Send us a text

In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Rafael G.
Amado, an esteemed leader in oncology research and development, currently serving as
the President and Head of Global Oncology at Zai Lab. With a distinguished career
spanning multiple leading biotech firms, Dr. Amado brings a wealth of experience in
gene-engineered cell therapies and innovative cancer treatments.

 

• Professional Background: Dr. Rafael G. Amado is currently the president and head of global oncology at Zai Lab. He has a rich background in medicine, starting with his education in Spain, followed by a move to the U.S. where he specialized in Internal Medicine and later Hematology Oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

• Passion for Oncology: Dr. Amado's interest in oncology stems from its complex nature and the multifaceted approach it requires, combining diagnostics, therapeutics, and a detective-like inquiry into patient cases. His career shift towards oncology was influenced by its holistic approach to patient care and his personal drive to solve complex medical puzzles.

• Research and Development Focus: At Zai Lab, Dr. Amado oversees oncology research and development, focusing on gene-engineered cell therapies among other innovative treatments. He has been involved in significant breakthroughs, such as determining drug inefficacies in patients with certain genetic mutations, which has influenced global regulatory changes in cancer treatment.

• Corporate and Global Strategy: Under Dr. Amado’s leadership, Zai Lab has approved six drugs in China, with a strong emphasis on addressing grievous illnesses through open innovation. He is instrumental in expanding the company's global reach, aiming to impact a broad patient base internationally by aligning clinical trials and regulatory strategies across diverse geographic locations.

• Vision and Future Goals: Dr. Amado is committed to advancing drug development that significantly outweighs potential risks with therapeutic benefits. He is driven by a mission to impact oncology treatment on a global scale, with ambitious goals to reach approximately a million patients by 2030 through continuous innovation and strategic drug development.

Send us a text

This week on the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Dan Lunz. Dan Lunz is the CEO and Co-founder of Previse, a pioneering company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in offering tests for the prediction and earlier detection of upper-GI cancers.

 

• Background of Dan Lunz: Dan Lunz, CEO and co-founder of Previse, shares his journey from growing up in Baltimore, serving in the Marine Corps, experiencing healthcare firsthand as a patient in the VA system, to studying at Johns Hopkins and working in clinical research. His career path was significantly influenced by his desire to serve others, leading him to the life sciences sector.

• Formation of Previse: Lunz's collaboration with Dr. Steven Meltzer, a professor at Johns Hopkins, sparked the founding of Previse. They focused on developing diagnostic tools for early detection of upper GI cancers based on Meltzer's research on biomarkers. Their shared mission was to improve patient outcomes through innovative medical technologies.

• Previse's Diagnostic Innovations: Previse specializes in detecting and predicting upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The company offers a commercial test called ESO Predict, which assesses the risk of esophageal cancer in patients with conditions like Barrett's esophagus, helping physicians strategize patient management and surveillance intervals.

• Challenges and Leadership Insights: Throughout the interview, Lunz discusses the entrepreneurial challenges of securing funding and navigating regulatory landscapes. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and humility in leadership, learning from rejections, and the critical role of assembling a talented team to overcome complex challenges.

• Future Goals and Impact: Looking forward, Previse aims to expand access to its existing diagnostics across the U.S. and continue developing non-endoscopic tools and medical devices to enhance GI cancer detection. Lunz is driven by the potential impact of their technology in preventing cancer and improving patient care, underscoring his dedication to service and innovation in life sciences.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast our guest is Leonard Mazur, CEO and Co-Founder of Citius Pharmaceuticals. With over 50 years of experience in the biopharma industry, Leonard has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking therapies for patients with unmet medical needs.

 

• Background and Entry into Biopharmaceuticals: Leonard Mazur, CEO and co-founder of Citius Pharmaceuticals, began his career through an unexpected newspaper ad, leading him to pharmaceutical sales. His liberal arts background as a psychology major did not initially suggest a career in biopharma, highlighting the unpredictability of career paths.

• Early Career Development: Mazur's rapid career advancement occurred within Cooper Laboratories, an entrepreneurial company where he transitioned from sales to marketing and strategic planning. This period involved substantial growth through acquisitions, providing him with a broad range of experiences in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Throughout his career, Leonard Mazur has initiated multiple entrepreneurial efforts, ultimately leading to the founding of Citius Pharmaceuticals. His story is marked by significant risk-taking, including personal financial stakes in business initiatives, reflecting his deep commitment to his entrepreneurial pursuits.

• Focus of Citius Pharmaceuticals: Citius Pharmaceuticals, which Mazur co-founded, is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for critical care. A key product from Citius is an antibiotic lock solution for treating infections in central venous catheters, illustrating the company's commitment to addressing complex medical needs.

• Views on Industry and Innovation: Mazur discusses the critical role of the biopharmaceutical industry in global drug development, emphasizing the potential risks to innovation from policy changes such as the implementation of socialized medicine. His insights reflect on the industry's dynamics and the importance of sustaining an environment conducive to pharmaceutical innovation.

Send us a text

In this episode of Life Science Success, we sit down with Marc, an entrepreneur, certified coach, and a beacon of leadership in the life sciences and business coaching sectors. Marc shares his journey from the entrepreneurial services group at EY to founding and leading companies in the life sciences field, and how he leverages his vast experience to mentor and inspire others towards professional excellence and personal growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of business acumen and scientific innovation, and discover Marc's unique approach to fostering success in the competitive world of life sciences.

 

• Marc Cote's background includes a transition from being a CPA at Ernst & Young to becoming an entrepreneur and certified coach, focusing on leadership within the life sciences. He credits his father, a second-generation business owner, for influencing his career path and emphasizing the importance of a strong business foundation.
• During his career, Cote identified a gap in leadership and soft skills training among highly technically trained professionals in the life sciences. He aims to help these individuals realize their potential not only as scientists but also as visionary leaders and effective managers.
• Cote discusses his journey from consulting at Ernst & Young to launching his own companies that supported biotech and small pharmaceutical companies. He emphasizes the value of leadership coaching to enhance emotional intelligence (EQ), crucial for effective leadership.
• The podcast conversation covers Cote's approach to coaching, focusing on understanding and leveraging one's strengths and appreciating different leadership styles. He highlights the importance of continuous personal development and adaptability in achieving career advancement within the life sciences.

Send us a text

In this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Darwin Shurig, founder and CEO of Shurig Solutions.  Darwin brings strategic value to medical device, life science, and pharma companies. Darwin is responsible for most, if not all, business processes, including project management, recruitment, sales, operations, quality, and regulatory affairs, to mention a few.

 

• Guest Introduction: Darwin Shurig, the guest, is introduced as the founder and president of a company involved in the recruitment industry, particularly within the life sciences sector. Darwin shares his journey of starting the business, highlighting his prior experience in clinical respiratory therapy and his transition to entrepreneurship nearly nine years ago.

• Business Challenges and Insights: Darwin discusses the challenges he faced as a newcomer to the business and recruitment industries. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and the critical role of understanding market needs and analytics to sustain a business in a competitive environment.

• Recruitment Philosophy and Strategies: Throughout the interview, Darwin explains his approach to recruitment, focusing on the importance of specialization, understanding client needs, and delivering value without having to return fees. He stresses a high client acceptance rate and successful placement track record as indicators of his company's effectiveness.

• Industry Perspective and Future Outlook: Closing the conversation, Darwin reflects on the broader industry trends, including the impact of technology like AI on recruitment and other business processes. He is optimistic about the potential of new technologies to enhance business efficiency and expresses curiosity about future developments in life sciences and AI.

Send us a text

In this episode of Life Science Success, host Don Davis has a conversation with Dr. Mohit Jain, a physician scientist with extensive experience in physiology, biomedicine, and mass spectrometry. Dr. Jain shares his unique journey from clinical training to leading breakthroughs in mass spectrometry and computational biology.

He discusses the inception of Sapient Bio, a company that leverages mass spectrometry to unlock new horizons in drug discovery and patient diagnosis by analyzing thousands of molecules in the human body. They explore the future of medicine, emphasizing personalized therapy and the potential to diagnose diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's years in advance.

Dr. Jain also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in biotech, the impact of computational biology, and the pivotal role of Sapient Bio in pioneering the field of drug discovery. The conversation concludes with Dr. Jain's reflections on leadership, inspiration, concerns, and what excites him about his work, offering deep insights into the promising future of life sciences.

 

Key Highlights: 

01:23 Introducing Dr. Mohit Jain: A Multifaceted Scientist 02:04 The Journey to Sapient Bio: Unraveling Dr. Jain's Career Path 03:39 The Evolution of Mass Spectrometry and Its Impact on Health 06:45 Sapient Bio: Democratizing Access to Advanced Technologies 13:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Leading a Biotech Company 16:54 The Future of Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine 23:47 Sapient Bio's Differentiation and Future Prospects 29:24 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections from Dr. Jain    

Send us a text

Jennifer Hawks Bland is a distinguished leader in the life sciences sector, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of NewYorkBIO, an organization at the forefront of advancing New York's life sciences ecosystem. With a rich background spanning legal practice, government affairs, and executive leadership in companies like Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role in fostering innovation and growth within the industry.

 

• Jennifer Hawks Bland, CEO of New York Bio, discussed her unique path into life sciences, transitioning from a legal background where she initially engaged with the pharmaceutical industry through mass tort defense litigation, to advocacy and lobbying roles, eventually leading her to her current position.
• She detailed the mission and operations of New York Bio, highlighting its role in advancing New York’s life sciences ecosystem by collaborating with early-stage companies, academic medical centers, and leveraging the state’s rich resources in life sciences for regional and statewide economic development.
• Hawks Bland emphasized the importance of storytelling in advocacy, drawing on her legal and lobbying background to influence policy and support the life sciences industry, both at the state and federal levels, and how this skill has been crucial in her roles leading up to and including her leadership at New York Bio.
• The conversation also covered the challenges and opportunities facing the life sciences sector, particularly in New York, from fostering startup growth to navigating policy and funding landscapes. She stressed the significance of collaboration across various stakeholders, including government, academia, and the private sector, to drive innovation and support the ecosystem.
• Hawks Bland shared her excitement for the future of life sciences, reflecting on the potential for breakthroughs in health and medicine, and the critical role of advocacy and strategic partnerships in overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities within the industry.

Send us a text

In this episode of Life Science Success, we're thrilled to welcome Britney Winterberger, the Senior Director of North America Project Management and Clinical Operations at Tigermed. Britney brings a wealth of experience in clinical trials across various therapeutic areas and a deep personal commitment to advancing patient treatments, particularly in the fight against cancer.

 

• Britney Winterberger is the Senior Director of North America Project Management and Clinical Operations at Tigermed, with a rich career history in life sciences, inspired by a personal loss to leukemia. She initially aspired to be a pediatric oncologist but shifted towards clinical research to contribute to cancer treatment advancements.
• Winterberger, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a Marquette University undergraduate degree in biological sciences as well as study abroad experiences. She is also a family person, emphasizing the importance of travel, outdoor activities, and being sports enthusiasts with her husband and two children.
• Her journey into the field of life sciences was somewhat unintentional, transitioning from a goal in pediatric oncology to clinical research due to the emotional challenges of the former. She transitioned because of a special opportunity through a family connection, which led her to a career in clinical research organizations (CROs).
• Throughout her career, pivotal moments included receiving a 'B' on a performance review, which was a significant learning experience for her, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the need to work in a more agile and innovative environment. Joining Tigermed represented a culminating point where she found a space to innovate and drive meaningful change in the clinical research landscape.
• Winterberger discusses the evolution of clinical trials, emphasizing the shift towards patient-centric approaches, the integration of digital health technologies, and the push for decentralized clinical trials to improve patient access and compliance. She also highlights Tigermed's role in advancing clinical research through innovative trial designs and efficient patient recruitment strategies, underlining her commitment to making a difference in cancer treatment and patient care.

Send us a text

In this episode of Life Science Success my guest is Dr Dr. Rahul Kakkar we will dive into the life and innovations of his tremendous career. From founding groundbreaking biotech companies to his vital role at Tome Biosciences and balancing life as a practicing physician, Rahul's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Discover the cutting-edge of genomic medicine and get a peek into the mind of a true life sciences pioneer.

 

• Dr. Rahul Kakkar's Journey: Dr. Kakkar, CEO of Tome Biosciences and a distinguished biotech executive and physician scientist, shares his journey from training in the Harvard Hospital System to his disillusionment with academia's limitations on drug development. This frustration led him towards a career in biotech, underscored by his entrepreneurial spirit and the significant influence of mentors who supported him at pivotal moments.

• Entrepreneurial Shift and Tome Biosciences: His experiences, particularly at AstraZeneca, highlighted the challenges of navigating entrenched corporate cultures, sparking his entrepreneurial journey. This journey includes the founding of Corvidia Therapeutics and ultimately leading to his current role at Tome Biosciences, where he emphasizes a flat, open company culture focused on innovative drug development.

• Balancing Medicine and Leadership: Kakkar balances his roles as a physician and a biotech leader, finding real-world clinical experiences vital for grounding his work in biotech. He maintains an active part in patient care, which he finds complements his leadership in biotech, keeping his work relevant and impactful.

• Advancements in Biotech and Tome's Focus: Kakkar discusses the evolution of biotechnology, from monoclonal antibodies and nucleotide-based therapeutics to the future of DNA editing. At Tome Biosciences, the focus is on programmable genomic integration, aiming to create differentiated, impactful drugs. This approach underscores the importance of technology in developing meaningful new therapies.

• Leadership Philosophy and Inspiration: Sharing insights on leadership, Dr. Kakkar emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and making the best of situations. He finds inspiration in the human spirit's perseverance, whether in family, healthcare, or scientific discovery, driving him to overcome challenges in healthcare and biotech innovation.

Send us a text

This week on Life Science Success, we are thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Smalley as our guest. Elizabeth is the VP, Product Management, Data & Analytics at ArisGlobal, where she plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives in the realms of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the life sciences sector. With an impressive background that bridges technology and life sciences, Elizabeth has been instrumental in the formation and launch of the GenAI Council, an innovative effort aimed at harnessing generative AI to revolutionize research and development in life sciences.

• Introduction of Guests and Focus: Don, a consultant in life sciences, introduces Elizabeth Smalley, VP of Product Management, Data, and Analytics at ArisGlobal. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of generative AI (GenAI) in the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on Elizabeth's leadership in strategic AI initiatives at ArisGlobal.

• Elizabeth Smalley's Background and Journey: Elizabeth recounts her diverse experience in product management across e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthtech. Her story highlights the central role of AI in her career, including significant achievements in developing AI-driven clinical solutions at Teladoc Health and her progression to leading ArisGlobal's data, analytics, and AI strategies.

• ArisGlobal's Innovations and Role: The conversation explores ArisGlobal's impact on life sciences, especially its innovative use of AI in pharmacovigilance and regulatory processes. Elizabeth points out ArisGlobal's pioneering introduction of AI into case processing workflows and its leadership in adopting generative AI, aiming to enhance efficiency and patient safety in the sector.

• Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities: Elizabeth discusses the economic potential of generative AI in life sciences, acknowledging regulatory challenges and the necessity of industry-wide collaboration to navigate these. She emphasizes the importance of creating a responsible AI adoption playbook, addressing transparency, and fostering innovation within a regulatory framework.

• Vision for the Future: The interview concludes with a forward-looking view on how generative AI could revolutionize patient care, streamline drug development, and optimize regulatory compliance. Elizabeth advocates for a collaborative approach to leverage AI responsibly, aiming to improve health outcomes, enhance operational efficiencies, and ensure patient safety in the evolving landscape of life sciences.