In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with Ben Locwin, Vice President at Reliant Life Sciences, to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in biotechnology. 

Join us as we discuss why nearly every biotech claims to use AI but few actually do, examine successful applications like AlphaFold, and explore the challenges of implementing AI across drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory processes. Ben shares insights on maintaining healthy skepticism, understanding data provenance, and looking ahead to what this year may bring for AI in life sciences.

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

>> The AI hype problem in biotech and why most companies claim to use AI but few actually do.

>> AlphaFold as the gold standard and how DeepMind's protein structure prediction model represents the most successful application of AI in biotech

>> Data quality over algorithmic sophistication and the critical importance of data provenance, examining primary sources, and understanding that data quality matters more than the complexity of the AI model

>> The balance between optimism and evidence-based decision-making, distinguishing between sophisticated AI and advanced statistical modeling

Meet our guest:

Ben Locwin is a healthcare and life sciences executive and medical scientist known for helping bring pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices to market faster and with higher quality. A TEDx speaker and seasoned leader, he’s worked across major biotech hubs and has deep expertise in global regulatory pathways, having collaborated with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, PMDA, and more.

• Connect with Ben Locwin on LinkedIn 

About the host:

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Connect with us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, Ross Katz sits down with Kyle Smith and Jacob Mayer from Aprecia Pharmaceuticals to explore how 3D printing is transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing. They dive into the unique binder jetting process, in-cavity printing, and how real-time data and automation are enabling agile, scalable, and precise drug production. Discover how Aprecia's approach is changing the game for clinical trials and personalized medicine.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> How Aprecia developed the world’s first FDA-approved 3D printed drug

>> Why binder jetting stands out among 3D printing methods in pharma

>> How in-cavity 3D printing enables real-time tablet-level data collection

>> The future of closed-loop control and digital twins in drug manufacturing

>> Why 3D printing is key to agile, distributed, and personalized pharma production

Meet our guests:

Kyle Smith is President and COO of Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, leading strategic growth and innovation in GMP-regulated pharma manufacturing. With 12+ years at Aprecia, he brings deep expertise in engineering, operations, and technology transfer.

Jacob Mayer is Director of Engineering Innovation at Aprecia Pharmaceuticals. With a decade of experience across automation, additive manufacturing, and life sciences, he leads the advancement of 3D printing technologies and integrated pharma systems.

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with our guests:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Jacob Mayer on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Kyle Smith on LinkedIn

Connect with us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with James Yoder, Founder and CEO of OpenBench, to unpack a radical new approach to early-stage drug discovery. James shares how OpenBench's "success-driven" model shifts risk away from biotech partners by only charging for validated hits. They dive deep into computational screening, molecular modeling, and the company's evolving tech stack that's making hit discovery smarter and more accessible. Discover how data, AI, and strategic collaboration are redefining biotech R&D.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> Why OpenBench moved away from SaaS to a success-based service model

>> How their computational platform predicts binding affinity and screens trillions of compounds

>> The role of data flywheels and ML in improving drug discovery success rates

>> Real-world case studies from biotech collaborations

>> How OpenBench evaluates druggable targets in one week

Meet our guest

James Yoder is the Founder and CEO of OpenBench. With a background in statistics, data science, and applied machine learning, he leads OpenBench's mission to deliver validated drug discovery hits through computational innovation and a success-driven business model.

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with our guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with James Yoder on LinkedIn 

Connect with us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

Brant Peterson, Vice President & Fellow at Valo Health, joins Data in Biotech to explore how his team leverages real-world data, genetic insights, and machine learning to de-risk drug discovery. From building causal DAGs to identifying patient subtypes in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, this episode dives deep into a patient-first, data-driven approach to biomedical innovation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

>> How Valo Health uses real-world evidence and EHR data to prioritize drug targets earlier in the development pipeline.

>> Why integrating wet lab experiments and causal DAGs accelerates therapeutic validation.

>> The importance of genetic pleiotropy and Mendelian randomization in refining disease hypotheses.

>> How Valo Health identifies high-impact patient subgroups in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

>> Where machine learning models succeed and fall short, in uncovering mechanisms of disease from sparse longitudinal data.

Meet Our Guest

Brant Peterson is Vice President & Fellow in Data Science at Valo Health. He brings deep expertise in genetics, computational biology, and biomedical innovation. Formerly a Distinguished Data Scientist at Valo and Computational Biologist at Novartis, Brant focuses on leveraging patient-centric data to drive causal discovery in drug development.

About The Host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Brant Peterson on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

Ander Tallet, co-founder and COO of Dash Bio and CEO of DigitalRadius, joins Ross Katz to discuss transforming the traditional CRO model through automation, transparency, and productization. Drawing on deep experience from Moderna, Science Exchange, and his leadership roles in digital transformation, Ander shares how Dash Bio is slashing turnaround times, improving data quality, and simplifying procurement for biotech companies. This episode unpacks the future of CRO services, strategic procurement, and the power of operational innovation in biotech.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> Why traditional CRO models hinder speed and transparency in biotech

>> How Dash Bio delivers 90% faster turnaround through automation

>> What productizing CRO services really means for the customer experience

>> How regulatory requirements shape innovation in clinical bioanalysis

>> Why investor buy-in requires solving real, painful problems in biotech

Meet our guest

Ander Tallett is the co-founder and COO of Dash Bio and the CEO of DigitalRadius, where he leads digital transformation initiatives as one of the largest Smartsheet partners in the ecosystem. He previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at Science Exchange and co-founded Block Mill Capital, a B2B SaaS-focused investment fund shaped by his experience evaluating and implementing more than 100 SaaS platforms. 

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with our guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Ander Tallet on LinkedIn 

Connect with us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, Ross Katz chats with Mitra Mosharraf, Chief Scientific Officer at HTD Biosystems, about how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing nanomedicine. They explore the use of AI in drug discovery, formulation, manufacturing, and clinical development, highlighting how data-driven strategies are improving safety, reducing costs, and enabling more personalized therapies in the biotech space.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> How AI and ML reduce costs and increase success rates in nanomedicine development.

>> Key challenges in nano drug delivery and how machine learning helps overcome them.

>> How HTD Biosystems' iFormulate platform speeds up formulation with predictive modeling.

>> How wearables and real-time data are reshaping clinical trial design.

>> The future of personalized and automated drug delivery systems.

Meet our guest

Mitra Mosharraf is the Chief Scientific Officer at HTD Biosystems and co-founder of Engimata Inc. With 20+ years of experience, she leads innovation in biologics, nanomedicine, and lipid-based delivery systems. Mitra is a recognized thought leader in pharmaceutical sciences.

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Mitra Mosharraf on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, Ross Katz chats with Jaidev Chakka, Principal Scientist at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, about how 3D bioprinting and AI are reshaping pharmaceutical manufacturing. They explore the development of custom scaffolds for tissue engineering, the integration of gene delivery systems, and how data-driven approaches are enabling smarter, more scalable solutions in personalized medicine.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> How 3D printing is enabling customized bone scaffolds and regenerative therapies

>> The role of AI in optimizing pharmaceutical 3D printing parameters

>> How organoids can act as micro-organs for testing and computation

>> The promise and challenge of personalized, on-demand drug manufacturing

>> Why collaboration between data scientists and biopharma researchers is critical

Meet our guest

LR Jaidev Chakka is a Principal Scientist at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, pioneering 3D bioprinting, drug delivery, and organoid research to revolutionize patient care and pharma manufacturing.

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Jaidev Chakka on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, Ross Katz sits down with Callie Celichowski and Isa Kupke from Veloxity Labs to discuss how their CRO leverages speed, precision, and innovation to support drug development. Learn how they use mass spectrometry, cloud-based infrastructure, and hands-on client partnerships to drive rapid, high-quality bioanalytical insights that support everything from preclinical studies to FDA submissions.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> Why "speed with purpose" is essential for bioanalytical CROs supporting biotech and pharma clients

>> The benefits and challenges of working with peptides and GLP-1 receptor agonists

>> How the SCIEX 8600 enhances detection of low-concentration analytes

Meet our guests

Isa Kupke is Scientist II at Veloxity Labs, where she specializes in mass spectrometry and method development for preclinical and regulated bioanalytical programs. She also co-founded Blyde Botanics, bridging plant-based science and product development.

Callie Celichowski is Senior Director of Business Development at Veloxity Labs, with over two decades in the pharmaceutical and CRO space. She's recognized for building strategic client partnerships and driving rapid, data-driven decision-making.

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Isa Kupke on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Callie Celichowski on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with Eshani Galermo, Staff Scientist at SCIEX, to explore the next generation of mass spectrometry in pharma and biopharma. Eshani explains how innovations like the ZenoTOF 8600 are redefining sensitivity, selectivity, and workflow efficiency in bioanalytical chemistry. Discover how high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) systems are unlocking new capabilities in drug discovery, clinical studies, and regulatory science.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> Why traditional mass spectrometry falls short in modern bioanalysis

>> How the ZenoTOF 8600 enhances sensitivity and reduces sample volume needs

>> The role of high-resolution systems in detecting complex drug metabolites

>> How automation tools are streamlining workflows for bioanalytical scientists

>> The complementary role of AI and ML in mass spec data analysis

Meet our guest

Eshani Galermo is a Staff Scientist at SCIEX, where she leads global strategic marketing initiatives for pharma and biopharma quant applications. With deep expertise in bioanalytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, she has held multiple scientific roles across SCIEX, Emery Pharma, and Genentech. 

About the host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Eshani Galermo on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

In this episode of Data in Biotech, Ross Katz chats with Wesley Tatum, Principal Engineer at Serán BioScience, about the intricacies of formulating low-solubility drug products. They explore the science behind amorphous solid dispersions, how data informs formulation choices, and why balancing performance, manufacturability, and stability is critical in modern drug development.

What you'll learn in this episode:

>> How amorphous solid dispersions improve solubility and stability in drug products

>> Why formulation decisions hinge on early data collection and modeling

>> The role of data infrastructure in formulation R&D and knowledge transfer

>> How Serán BioScience collaborates closely with clients to solve complex drug development challenges

>> Where AI and automation are (and aren’t yet) transforming pharmaceutical formulation

Meet our guest

Wesley Tatum is a Materials Science PhD researcher working at the crossroads of materials innovation, data science, and machine learning. His work focuses on organic materials and polymer dispersions, and he’s especially passionate about how modern computational tools can transform the way we characterize and understand new materials. Wesley is well versed in PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, and a range of open-source scientific computing libraries, and he brings deep experience in chemical analysis, microscopy, and image analysis. 

About The Host

Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation.

Connect with Our Guest:

• Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancy
• Connect with Wesley Tatum on LinkedIn 

Connect with Us:

• Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.
• Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
• Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn

Sponsored by…

This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.