Synopsis:

Few biotechs can pull off what Syndax Pharmaceuticals has achieved — two first-in-class oncology drug launches, built entirely through strategic in-licensing and disciplined execution.

In this episode, host Alok Tayi sits down with Michael Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Syndax, to explore how the company identified breakthrough assets, advanced them through development, and successfully commercialized them within a span of just a few years.

Metzger unpacks Syndax’s distinctive model — leveraging external innovation, rapid clinical validation, and precision in go-to-market strategy — to create measurable patient and shareholder value. From the first menin inhibitor approved in acute leukemia to a novel CSF1R antibody reshaping GVHD and fibrosis care, Syndax’s portfolio embodies science that scales.

The conversation offers an insider’s perspective on risk management, deal-making, data-driven decision-making, and why speed to market has become the new differentiator in biotech. A must-listen for investors, executives, and founders navigating the complexities of growth in a capital-intensive industry.

Biography:

Michael A. Metzger is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with extensive leadership experience in company building, operations, and strategic transactions across the life sciences industry. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Syndax Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded oncology company, a role he assumed in 2022. Prior to this, Michael served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Syndax from 2015 and has been a member of the company’s Board of Directors since 2019.

Previously, Michael held leadership roles at Regado Biosciences, Inc, where he served as President and CEO and guided the company through a successful merger with Tobira Therapeutics. He also served as Executive Vice President and COO at Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., where he oversaw key strategic initiatives in ADC development for oncology. Earlier in his career, Michael held senior roles in business development and M&A at Forest Laboratories, LLC, contributing to its transformation ahead of its acquisition by Allergan plc. He also held leadership positions at Onconova Therapeutics, Inc., and was a Managing Director at MESA Partners, Inc., a healthcare-focused venture capital firm.

Michael has served on several public and private company boards, including CTI BioPharma Corp., acquired by SOBI AB in 2023, and continues to be active in guiding innovative biotech organizations.

Michael holds a B.A. from George Washington University and a M.B.A. in Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Synopsis:

When biotech meets bold partnerships, new models of innovation emerge. In this episode of the Biotech 2050 Podcast, host Rahul Chaturvedi welcomes Paul Biondi, Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, and Uli Stilz, Vice President, R&D External Innovation Partners at Novo Nordisk, to explore the power of co-creation.

Together, they unpack how Flagship’s pioneering medicines model and Novo’s Bio Innovation Hub intersect to accelerate breakthroughs in obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic diseases. They share lessons on building trust, navigating crises, and structuring alliances that go beyond transactions into enduring innovation ecosystems.

From human disease atlases to new frameworks for agile collaboration, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how pharma and biotech can partner differently—turning complexity into transformative therapies.

Biography:

Paul Biondi is a Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, leading Flagship’s product and partnering capabilities, including Pioneering Medicines, Partnering, and Pipeline and Product Innovation.

In this role, Paul oversees Pioneering Medicines, Flagship's in-house drug discovery and development unit, as well as therapeutic partnering and business development efforts for the Flagship ecosystem, including driving broad institution-wide Innovation Supply Chain partnerships with biopharma companies to jointly conceive and create innovative products.

Paul also works with Flagship company CEOs and their teams to achieve the best attainable value for each company, guiding them in their pipeline strategy, product concepts, R&D execution, and partnering approach. He serves on the boards of Flagship-founded companies, including Tessera Technologies (NASDAQ: TSRA) and Valo Health.

Paul Biondi is Managing Partner at Flagship Pioneering, joining after 17 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), where he served as SVP of Strategy & Business Development and held leadership roles in R&D. He previously spent nine years at Mercer Management Consulting. Paul earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Uli Stilz is Corporate Vice President, R&D External Innovation Partners, External & Exploratory Innovation (E2I) at Novo Nordisk., based in Boston. He leads a global R&D team that builds creative partnerships with biotech, venture capital, academia, and research hospitals to co-create next-generation therapeutics in cardiometabolic and rare diseases. Building on the success of the Novo Nordisk Bio Innovation Hub, Uli and the E2I team drive an externally anchored portfolio of collaborations that stimulate global innovation ecosystems and advance Novo Nordisk’s pipeline.

Uli Stilz earned his Master’s in Organic Chemistry from ETH Zürich and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, followed by postdoctoral research at Caltech. He began his industry career at Hoechst AG and later Sanofi, where he became Associate VP of the Innovation Unit in the Diabetes Division. Over two decades, he contributed to more than 60 preclinical and clinical drug candidates in cardiometabolic, immunology, and oncology. From 2012–2014, he served as President of the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry.

In 2014, Uli joined Novo Nordisk in Copenhagen and in 2019 moved to Boston to establish and lead the Bio Innovation Hub, now the External & Exploratory Innovation (E2I) organization. He also serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Frankfurt, sits on editorial and scientific advisory boards, and holds board roles at the Kendall Square Association and Gensaic, while advising the aMoon Fund.

Synopsis:

From stargazing in rural Tennessee to reimagining the future of immune health, Kevin Caldwell’s journey is anything but conventional. In this episode of Biotech2050, Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with the CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health about how personal experiences with a reactive healthcare system—and a deep curiosity about the universe—sparked a mission to extend human healthspan through regenerative medicine.

Kevin shares how Ossium built the first scalable bone marrow bank sourced from deceased organ donors—unlocking a powerful, overlooked source for life-saving cell therapies. He discusses Ossium’s fully integrated model, commercialization strategy, and why rigorous company-building must go hand-in-hand with scientific ambition.

The conversation unpacks hard-won lessons from raising $130M+, navigating regulatory pathways, and leading with long-term conviction. A bold vision for transforming cell therapy—and a candid look at the mindset needed to build for impact.

Biography:

As CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health, Kevin Caldwell has built Ossium from a small startup into a clinical stage bioengineering company. Mr. Caldwell set the company’s mission to improve human health through bioengineering and designed its platform-based model for cellular therapeutics development. Mr. Caldwell has led the company’s successful pursuit, negotiation, and execution of more than 50 business relationships, including 5 successful fundraisings and dozens of supply partnerships, clinical partnerships, and commercial contracts with biopharmaceutical companies. After seven years of strategic engagement and networking, Mr. Caldwell drove the team to successfully secure a transformative federal contract with BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) that validates Ossium’s innovative approach. This milestone represents the culmination of persistent relationship-building, targeted proposals, and our unwavering commitment to addressing national biomedical challenges through cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships.

Prior to founding Ossium, Mr. Caldwell served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey’s San Francisco office where he advised clients in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. His projects ranged from due diligence of acquisition targets in the biotech startup ecosystem to restructuring distressed biopharma companies. Mr. Caldwell led more than 20 engagements with more than a dozen clients, leading teams that advised clients on revenue growth, go to market strategy, and organizational restructuring.

Before McKinsey, Mr. Caldwell served as a Senior Investment Associate at Bridgewater Associates where he did quantitative research for the firm’s global macro investments. Mr. Caldwell studied Physics and Economics at MIT before receiving his JD from Harvard Law School. In addition, he is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and a Fellow of the Leaders in Tech Program.

Synopsis:

Some of the most game-changing ideas in healthcare come from unexpected intersections—where engineering meets biology, and where data meets patient urgency. This episode of Biotech 2050 dives into that exact convergence with a look at how one visionary leader helped pioneer blood-based cancer diagnostics.

Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Guardant Health, AmirAli Talasaz, shares the story behind building one of biotech’s most impactful companies. From a graduate student navigating genomics for the first time to raising over $3 billion and leading a public company, he reflects on lessons learned, obstacles faced, and what it takes to create a patient-first culture at scale.

The conversation explores the technology behind liquid biopsies and companion diagnostics, the challenges of insurance reimbursement, and how Guardant’s innovations are helping detect recurrence and screen for early-stage cancers—all through a simple blood test.

Hosted by Biotech 2050 Co-Founder Rahul Chaturvedi, this episode is packed with insights on biotech leadership, pharma partnerships, and building a company that scales with both urgency and heart.

Biography:

AmirAli Talasaz is the co-CEO of the leading precision oncology company, Guardant Health, which he co-founded in 2012 with Helmy Eltoukhy. Prior to co-founding Guardant Health, he was senior director of Diagnostics Research at Illumina and led the efforts for emerging clinical applications of next-generation genomic analysis. Before Illumina, he founded Auriphex Biosciences, which focused on purification and genetic analysis of circulating tumor cells for cancer management. Talasaz received his PhD in electrical engineering and MSc in management science from Stanford University.

Synopsis:

Amy Burroughs, CEO of Terns Pharmaceuticals, joins Alok Tayi to share how she’s leading bold innovation in CML and obesity treatment, driving two high-stakes data readouts in 2025. From a non-linear path through tech, brand management, and Genentech to building resilient biotech teams, Amy reveals why product positioning, tolerability, and mentorship matter just as much as the science. She also shares her take on CEO loneliness, the value of a “personal board of directors,” and what it takes to lead with clarity, grit, and purpose in today’s biotech landscape.

Biography:

Amy Burroughs joined as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors in February 2024, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience. Most recently, she served as CEO at Cleave Therapeutics, where she led the company through financings, spearheaded licensing and collaboration deals, and oversaw the clinical development of its investigational therapy, CB-5339, for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Previously, she served as executive in residence at 5AM Ventures and, in parallel, as senior advisor to one of its portfolio companies, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, during its initial public offering. Earlier in her career, Ms. Burroughs held roles of increasing responsibility in commercial and strategy at Genentech, commercial and business development at other high growth therapeutics companies, talent and governance at Egon Zehnder International, and brand management at Procter & Gamble. Ms. Burroughs earned her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where she graduated as a Baker Scholar, and her B.A. in computer science with a minor in economics from Dartmouth College. She is currently a member of the board and audit committees at Tenaya Therapeutics.

Synopsis:

Host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Jeremy Bender, CEO of Day One Biopharmaceuticals, to explore the bold mission of transforming pediatric oncology. From earning FDA approval for a groundbreaking brain cancer drug to building a culture rooted in execution and empathy, Jeremy shares lessons from big pharma and startups alike. He discusses how to lead through uncertainty, scale with discipline, and stay focused on delivering targeted therapies for underserved patients. They also dive into real-world data, AI’s emerging role in clinical trial design, and why pediatric-first innovation could reshape the future of oncology.

Biography:

Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., M.B.A. has served as our Chief Executive Officer, President and a member of our board of directors since September 2020. Prior to joining Day One, Dr. Bender was Vice President of Corporate Development at Gilead Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, from March 2018 to September 2020.

Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer of Tizona Therapeutics from July 2015 to March 2018 and Chief Business Officer of Sutro Biopharma, a biotechnology company specializing in cancer and autoimmune therapeutics, from October 2012 to July 2015. Prior to joining Sutro Biopharma, he was Vice President of Corporate Development at Allos Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on cancer treatments, from January 2006 to September 2012.

Dr. Bender also sits on the board of Mereo BioPharma as an independent board member. He started his career in the life sciences practice at Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting company.

Dr. Bender holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University, a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Colorado, and an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Synopsis:

What do courtroom litigation, computational biology, and fibrosis drug development have in common? In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi speaks with Ahmed Mousa, CEO of Vicore Pharma, to explore his unconventional journey from biotech law to the C-suite. Ahmed shares how Vicore is advancing a first-in-class therapy targeting the angiotensin II type 2 receptor to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a devastating disease with limited options and poor survival. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping drug discovery, the promise of precision in early-stage candidate design, and the regulatory and data challenges biotech must overcome. Ahmed also reflects on leading a Swedish-listed biotech as an American CEO, and how a patient-first mission continues to fuel bold innovation across continents.

Biography:

Ahmed Mousa is the Chief Executive Officer of Vicore Pharma (VICO.ST), where he leads the company’s mission to advance angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonists for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other serious diseases. Under his leadership, Vicore continues to expand its clinical pipeline and global presence in respiratory and fibrotic diseases.

Previously, Ahmed served as Senior Vice President, Chief Business Officer, and General Counsel at Pieris Pharmaceuticals (PIRS). In this role, he was the site head for the company’s Boston office and oversaw business development, portfolio strategy, centralized project leadership, and quality assurance. He also led Pieris’ legal and intellectual property functions, including licensing, corporate governance, and management of the company’s global patent portfolio.

Before joining Pieris, Ahmed was an attorney at Covington & Burling LLP, where he advised pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on a range of regulatory and intellectual property matters. He also served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and began his legal career as an IP associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Ahmed holds dual undergraduate degrees in Molecular Biology and Government from Cornell University, a Master’s in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. with honors from Georgetown Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown Journal of International Law.

Synopsis:

When an introverted engineer becomes the President & CEO of REGENXBIO, transformation follows. Curran Simpson joins host Rahul Chaturvedi to unpack his unlikely journey from biotech operations to the C-suite—and how that hands-on experience is reshaping gene therapy's future.

They dive into the evolution of REGENXBIO’s pipeline, tackling ultra-rare diseases like MPS II, ambitious plans for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and commercial partnerships with giants like AbbVie. Curran offers hard-earned leadership lessons, honest reflections on scaling science, and insights into how one-time gene therapies could revolutionize treatment in both rare and common diseases.

From clinical nuance to strategic boldness, this is a masterclass in biotech leadership, platform focus, and staying patient-first—no matter how complex the science or market.

Biography:

Curran M. Simpson is the President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors at REGENXBIO. Mr. Simpson previously served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he led key business functions including Research & Clinical Development, Corporate Strategy, Manufacturing & Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial Operations. Mr. Simpson joined REGENXBIO in 2015 with extensive leadership experience across biopharmaceutical operations and served as the Company’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer before becoming COO. Prior to joining REGENXBIO, he was the Regional Supply Chain Head for North America and Interim Chief Operating Officer at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Mr. Simpson earlier served as interim CEO of Human Genome Sciences (HGS), where he led the integration of HGS into GSK, and as Senior Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at HGS. Prior to HGS, Mr. Simpson was Director of Manufacturing Sciences at Biogen. Earlier in his career, Mr. Simpson served in an overseas assignment at Novo-Nordisk Biochem in Denmark and in various senior development and engineer roles at Genentech, working on Herceptin and Avastin, among other roles. Mr. Simpson has an M.S. in surface and colloid science from Clarkson University and a B.S. in chemistry from the Clarkson College of Technology.

Synopsis:

Longevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. In this insightful episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi sits down with Sergey Jakimov, Founding Partner at LongeVC, to unpack what it really takes to invest in the future of healthspan.

Blending his experience as a medtech entrepreneur, rare disease patient, and venture capitalist, Sergey shares why LongeVC focuses on practical, science-backed longevity solutions rather than hype-driven moonshots. He explains why aging isn’t a disease, how diagnostics differ from therapeutics in venture ROI, and what makes AI drug discovery a pivotal unlock in modern biotech.

The conversation also explores the rise of pet longevity, the role of lifestyle in aging, and how LongeVC grew from a €20M experiment to a high-performing fund now raising $250M for Fund Two—all with zero write-offs.

For founders, funders, and anyone curious about the intersection of biotech, aging, and real-world outcomes, this episode offers an honest, no-fluff look at building the future of longevity—one evidence-based investment at a time.

Biography:

Sergey Jakimov is a founding partner of LongeVC, a venture capital fund supporting early-stage biotech and longevity-focused founders that are changing the world. He is a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded 3 deep-tech ventures and raised more than $40 million in venture funding for his own ventures and as an entrepreneur in residence. He has worked with several other early-stage companies in the therapeutics space on fundraising, IP protection, and clinical trial strategies, focusing on early treatments in cardiovascular, oncology, and neurodegenerative spaces. He is also a visiting lecturer to several universities on venture capital and intellectual property rights, and he co-authored a master's program in Technology Law for the Riga Graduate School of Law.

Since 2018, he has co-founded medical tech startup Longenesis, a cutting-edge company that unlocks the hidden value of biomedical data and accelerates novel drug treatment & discovery. In 2020 he co-founded LongeVC, and in 2021, he co-founded the Longevity Science Foundation - a non-profit organization advancing the field of human longevity by funding research and development of medical technologies to extend the healthy human lifespan.

He holds a BSc in International Affairs from Rīga Stradiņš University and two MScs in Political Science and Government and Law and Finance from Central European University and Riga Graduate School of Law, respectively. He was named Forbes Latvia 30 Under 30 in technology and healthcare in 2020.

Synopsis:

What happens when a world-class scientist and a philanthropic legacy collide with one of medicine’s greatest challenges? Dr. Howard Fillit and Mark Roithmayr of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) join host Alok Tayi for an inspiring conversation on bold science, visionary funding models, and the future of Alzheimer’s research. From treating Estée Lauder in the 1990s to building a $100M venture philanthropy engine, they trace ADDF’s evolution into a global leader in high-risk, high-reward drug development. The discussion covers the rise of biomarkers and digital diagnostics, the foundation’s partnerships with visionaries like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, and how ADDF’s venture philanthropy approach bridges the “valley of death” in biotech. They also dive into global regulatory challenges, the economic urgency of Alzheimer’s, and why the future lies in prevention, precision medicine, and a patient-first mindset. This episode is a masterclass in scientific grit, ecosystem thinking, and turning urgency into progress.

Biography:

Howard Fillit, MD

Founding Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation

Howard Fillit, MD, is a geriatrician, neuroscientist, and innovative philanthropy executive, who has led the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) since its founding. Dr. Fillit has held faculty positions at The Rockefeller University, the SUNY-Stony Brook School of Medicine and the Cornell University School of Medicine. In 1987, he joined the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he is a clinical professor of geriatric medicine and palliative care, medicine and neuroscience. Dr. Fillit also maintains a limited private practice in consultative geriatric medicine with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

He has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications and is the senior editor of Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Dr. Fillit is the recipient of many awards and honors including the Rita Hayworth Award from the Alzheimer's Association.

Mark Roithmayr

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Roithmayr is an admired nonprofit leader with four decades of experience in both start-ups and mature organizations. As CEO of the ADDF, he is responsible for steering the Foundation’s overall strategy, focus, and business operations. Since joining the ADDF in 2017, the organization has transformed dramatically in impact, scale, presence, and brand. Under his leadership, the ADDF’s revenue has increased five-fold from $17M to over $90M, and mission-related investing has grown over 100%.

He works closely with Dr. Fillit, executive leadership, and the board to advance the ADDF’s mission of accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. His key accomplishments include securing donations from Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and MacKenzie Scott, and a 10-figure gift from the Lauder family to cover ADDF’s overhead for the next 20 years.