BioTech Nation ... with Dr. Moira Gunn

This week, Dr. Steve Quake from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative about their goal to tackle all human diseases in the next century. We discuss CZI's innovative approach, including building Biohubs and funding collaborative research. Dr. Quake explains the importance of something called The Virtual Cell project, aiming to use AI to model every human cell. We also address ethical concerns about AI in bioweapons research and the need for regulatory measures.

This week on Biotech Nation, I speak with Dr. Neal Kassell about focused ultrasound technology. We discuss its noninvasive approach, its diverse applications in treating various medical conditions, and its potential to revolutionize treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer. Dr. Kassell also shares insights into ongoing clinical trials and the rapid growth of focused ultrasound as a global standard of care.

This week on BioTech Nation, we explore new efforts in treating cancer with Dr. Sean Bohen, President and CEO of Olema Oncology. We discuss progress in treating breast cancer, particularly ER+/HER2- breast cancer, which accounts for 70% of diagnoses this year. They examine the biology behind these cancers and how Olema's lead compound, palazestrant, works to antagonize the estrogen receptor, halting cancer cell growth. They also touch on the ongoing Phase 3 trial, OPERA-01, and the potential for combining palazestrant with other treatments.

This week - Dr. Sanjay Shukla, CEO of Atyr Pharma, discusses the revolutionary potential of mRNA technology in creating new medicines. They explore Atyr's pioneering approach to leveraging tRNA fragments for treating pulmonary sarcoidosis and other organ-specific conditions, aiming to improve patient outcomes while minimizing reliance on conventional therapies like steroids.

In this week's episode, Dr. Moira Gunn interviews Dr. Chris Pirie from HDT Bio about their novel approach to cancer prevention through vaccines. They discuss leveraging mRNA technology to target specific tumor mutations and prime the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Dr. Pirie highlights ongoing efforts to develop vaccines for prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring immune responses in clinical trials. They also explore the potential for broad-spectrum cancer vaccines and the need to shift towards preventive measures in cancer treatment.

This week I speak with Dr. Robert Ang from Vor Biopharma about their innovative approach to treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, leading to the overgrowth of cancerous cells. Dr. Ang explains that traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, have limitations and risks. Dr. Ang emphasizes the potential of their treatment to revolutionize AML therapy and improve patient outcomes.

Tech Nation Health, Chief Correspondent Dr. Daniel Kraft discusses the concept of "food as medicine." Dr. Kraft emphasizes the evolving understanding of nutrition and its profound impact on health, advocating for a shift towards personalized nutrition using cutting-edge technologies. From continuous glucose monitors to AI-powered apps and sensor toilets, we explore how these innovations enable individuals to measure and optimize their dietary choices.

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases continue to be challenging, but now new science has led to a better understanding of the natural repair mechanisms in the brain. This, in turn, has generated new options for innovative treatments, and one such approach has entered late-stage human clinical trials. Dr. Mark Litton is the President and CEO of Athira Pharma.

This week, Dr. Daniel Bloomfield from Anthos Therapeutics discusses the prevalence and dangers of blood clots, particularly in patients with cancer. Dr. Bloomfield explains the difference between normal and abnormal blood clotting, the risks associated with blood clots in arteries and veins, and the challenges in balancing clot prevention with the risk of bleeding.

Dr. Lishan Aklog from Lucid Diagnostics tells us about the path from GERD to, unfortunately, esophageal cancer, and about Lucid’s two-minute diagnostic test which can detect precancerous cells.

Dr. Eric Merle from GenoSkin talks about how they are transforming drug discovery using discarded human skin from surgeries like tummy tucks, revolutionizing the process and accelerating drug development timelines.

Tech Nation Health Chief Correspondent Dr. Daniel Kraft talks about the newest XPrize worth an unprecedented $101 Million.

Dr. Nik Sopko, the Chief Scientific Officer of PolarityTE talks about their design for wound healing. Their first treatment candidate is diabetic foot ulcers.

Dr. Eric Vivier from Innate Pharma in Marseilles tells us about the next wave of immunotherapy treatments – harnessing Natural Killer cells.

Dr. Ray Stevens, CEO of ShouTi Pharma, talks about their approach in turning IV drugs into pills. Current projects include Diabetes and obesity, and two Pulmonary and Cardiovascular disorders. And these are just their first candidates …

Dr. Stewart Campbell, CEO of Axial Therapeutics, about their groundbreaking work in Autism–related irritability in teenagers, in Parkinson’s, and in complementing the latest cancer treatments.

On this week’s BioTech Nation University of Chicago professor Dr. Neil Shubin talks about his book “Some Assembly required … Decoding Four Billion Years of Life, from Ancient Fossils to DNA.” Ancient viruses in our DNA? And what about “jumping genes”?

This week we visit the brain, and look at what a flexible brain implant might do – from sensing how your brain is working to actual treatment. Nicolas Vachicouras from Neurosoft Bioelectronics in Geneva, Switzerland talks about the target for their first treatment: severe tinnitus.

What’s next after Ozempic and Wegovy and the like? How about a drug in development which releases all the relevant hormones, and not just GLP-1. And doesn’t require injecting. Dr. Steffen-Sebastian Bolz from Aphaia (ah-phi-ah) Pharma explains their approach, currently in Phase 2.

We honor Sir Ian Wilmut, the Scottish embryologist who gained worldwide renown as the leader of the scientific research group that cloned the equally famous Dolly. With his recent passing, we air our 2007 BioTech Nation interview, when David Ewing Duncan and I spoke with Dr. Wilmut on the 10th anniversary of Dolly’s birth.

Dr. Mark Sumeray from Amolyt Pharma talks about their innovative approach to treating hormonal conditions. We’ll talk about two – when yourparathyroid has been injured or removed, often during thyroid surgery, and another – when the pituitary starts overproducing growth hormone.

This week on BioTech Nation, Andrew Allen, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Gritstone Bio – a full spectrum look at how cancer starts and cancer treatments have developed … and what next-generation treatment means today with Gritstone’s work in colorectal cancer. And wait for it … the next generation of Covid vaccines.

Tech Nation Health Chief Correspondent Dr. Daniel Kraft talks about how Medical Schools decide what to teach. You might be surprised that it’s based on the Flexner Report … written in … 1910. Is it time for a do-over? And what might that be?

Tech Nation Health Chief Correspondent Dr. Daniel Kraft talks about your Digital Twin … your Digital Twin … yes, you have one.

Dr. Anthony Japour, President and CEO from iTolerance in Miami, Florida tells us about implanting insulin-producing cells in your pancreas – it’s been tried before, but they have a new approach which just might work.

Tech Nation Health Chief Correspondent Dr. Daniel Kraft tells us about the explosion of digital health.

It’s the 25th anniversary of the founding of Google … and 23 years ago, Google founders - Larry Page and Sergey Brin – came to the Tech Nation studios to do their very first radio interview. There’s lots to learn there, including they believed what humans demanded of search, and why they did what they did.

Dr. Robert Ladner, the Founder of CV6 Therapeutics in Belfast, Northern Ireland, tells us about their work to make a cornerstone cancer chemotherapy, even more effective. First trials are in colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers...

Science journalist Tom Ireland tells us about a burgeoning field of science, which is changing the fight to successfully treat antibiotic infections. His book is “The Good Virus: The Amazing Story and Forgotten Promise of the Phage”.

Osteoarthritis – mostly in the knee, but pick a joint. Dr. Diem (Zem) Nguyen (N’Win) is the CEO of Xalud (Za-lood) Therapeutics. We’ll talk about their work to reduce the inflammation that drives pain. It’s now in human clinical trials.

Why use one AI approach when you can use 25? CEO Dr. Ben Thomas and Chief Commercial Officer Dermot Tierney from Amply Discovery talks about how their novel approach to AI in drug discovery.

Modern cannabis products, with higher potency than those from the past, can lead to acute cannabis intoxication. Anebulo Pharmaceuticals, led by Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Ken Cundy, is working on an antidote that counteracts the negative effects of THC overdose, potentially benefiting both adults and children.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, and progress in treating Glioblastoma has been elusive. Now, Toronto-based Medicenna has completed a successful Phase 2 with its innovative drug, and is now deep into planning the Phase 3 Trial. Also of interest, the FDA agreed to an unprecedented approach in Phase 2, which not only yields better science, but reduces the cost of the clinical trials themselves. To be sure, this approach will be carried forward into Phase 3. Dr. Fahar Merchant is the President & CEO of Medicenna Therapeutics.

In this week's BioTech Nation, we discuss Geovax, a company working on a novel approach to treat head and neck cancers, which are often difficult to treat after standard options have been exhausted. Geovax is developing A2 component therapy, using an enzyme delivered directly to the tumor by a needle injection, followed by an infusion of an inactive form of a chemotherapeutic drug, which becomes toxic to the tumors when processed by the enzyme. The treatment aims to localize the effects, reduce side effects, and potentially activate the immune system to target other tumor cells in the body. Phase two trials are underway, with promising results so far.

In this week's episode of Biotech Nation, Dr. Jeffrey Cleland, the President and CEO of Ashvattha Therapeutics, discusses their drug development efforts to address long COVID. They discuss the definition of long COVID by the World Health Organization, the prevalence of the condition, and the chronic inflammation that occurs in the body, including the brain. Dr. Cleland explains how their nanomedicine approach aims to selectively target and turn off reactive inflammatory cells, potentially offering a treatment for long haul COVID and other diseases.

In this week's episode of Biotech Nation, Dr. Greg Frost, CEO of Exuma Biotech, discusses their innovative approaches to cancer treatment. They are working on a method to shorten the time and eliminate hospital stays for CAR-T therapy, while also developing a new technology called G-car that combines T cells and NK cells to create a more gentle and effective cancer therapy.

A new cell therapy, just entering human clinical trials. It focuses on a particular type of Epilepsy - Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. I speak with Dr. Cory Nicholas, the Co-Founder and CEO of Neurona Therapeutics, about their idea, what they’ve done, and how they plan to approach testing this unprecedented treatment.

Join us as Dr. Chris Nave, the managing director of Brandon Capital and Chair of PolyActiva, reveals groundbreaking advancements in eye treatments on this week's episode of Biotech Nation! Discover how their innovative technology is revolutionizing the way we deliver drugs to the eye, offering extended therapy periods and eliminating the need for frequent injections or daily drops. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion about the future of ophthalmology and the potential to transform the lives of millions affected by glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Join Dr. Richard Austin, Founder and CEO of Reglagene, as he reveals the intense process of selecting the most promising drug candidate for treating brain cancer. Delve into the intriguing world of the "Bake Off" or "beauty contest" where molecules compete to be the breakthrough therapy in human clinical trials. Discover the challenges of penetrating the blood-brain barrier and the quest to revolutionize brain cancer treatment.

This week we explore the commonalities among neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. Dr. Maria Macccecchini, Founder and CEO of Annovis Bio, discusses the role of sticky proteins in these diseases and how her company is developing a drug to prevent the aggregation of these proteins. The episode also touches on their ongoing clinical trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and their potential application in treating traumatic brain injuries.

Moira speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Ed Humes. His latest is “The Forever Witness … How DNA and Genealogy Solved a Cold Case Double Murder.” We get an object lesson in the Three Ages of DNA, and while it reads like a fast-paced Cold Case on steroids – it provides details no fiction writer would dare to make up, like the unexpected involvement of the famous true crimes writer, Ann Rule, and a person whose DNA skills are familiar to fans of the PBS documentary series, “Finding your roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.”

Dr. Hamid Khoja, Chief Scientific Officer of Fibro Biologics, discusses the potential of fibroblasts in regenerative medicine, highlighting their abundance and diverse functions in the body. He shares insights from their ongoing human clinical trials, including the use of fibroblasts for treating degenerative disc disease and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Khoja also mentions their promising findings in animal studies related to diabetic foot ulcers.

Dr. Paul Peter Tack, CEO of Candel Therapeutics, unveils their groundbreaking approach to cancer treatments using engineered viruses. Discover how these viruses are harnessed to target solid tumors, deliver therapeutic genes, and activate the patient's immune system for a powerful anti-cancer response.

Discover the limitless potential of mRNA engineering as Dr. Francois Vigneault, Co-Founder and CEO of Shape Therapeutics, discusses their groundbreaking work in using mRNA to address genetic mutations in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, offering hope for effective treatments and prevention strategies. Join us as we delve into the world of mRNA technology and its transformative impact on healthcare.

200,000 men at diagnosed each year with Prostate cancer … beginning a journey of many successive treatments. Still, 35,000 men die as a result of prostate cancer. Convergent Therapeutics is focusing on the most advanced, intractable cases of prostate cancer. We speak with, Dr. Philip Kantoff is its Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer and CEO.

Cancer treatments which work with the immune system are making great strides, with Keytruda from Merck being perhaps the best known. Still there is much work to be done – both in developing unprecedented new treatments, as well as treatments which might combine with our existing treatments to make them even more effective. Triumvera (try-um-VEERA) Immunologics is working on both. Dr. Paul Lammers is its CEO.

Dr. Nolan Davidson, the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Rejuvenate Bio, discusses the importance of regulating protein expression and the role it plays in aging. He talks about the three primary genes that drive health and the need to maintain their ideal levels to avoid diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Dr. Darren Kelly, a professor and researcher at the University of Melbourne and the Founder and CEO of Certa Therapeutics, tells us about their clinical trials addressing the skin condition: schleroderma. Their unprecedented approach and the results of their latest trial are worth noting.

Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans suffer from fatty liver disease? And that can lead to a more serious condition called Nash, which can ultimately cause cirrhosis of the liver. Hepion Pharmaceuticals is currently in clinical trials to successfully treat Nash. Learn more about how to take care of your liver on today's episode of BioTech Nation with Dr. Robert Foster, CEO of Hepion Pharmaceuticals.

A side effect of chemotherapy, where hands and feet may be raw, painful, and immobilized. With no current treatment, a new candidate has just finished Phase II clinical trials. We’ll hear from Dr. Michael McCullar, the CEO of OnQuality Pharmaceuticals.