Aging Biology and The Power of Human Data, Kristen Fortney, Co-Founder and CEO, BioAge

In a recent episode of Biotech2050, hosted by Alok Tayi, Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge, provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aging biology and the innovative approach BioAge is taking to identify therapeutic targets. Kristen's background in aging biology, genetics, and statistics underscores her expertise in the field. The conversation delves into the shift towards translational research in aging biology, emphasizing the increasing interest in targeting aging-related diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. Kristen highlights the importance of leveraging human data, utilizing relevant animal models, and strategically allocating resources to enhance the success rate of drug development in the biotech industry. She shares BioAge's unique approach to drug discovery, focusing on human data sets collected over decades, and emphasizes the importance of identifying novel targets for aging-related diseases. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs in biotech and aging research, providing valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of the field, and highlighting the potential for driving innovation through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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Alok Tayi
The Intersection Of Tech and Biotech, Chris Gibson, Co-Founder & CEO, Recursion

Synopsis

In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Chris Gibson, the co-founder and CEO of Recursion, shares insights on the intersection of technology and biotech, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and diverse partnerships in driving innovation. Gibson's journey from pursuing an MD-PhD program with a focus on merging engineering and medicine to founding Recursion showcases his deep understanding of the evolving biotech landscape. His experience navigating the capital markets and proactive decision-making in response to market conditions offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the industry. The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities in the biotech sector, highlighting the transformative potential of technology and the significance of embracing entrepreneurship and risk-taking. Gibson's emphasis on building diverse teams and the impact of partnerships serves as a compelling reason for entrepreneurs and leaders in the biotech industry to listen to this episode, providing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the rapidly changing biotech landscape. 

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Rahul Chaturvedi
Psychedelics, Longevity, and Wellbeing, Christian Angermayer, Founder, Apeiron Investment Group

Christian Angermayer, a prominent investor and entrepreneur in the biotech industry, shares valuable insights in the Biotech2050 podcast, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Drawing from his extensive experience, Angermayer emphasizes the importance of making biotech more accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the integrity of the science. He discusses the need for a broader investor community in biotech to unlock more capital and stimulate early-stage science funding. His unique perspective highlights the intersection of tech and biotech, emphasizing the potential for collaboration and innovation. By implementing Angermayer's insights, entrepreneurs can gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of biotech and harness new opportunities for growth and development. By incorporating Angermayer's insights, entrepreneurs can gain essential knowledge of the evolving biotech landscape and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and development.

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Alok Tayi
Navigating Platform vs Product Tension, David Kirn, Co-Founder & CEO, 4DMT

Synopsis:
In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, David Kirn, CEO of 4D Molecular Therapeutics, shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the biotech industry. Kirn discusses the development of his company's platform that integrates gene therapy and directed evolution to create innovative treatments for genetic diseases. By utilizing directed evolution, 4D Molecular Therapeutics has been able to invent an AAV vector that achieves safe and effective gene expression in the retina, targeting rare genetic diseases initially and subsequently expanding to larger markets. Kirn emphasizes the importance of balancing a strong platform with diverse product opportunities to decrease risk and increase the probability of success in the biotech landscape. Kirn's expertise and experience provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the vital aspects of biotech entrepreneurship. Kirn emphasizes the importance of balancing a strong platform with diverse product opportunities to decrease risk and increase the probability of success in the biotech landscape. The episode delves into the tension between platform and product focus, offering guidance on fundraising and the regional dynamics of biotech investment. Kirn's expertise and experience provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the vital aspects of biotech entrepreneurship, making this episode a must-listen for academic entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of biotech investment and build traction in the industry.

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Alok Tayi
Adapting Through Disruption in Biotech, David Esposito, President & CEO, ONL Therapeutics

In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, David Esposito, CEO of ONL Therapeutics, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of ophthalmology. Esposito's extensive career journey, from the United States Military Academy to leading ONL Therapeutics, underscores his deep understanding of the industry. He offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on indication selection and the evolving capital market for biotech companies. The episode delves into the complexities of proving safety and tolerability in new mechanisms of action, the strategic shift in pursuing chronic indications, and the interplay between big pharma and early-stage biotechs in the current capital environment. Esposito's expertise and in-depth knowledge make this episode essential listening for ophthalmology professionals seeking to navigate industry challenges, understand the IRA's implications, and explore strategic partnerships for clinical development support.,In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, CEO of ONL Therapeutics, David Esposito, shares his extensive insights into the challenges and opportunities within the ophthalmology field. With a career spanning from the United States Military Academy to leading ONL Therapeutics, Esposito brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the topic. The discussion delves into the intricate impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on indication selection and the dynamic capital market for biotech companies. Esposito's analysis covers the complexities of proving safety and tolerability in new mechanisms of action, strategic shifts in pursuing chronic indications, and the interplay between big pharma and early-stage biotechs in the current capital environment. Professionals in the ophthalmology sector will find this episode invaluable for gaining insights into industry challenges, comprehending the implications of the IRA, and exploring strategic partnerships for clinical development support.

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Rahul Chaturvedi
Overcoming Capital Challenges in Biotech, Jak Knowles, President & CEO, Affini-T Therapeutics

Synopsis:
In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Jak Knowles, co-founder of Affini-T Therapeutics, shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by bootstrapped biotech companies and the significance of venture capital in the industry. Knowles discusses the importance of finding key partners and securing intellectual property early on, shedding light on the capital-intensive nature of drug development. Furthermore, he highlights the value of experienced investors and the impact of their investment source, emphasizing the advantage of being one of the first investments out of a fund. Knowles also provides an update on Affini-T Therapeutics' focus on developing therapies for solid tumors, offering a glimpse into their innovative approach using cell therapy and synthetic biology to address the challenges of the tumor microenvironment. His journey and expertise in navigating the intricacies of fundraising and company-building make this episode essential listening for entrepreneurs in the biotech industry, providing practical lessons and strategic insights for overcoming funding obstacles and driving success in the competitive landscape of biotechnology.,In this episode of the Biotech2050 podcast, Jak Knowles, the co-founder of Affini-T Therapeutics, offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered by bootstrapped biotech companies and the pivotal role of venture capital in the industry. Knowles emphasizes the significance of early intellectual property acquisition and strategic partnerships as critical factors in the capital-intensive arena of drug development. Furthermore, he underscores the importance of securing investment from experienced sources and elaborates on the benefits of being an early investment in a fund. Knowles also provides an update on Affini-T Therapeutics' focus on developing innovative therapies for solid tumors, showcasing the company's pioneering approach involving cell therapy and synthetic biology to address the complexities of the tumor microenvironment. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Knowles offers essential insights for biotech entrepreneurs, providing actionable strategies and valuable lessons for navigating the funding landscape and achieving success in the competitive biotechnology sector.

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Rahul Chaturvedi