What if we could silence disease-causing proteins not by targeting the protein itself, but by preventing its mRNA from ever being translated—using small-molecule drugs?

In this episode, David Weitz, Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, shares how his company is pioneering a revolutionary approach: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that block disease-causing proteins before they're even made.

What we discuss:

• Why mRNA represents an untapped class of small-molecule drug targets

• How covalent translation inhibitors work to silence protein expression

• 3D structure-guided drug discovery: revealing druggable domains in mRNA

• Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration

• The universal mechanism that can be applied to any mRNA with a druggable structured domain

• Coming out of stealth: building Syrna and attracting top-tier investors

• Personal reflections on pioneering a fundamentally new drug discovery approach

This isn't traditional RNA therapeutics. This is small-molecule drug discovery targeting mRNA—a completely new frontier in precision medicine.

About the Guest: David Weitz is Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA targets using covalent translation inhibitors.

About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.

🔗 Connect:

• Syrna Therapeutics: [https://www.syrnatx.com/]

• David Weitz: [https://linkedin.com/in/david-weitz-25ba]

• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]

📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [[email protected]]

#Biotech #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #SmallMolecule #Immunology #Neurodegeneration #PrecisionMedicine #Innovation #RNATherapeutics

What if we could stop disease-causing proteins before they're even made—using small molecules to target their mRNA?

David Weitz, CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, is pioneering exactly that: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that silence proteins at the source.

🎙️ Full episode drops 7 January 2026

In the complete interview, we dive into:

• Why mRNA is an untapped drug target

• 3D structure-guided discovery and covalent inhibitors

• Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration

• Building Syrna and coming out of stealth

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#SneakPeek #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #Biotech

What if you could know before a clinical trial which patients will respond? Not after Phase 2 fails. Not after spending $50M. Before you even start.

In this episode, Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, shares how his company is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far.

What we discuss:

• How proteomic signatures differentiate responders from non-responders in AML and ovarian cancer

• Why this could reduce Phase 2 trial enrollment from 100 patients to 40—cutting costs in half

• De-risking clinical trial design and addressing patient heterogeneity

• Regulatory considerations for biomarker-driven and stratified trials

• The future of precision oncology and patient-centric trial design

This isn't incremental improvement. This is a completely different way to run trials.

About the Guest: Pilgrim Jackson is CEO of Yatiri Bio, a biotechnology company decoding proteins to predict treatment response in oncology.

About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.

🔗 Connect:

• Yatiri Bio: [https://yatiribio.com]

• Pilgrim Jackson:[https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilgrimjackson]

• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]

📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [[email protected]]

#Biotech #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics #Oncology #AML #DrugDevelopment

What if you could know before enrolling a single patient which ones will actually respond to treatment?

Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far—potentially cutting Phase 2 trials from 100 patients to just 40.

🎙️ Full episode drops December 18

In the complete interview, we dive into:

• Proteomic signatures that differentiate responders from non-responders

• De-risking clinical trials and addressing patient heterogeneity

• Regulatory strategy for biomarker-driven trials

• The future of precision oncology

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#SneakPeek #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics

What if we could help millions quit smoking with a naturally derived compound that's been used for decades—but never brought to the U.S. market until now?

In this episode, Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, shares how cytisinicline is redefining smoking cessation after receiving FDA acceptance for its New Drug Application (NDA)—a major milestone in the fight against nicotine dependence.

What we discuss:

• FDA acceptance for the cytisinicline New Drug Application (NDA) and what comes next

• Why cytisinicline represents a breakthrough in smoking cessation

• Commercial readiness and go-to-market strategy

• Financial strategy and capital efficiency in late-stage biotech

• Market impact and public health implications of a new smoking cessation therapy

• Investor relations and communicating clinical value to stakeholders

• Personal reflections on leadership and building Achieve Life Sciences

This isn't just another smoking cessation drug. This is a naturally derived therapeutic with the potential to transform public health and save lives at scale.

About the Guest: Rick Stewart is CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.

About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.

🔗 Connect:

• Achieve Life Sciences: [https://achievelifesciences.com]

• Rick Stewart: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-stewart-9597654]

• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]

📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [[email protected]]

#Biotech #SmokingCessation #Cytisinicline #PublicHealth #DrugDevelopment #FDA #NDA #ClinicalTrials

What if a naturally derived compound used for decades overseas could finally transform smoking cessation in the U.S.?

Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, just received FDA acceptance for cytisinicline's NDA—a major milestone that could help millions quit smoking.

🎙️ Full episode drops December 4

In the complete interview, we dive into:

• FDA NDA acceptance and what comes next

• Commercial readiness and go-to-market strategy

• Financial strategy and capital efficiency

• Public health impact at scale

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#SneakPeek #SmokingCessation #PublicHealth #FDA

What if the key to biotech success isn't just science and strategy—but self-awareness and spiritual practice?

In this episode, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—biotech entrepreneur, executive, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience—shares insights from her Amazon bestselling book The Mirror Effect, exploring how intentional leadership transforms both business outcomes and organizational culture.

What we discuss:

• The spiritual foundation of effective biotech leadership

• Deal-making and corporate development strategies from building multiple companies

• Leading the development and approval of Orencia® and Nulojix®

• Building diverse, high-performing teams and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood

• How self-awareness and intentional practice drive innovation

• Personal reflections on resilience, purpose, and the future of biotech leadership

This isn't just another business book. This is a framework for leading with authenticity in an industry that demands both scientific rigor and human connection.

About the Guest: Dr. Sheila Gujrathi is a biotech entrepreneur, executive, healthcare investor, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience. She has founded and built numerous biotech companies and led the development of life-changing pharmaceuticals including Orencia® and Nulojix®. Her book The Mirror Effect is an Amazon bestseller.

About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.

🔗 Connect:

• Sheila Gujrathi: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md]

• The Mirror Effect: [https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book]

• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]

📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [[email protected]]

#Biotech #Leadership #TheMirrorEffect #DrugDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechCEO #Innovation

What if the key to biotech success isn't just science and strategy—but self-awareness and spiritual practice?

Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—who led the development of Orencia® and Nulojix®—shares insights from her Amazon bestselling book The Mirror Effect, exploring how intentional leadership transforms both business outcomes and organizational culture.

🎙️ Full episode drops November 20

In the complete interview, we dive into:

The spiritual foundation of effective leadership

Deal-making and corporate development strategies

Building the Biotech CEO Sisterhood

Leading with authenticity in a science-driven industry

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#SneakPeek #Leadership #Biotech #TheMirrorEffect

What if we could bring the power of precision medicine to more cancer patients, faster—using AI to match patients with the right treatments at the right time?

In this episode, Rick Fultz, CEO of Acurion, shares how his company is transforming precision oncology by combining next-generation science with artificial intelligence to deliver personalized cancer care at scale.

What we discuss:

• The vision behind Acurion and its mission in precision oncology

• How AI and machine learning are revolutionizing cancer treatment selection

• Moving beyond traditional biomarker approaches to comprehensive patient profiling

• Fundraising strategies and building investor confidence in AI-driven healthcare

• Leadership and culture: building a team capable of transforming cancer care

• Challenges and opportunities in scaling precision medicine

• Personal reflections on the future of oncology and patient outcomes

This isn't incremental innovation. This is about fundamentally changing how we match patients with cancer therapies.

About the Guest: Rick Fultz is CEO of Acurion, Inc., a precision oncology company whose mission is to bring the power of precision medicine to more cancer patients, faster.

About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.

🔗 Connect:

• Acurion: [https://acurionhealth.com]

• Rick Fultz: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickfultz]

• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]

📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [[email protected]]

#Biotech #PrecisionMedicine #Oncology #ArtificialIntelligence #Cancer #MachineLearning #DrugDevelopment #PersonalizedMedicine

What if AI could match cancer patients with the right treatments faster—bringing precision medicine to more people who need it?

Rick Fultz, CEO of Acurion, is using artificial intelligence to transform how we select cancer therapies, moving beyond traditional biomarkers to comprehensive patient profiling.

🎙️ Full episode drops October 30

In the complete interview, we dive into:

How AI is revolutionizing cancer treatment selection

Moving beyond traditional biomarker approaches

Fundraising and building investor confidence

Scaling precision medicine

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

#SneakPeek #PrecisionMedicine #AI #Cancer