Ori Spotlight

In this episode of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster welcomes Joe DePinto, head of Cell and Gene Advanced Therapies at McKesson, to discuss challenges and innovations in cell and gene therapy manufacturing and supply chains. Together they also highlight the importance of collaborative partnerships and digital innovations to enhance access and streamline processes within the CGT sector. Joe DePinto is a strategic and operational leader at McKesson, focusing on establishing the company as a market leader in cell, gene, and advanced therapies. With an extensive background in biotech and pharmaceuticals, Joe has helped companies pioneer advanced solutions in speciality healthcare. Learn more about Joe DePinto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-depinto-4a5b7b11/details/experience/

In this episode of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster welcomes Matthew Hewitt, Vice President and Technical Officer of Cell and Gene Therapy and Biologics at Charles River Laboratories, to discuss why industry collaboration is needed to experience the true impact of advanced therapies and develop them at a commercial scale. Together they also highlight the role of technology in closing, automating and scaling manufacturing processes. Matthew has over 10 years of experience in the CGT sector, contributing to the advancement of CGTs across research and commercialization. As a member of our Strategic Advisory Board we're grateful for Matthew's insights as we work towards enabling widespread patient access to CGTs. Learn more about Matthew Hewitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmhewitt/

In this episode of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, host Jason C. Foster is joined by Jeff Holder and Adam Siebert from LEK Consulting, who offer an in-depth exploration of the evolving cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry. LEK Consulting, a global leader in strategic advisory, aims to address the critical challenges of scalability and commercial viability within the CGT sector. Jeff and Adam, with their extensive background in life sciences consulting, share their insights on the importance of early investment in manufacturing processes to ensure that groundbreaking therapies can be delivered to patients efficiently and on a large scale. Together they explore the intricacies of CGT production, the significance of early-stage manufacturing considerations, and their vision for making advanced therapies more accessible to those in need. Learn more about: Jeff Holder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-holder-ph-d-7a391087 Adam Siebert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-siebert-8772b327/

In this episode of Ori Spotlight Podcast, we welcome Jim Faulkner, PhD, Independent Consultant at JDB BioConsulting and former SVP of Product Delivery at Autolus. Jim brings a wealth of experience from his remarkable career in biopharmaceutical development and his journey in the industry is marked by significant contributions, particularly in pioneering cell therapy at GSK. The episode offers a deep dive into the evolving challenges in CGT manufacturing – centering on the critical challenges of scalability and commercial viability in CGTs – and sheds light on the unique demands and opportunities in the sector. Learn more about Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjimfaulkner/

In this episode of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, we're joined by Sanjay Srivastava, Managing Director of Accenture's Cell and Gene Therapy Practice. With his extensive background in consulting and a deep understanding of the biotechnology sector, Sanjay offers unique insights into the rapidly evolving world of cell and gene therapies. Sanjay and Jason C. Foster delve into the critical challenges facing the industry, particularly focusing on the scalability and efficiency of manufacturing processes. They discuss how these challenges impact the commercial viability of advanced therapies and the necessity of adapting our current healthcare systems to better accommodate innovative treatments. Learn more about Sanjay here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitreniumions/

We’re joined by Tim Hunt, CEO of Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM). As an international advocacy organization, ARM is a global voice within the cell and gene therapy sector. They champion the benefits of engineered cell therapies and genetic medicines for patients, healthcare systems, and society as well as facilitating influential exchanges on policies and practices, and advances in narrative with data and analysis. In this episode, Tim and Jason C. Foster discuss why it is important to put the patient first and where we should be focusing our attention to reduce the cost of goods and improve the accessibility of cell and gene therapies. Tim also offers his advice for people and companies working in the CGT space. Learn more about Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhunt100/

We’re joined by Vered Caplan, CEO of Orgenesis, as she shares her insights into the cell and gene therapy sector. With a background in engineering and business, Vered found her passion in the cell and gene therapy industry. She founded Orgenesis with a mission to bring innovative therapies to patients, by leveraging cutting-edge science to create a more efficient, scalable, and affordable pathway to patients. In this episode, Vered discusses: 🧬 The need for greater adoption of technology to overcome manufacturing challenges of advanced therapies 🧬 Why digital is the key to tailoring manufacturing processes to the individual needs of patients 🧬 How industry partnerships support the scalability of therapy products Learn more about Vered: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vered-caplan-4366928/

On this episode of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, we're joined by Daniel Gibson Director of Cell and Gene Therapy Services at Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan is a charity on a mission to improve the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders, by connecting patients and stem cell donors, funding research into cell therapies, and supporting patients along their transplant journey. Together, Jason and Daniel discuss the barriers limiting widespread patient access to cell therapies, why we need to adapt manufacturing processes, and how regulation can ensure scaleable development. Read more about Anthony Nolan’s work: https://www.anthonynolan.org/

On this episode of the Ori Spotlight podcast, we're joined by Dr Elizabeth Woo, Vice President of Cell and Gene Therapy at ThermoFisher. With 20+ years of experience at ThermoFisher, Betty has contributed to the growth of the company's revenue from $4B to $40B through various technical, commercial and leadership roles. Throughout this episode, Betty provides her insights into how the cell and gene therapy sector is evolving and offers valuable advice for young professionals in the industry. To strengthen and advance the industry, it is crucial to welcome diverse and exceptional skillsets and talents. Betty stresses the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive work environments and takes pride in being part of an organisation where more than 40% of leadership roles are held by women. We’re very excited to see industry leaders like ThermoFisher leverage their immense pool of resources and assets to accelerate therapy development and improve access to life-saving innovative therapies for patients worldwide. A fascinating discussion that provides valuable insights for all, from young professionals entering the industry to experienced leaders in the biotech space. Learn more about Betty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-woo-ph-d/

On this episode of the Ori Spotlight podcast, we're joined by John Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Cell Therapy at the Center for Breakthrough Medicines. With 20+ years of experience in cancer cell biology at Janssen and GSK, spanning small and large molecules and cell-based therapeutics, John unpicks some of the biggest challenges facing the cell and gene therapy industry. One hot topic within the industry is the “buy versus build” approach to manufacturing. As developers invest more money in building out their own capacity, John and Jason C Foster explore whether early-stage or even larger pharmaceutical companies should build, maintain, and manufacture at a huge cost. Located in the heart of “Cellicon Valley,” CBM boasts the world’s largest single-site advanced therapies facility. With everything on a single site, CBM aims to eliminate traditional logistical development and manufacturing bottlenecks, providing cell and gene development companies with a “home forever”. Learn more about John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lee-27b44b4/ -- ⁠Watch this episode on our Youtube channel

We’re back with the Ori Spotlight Podcast, where we’ll be hosting conversations with experts and advocates from across the cell and gene therapy sector, and exploring the latest challenges and opportunities within the industry. In this episode, we talk to Amy Kappen, founder of the Best Day Ever Foundation. Amy founded the Foundation after her daughter Sophia passed away after battling with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2017. For Amy and her family, CAR-T was “a modern day miracle” that allowed them to spend more time with their daughter. There is no set timeline to grieving the loss of a child – for Amy and her family, accessing the right resources to support them during this period was challenging. In memory of Sophia, the now Foundation supports a community of families grieving the loss of a child, providing services and resources with the goal to help families regain joyful moments in their lives. Patients and their families are the reason we do the work we do. Amy was so generous in the retelling of her story and Jason C Foster was honored to sit down and talk to her. Don't miss this episode. Best Day Ever Foundation is hosting its annual ‘Shine the Night’ event on April 8th. Find out more here: https://www.bestdayeverfoundation.us/events/ -- Watch this episode on our Youtube channel

On episode 25 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Philip Vanek, CTO at Gamma Biosciences as they explore how the industry is evolving in a digitally connected world. Gamma Biosciences is a life sciences innovator focused on bioprocessing tools and technologies for the development and production of advanced therapies, including vaccines, biologics and cell and gene therapies. Philip is an entrepreneurial and strategic international business leader. Prior to Gamma Biosciences, he directed strategy and portfolio growth at GE Healthcare’s Cell and Gene Therapy business unit. He has also held leadership positions in a number of life sciences companies including Life Technologies, Becton Dickinson, and Lonza, and is currently a Board Member of CCRM in Toronto Canada and the ARM Foundation. Philip joined Jason to discuss the role of digital within the cell and gene therapy industry, overcoming manufacturing challenges to meet the demand for therapies, and how industry partnerships and collaboration can increase the momentum of progress. Learn more about Philip Vanek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanekphil/

In episode 24 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Matthew Durdy, CEO of CGT Catapult as they discuss the progression of the cell and gene therapy industry. CGT Catapult is an independent center of excellence that aims to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialization. CGT Catapult works with partners in academia and industry to ensure advanced therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. In this episode, the demand for talent within the industry and how this is evolving as the industry progresses, as well as, the efficiency and economics of advanced therapies were just a few topics Jason and Matthew discussed. They also explored the areas within the industry where the need for innovation is most acute. Learn more about Matthew Durdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-durdy/

In episode 23 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Jonathan Hay, Partner at Delin Ventures and Ori board member. Delin Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in breakthrough technologies and life science businesses that can have a positive impact on human lives. Having supported Ori in their $100M Series B round, Jason joined Jonathan to discuss how Ori’s mission resonated with Jonathan as an investor, key challenges in the development and deployment of advanced therapies at scale and the importance of having a multi-site parallel approach to clinical trials. Learn more about Jonathan Hay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hay-2046046/

In episode 22 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Elliot Menschik Chief Digital Officer at Resilience, and Kevin Gordon Chief Digital Officer at Ori. Founded in 2020, Resilience is a manufacturing and technology company building a sustainable network of high-tech, end-to-end manufacturing solutions to ensure the medicines of today and tomorrow can be made quickly, safely, and at scale. Elliot began his career as a physician and engineer before moving into the healthtech industry, where he founded, built and invested in a number of healthtech startups. Prior to Resilience, Elliot worked at Amazon Web Services where he led the company’s work supporting startups, scaleups and investors in highly-specialized industries. He is now responsible for all things digital across Resilience, including software development, data, applications and infrastructure and security. Jason, Elliot and Kevin sat down together to delve into the opportunities for efficiencies within cell and gene therapy development, the future of manufacturing and digital-first automation, and to answer the pivotal question of what does good look like in cell and gene therapy? Learn more about Elliot Menschik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menschik/

In episode 21, Ori CEO Jason C. Foster had the honour of being joined by two families, both of whom are strong advocates for increasing the accessibility of CAR-T therapy: Emily, Kari and Tom Whitehead from the Emily Whitehead Foundation, and Lucy and Lewis Jones, parents of Opie Jones. Aged 5, Emily Whitehead was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After relapsing twice following conventional treatment, Emily was enrolled on a Phase I clinical trial for CAR-T therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was the pediatric patient in the world to receive CAR T-cell therapy. We’re delighted to say that Emily celebrated 10 years cancer-free this summer! At the tender age of just 5-months old, Opie was diagnosed with infant ALL. Following unsuccessful steroid treatment, and a bone marrow transplant, Opie successfully received CAR-T cell therapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. He is now a happy and healthy child, celebrating 1-year cancer-free this year! Jason sat down with both families to discuss their own experiences of CAR-T therapy – exploring the differences between the UK and US healthcare systems and how current challenges limit the accessibility of CAR-T for patients. They also shared their insights into the awareness of CAR-T amongst the healthcare community and how this is rapidly changing with increased advocacy for advanced therapies. Connect with Kari and Tom Whitehead, and the Emily Whitehead Foundation | Connect with Lucy and Lewis Jones

In episode 20 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Jason Bock, CEO at CTMC (a joint venture between Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center) as they discuss bringing advanced therapies to patients at scale. Jason has also recently joined Ori as a member of our SAB - we’re honored to have Jason’s expertise and insights support us in achieving our mission. Jason Bock has substantial experience in biopharmaceutical development, where he has previously held senior positions at Teva Pharmaceuticals and MD Anderson. He now leads CTMC (Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center) - a joint venture between Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center, that was created to better enable innovation from academia and biotech, and accelerate the impact of cell therapy for patients. Together, they both share their insights into the digitalization of CGT manufacturing, how we can overcome challenges within the CGT industry and how we can support the industrialization of novel advanced therapies. Learn more about Jason Bock

For episode 19 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Isabelle Rivière, Director of Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Laboratory at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), one of the world’s leading cancer centers. Isabelle has also recently joined Ori as our newest SAB member – we’re honored to have her supporting us in achieving our mission. To this episode, Isabelle brings insights she has gathered from 25 years of experience within the cell and gene therapy industry. Isabelle is also a co-founder of Juno Therapeutics, a board member of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT), and past board member of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM). Together, Jason and Isabelle explore the most significant barriers to treating patients at scale, how automated systems - to improve monitoring, recording and tracking could help make therapies more affordable, and the importance of industry partnerships to accelerate the development of therapies and implementation of new technologies. Learn more about Isabelle Rivière

For episode 18 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Ori’s very own Chief Technology Officer, Stuart Milne. Stuart has extensive experience in the CGT sector, having held leadership positions across R&D, startups and scale-ups – including leading a multidisciplinary CGT R&D team from start-up (Asymptote, 2012) through to acquisition (GE Healthcare, 2017) and divestiture (Cytiva, 2020), and launching IOT-enabled products in CGT. Together, Jason and Stuart discuss how the industry is overcoming current manufacturing challenges, the need to build in quality throughout the development and manufacturing process, and how Ori is preparing now to be able to meet the future demands of customers, the supply chain and regulators. Learn more about Stuart Milne: LinkedIn

For Episode 17 of the Ori Spotlight Podcast, Jason C. Foster is joined by Mike Paglia, COO of ElevateBio, a centralized R&D and manufacturing company developing its own innovative cell and gene therapies. Mike has 20 years of experience in biotechnology, working across the industry from therapeutic antibody manufacturing to drug development. Together, Jason and Mike discuss how ElevateBio supports the cell and gene therapy industry, the long-term benefits of digital manufacturing processes, and the importance of removing the cost barrier to CGT. Learn more about Mike Paglia: LinkedIn