant shift in the industry from large pharmaceutical companies running drug trials to now being dominated by smaller companies without a product in the market yet. Regarding emerging trends, Zolman anticipates artificial intelligence will have a transformational impact on the industry. He also highlights the importance of knowing when to say "no" and making definitive decisions based on customer's needs, aligning company focus to customer growth, and maintaining transparency in their operations. 5 Key Points:

Revolutionizing Patient and Physician Experiences through Digital First Strategies - In this week's episode of Life Science Success, we dive into the intersection of digital innovation and healthcare commercialization with leaders from Indegene, a company revolutionizing patient and physician experiences through digital-first strategies. We'll explore the journeys of Nancy Phelan, a biopharma commercial strategy expert; Jeff Rothstein, a marketing visionary who has significantly expanded Indegene's brand and capabilities; and Kevin Patterson, a strategic thinker in medical solutions, as they share insights on driving healthcare forward in today's complex landscape. Key Takeaways: Interdisciplinary InnovationDigital TransformationAI's Growing InfluenceNavigating Market Access ChallengesOptimism for the Future

This week on Life Science Success, we're excited to welcome Donald Zinn, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Beyond his executive roles, Don contributes to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Commercialization Grant Reviewer and has played a pivotal role at Crossject, leading their needle-free auto-injector platform to global success since the onset of COVID. Donald Zinn's Background and Experience: Donald Zinn, the Vice President of US Business at Crossject, has nearly 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry. He started his career with an undergraduate degree from UMBC and went on to innovate in the field by inventing dry process microarray during his time at the Uniform Services University. His journey included roles such as lab manager at Georgetown University's HIV Center, and leadership positions in companies focused on oncology, infectious diseases, and more. Crossject's Needle-Free Auto Injector: Zinn is part of the Crossject team, working on a needle-free auto injector, which he finds to be an exciting and innovative technology. This device is designed to deliver medications quickly and without the need for needles, addressing needle phobia and improving patient compliance. Demonstration of the Injector's Ease of Use: During the podcast, a demonstration was discussed showing how the injector works, including its ability to administer medication through clothing. This feature is particularly advantageous in emergency situations where speed and ease of use are critical. Focus on Partnerships and Market Expansion: Zinn emphasizes the importance of finding the right partners worldwide to distribute Crossject's needle-free injector. The company aims to select partners based on their expertise and market presence to ensure the technology is accessible to a broad audience. Future Prospects and Industry Impact: The conversation highlighted the potential of Crossject's technology to revolutionize drug delivery, especially for emergency medications like epinephrine. The ease of use, coupled with the effectiveness of the needle-free injector, presents a significant advancement in patient care and medication administration.

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Kate Broderick. Dr. Broderick has more than 15 years of experience in the life science industry. A recognized vaccine expert, Dr. Broderick has a broad background in device and product development in the DNA therapeutic and drug delivery fields. She also actively works with teams at TriLink BioTechnologies, a Maravai company, to advance its global reagents and manufacturing services. Dr. Kate Broderick's BackgroundFocus on DNA and RNA TechnologiesCareer Development and InnovationRole as Chief Innovation Officer at MaravaiConcerns and Future Outlook

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Thomas Rademacher. Professor Rademacher, MD, PhD, co-founded Emergex and has served as CEO since the Company’s formation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Molecular Medicine at University College London (UCL) and a serial entrepreneur. Dr. Thomas Rademacher, MD, PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of EmergexRademacher's academic foundation in hardcore biochemistryHis work has significantly contributed to the field of monoclonal antibodiesRademacher has been involved in groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial venturesHe is currently focused on challenges in vaccinology and immunology

Ronan O’Hagan, President & CEO, Bectas Therapeutics Inc. Rónán is a founder and the President and Chief Executive Officer for Bectas Therapeutics Inc. He has over 20 years of experience in oncology R&D including bringing over 20 molecules through IND and into clinical development and helping to guide 4 drugs through clinical development to FDA approval.

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Matt Hill, Ph.D. Matt is founder and CEO of Elegen Corp., a privately-held company based in the San Francisco Bay Area committed to revolutionizing synthetic biology workflows with innovative DNA writing technology. Background and Experience: Matt Hill has a Ph.D. in genetics from Stanford University and was initially attracted to the Bay Area for its vibrant startup ecosystem. After completing his Ph.D., he joined Nera, a leading molecular diagnostics company, where he contributed to product development and new capabilities, particularly in massively multiplex PCR technology. Journey to Founding Elegen: Hill's experience at Nera, especially in DNA synthesis and production challenges, led him to identify DNA production as a critical bottleneck in life sciences. His interest in solving complex problems and connecting technology areas motivated him to found Elegen to address these challenges in DNA synthesis and production. Elegen's Impact and Infinia DNA: Elegen's product, Infinia DNA, aims to streamline workflows in life sciences, providing researchers with faster, more accurate DNA synthesis. This technology impacts various fields, including therapeutics and synthetic biology, by enabling quicker and more efficient product development cycles. Leadership and Vision: As a leader, Hill emphasizes inspiration, encouragement, and problem-solving. He discusses the importance of Elegen's technology in advancing fields like personalized therapeutics and its potential in addressing major health challenges. Hill also highlights the need for more investment in foundational research and development to foster scientific progress.

In this episode of Life Science Success, Ross Jackson, the guy who wrote two books about patient recruitment, is returning to tell us about his new patient recruitment book. Ross is a specialist in patient recruitment for clinical trials, having helped deliver many thousands of patient registrations for clients in the UK, Europe, and the US. The key highlights from the interview: Ross Jackson is a specialist in patient recruitment for clinical trials with experience in the UK, Europe, and the US. He has authored two books on the subject. His career journey began in digital marketing, where he initially recruited patients for a doctor's new treatment. Over time, he shifted his focus to healthcare and clinical trial recruitment. Patient recruitment faces challenges related to awareness and access. Many people are unaware of clinical trials, and misconceptions like being seen as "guinea pigs" persist. Lack of understanding about the importance of clinical research compounds the issue. Ross Jackson's first book focused on using Facebook ads for patient recruitment. It aimed to make it easier for research sites and others to access potential trial participants effectively. His new book takes a unique approach, featuring a fictional character named Josh Black, a puzzle solver who tackles patient recruitment challenges. The book explores various aspects of patient recruitment and aims to make the topic more accessible and engaging. Ross emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry and the potential impact of AI, particularly natural language processing, in improving patient recruitment processes. He also mentions his excitement about attending a conference and watching his first Super Bowl in Orlando, highlighting his interest in sports and the upcoming event. The interview concludes with gratitude for sharing information about his new book and the hope that it will benefit those interested in patient recruitment. The book is available on Amazon.

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Lishan Aklog. Dr. Aklog is the CEO of Lucid Diagnostics he also co-founded and has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucid’s parent company, PAVmed Inc (Nasdaq: PAVM) since its inception in 2014, and as Executive Chairman of PAVmed’s other major subsidiary, digital health company Veris Health Inc., since its inception. Dr. Lishan Aklog's Background: Dr. Aklog, CEO of Lucid Diagnostics and executive chairman of PAVmed’s subsidiary Varys Health, was a cardiothoracic surgeon with a strong interest in technological innovation in medicine. He has an extensive background in academic cardiac surgery and was actively involved in medical device innovation. Transition to Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from a successful career in cardiac surgery, Dr. Aklog co-founded Lucid Diagnostics and PAVmed. He ventured into medical device entrepreneurship, focusing on developing and commercializing innovative technologies. He was instrumental in creating and selling medical devices, notably a device for non-surgically removing clots. Lucid Diagnostics and Focus on Cancer Detection: Under Dr. Aklog’s leadership, Lucid Diagnostics specializes in early cancer detection, particularly esophageal cancer. Dr. Aklog emphasizes the importance of pre-cancer detection and prevention, highlighting the challenges in raising awareness and adherence to screening guidelines. Challenges and Achievements: A significant challenge in Dr. Aklog's journey has been raising capital to bring innovative technologies to market. Despite these challenges, Lucid Diagnostics has made substantial progress, especially in gaining payer coverage and launching large-scale screening programs. Leadership and Vision: Dr. Aklog's leadership philosophy centers on building a culture of success, teamwork, and innovation. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals and working cohesively towards a shared mission, with a particular focus on impacting patient lives through advanced medical technologies.