This episode is part of a limited series called Money Ball in conjunction with the BLPN Club . BLPN's Money Ball program helps founders step up to the plate and knock fundraising out of the park. You'll hear about the people, their ventures, and their pitch-making experiences.

In this episode, Rob Boyce, CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, discusses the company's mission to develop regenerative medicine solutions for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease affecting premature infants. He shares insights into the challenges of developing treatments for this vulnerable population, the importance of funding, and the role of networking in the biotech industry. Rob also highlights a case study of a patient named Laurel, illustrating the potential impact of their product on improving outcomes for babies at risk of NEC.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Plakous Therapeutics
01:08 Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
04:23 The Genesis of Plakous Therapeutics
06:24 Innovative Approach to Treatment
09:27 Real-Life Impact: Case Study of Laurel
13:32 Navigating the Funding Landscape
16:06 Refining the Pitch Process
22:05 Challenges in the Current Investment Climate
25:11 Current Stage and Future Plans

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Robert Boyce
• Guest's Title/Position:  Chief Executive Officer
• Guest's Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwboyce/
• Company / Affiliation: Plakous Therapeutics https://www.plakoustherapeutics.com/
• Guest's Bio:  Rob Boyce is the CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, Rob has been working in healthcare and life sciences throughout his career. He has been part of several start-up companies. Prior to Plakous Rob was at Imago Systems, Inc., a software as a service medical diagnostic company seeking to redefine the medical imaging. He started his business career at Johnson & Johnson, marketing the Tylenol Brand. While at J&J he led worldwide Sales and Marketing for Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company specializing in state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology. Rob launched his career as a naval flight officer in the Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye.

Takeaways:

• Rob Boyce is the CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, focusing on regenerative medicine.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe condition affecting premature infants.
• The last FDA-approved medicine for NICU babies was in 1991.
• Plakous's product mimics amniotic fluid to support GI tract development.
• Laurel's case illustrates the challenges faced by NEC patients.
• Funding for pediatric biotech is particularly challenging.
• Networking and preparation are crucial for successful investor pitches.
• Understanding the audience is key to effective presentations.
• Regulatory pathways for pediatric treatments are complex and uncertain.
• Plakous aims to raise $8 million for further development.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/