In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Afreen Allam, the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences and a 2023 Termeer Fellow. Afreen shares her journey from aspiring medical student to biotech entrepreneur, discussing her groundbreaking work in drug delivery for neurological diseases. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of developing a platform that can cross the blood-brain barrier, offering hope for the treatment of diseases like Cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and brain tumors.

Key Discussion Points:

1. SiNON Nano Sciences' Mission: Afreen explains the innovative approach her company takes to target drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, using a carbon-based nanoparticle that can safely and effectively transport medications to the brain.
2. Personal Journey: Afreen reflects on her transition from a pre-medical student to a biotech entrepreneur, sharing how her experiences volunteering at the Duke Cancer Center inspired her to pursue research that could improve the quality of life for patients.
3. Challenges in Drug Delivery: The discussion covers the unique difficulties of delivering drugs to the brain, the limitations of current technologies, and how SiNON Nano Sciences aims to overcome these obstacles with their platform.
4. The Importance of Support and Mentorship: Afreen highlights the significance of mentorship and support systems, particularly her experience as a 2023 Termeer Fellow, which provided her with valuable resources, connections, and guidance.
5. The Future of Drug Delivery: Afreen discusses the potential partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and the importance of collaboration in advancing treatments for neurological diseases.

Guest Bio: Afreen Allam is the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences, a biotech startup focused on developing a platform for targeted drug delivery to the brain. A 2023 Termeer Fellow, Afreen is passionate about improving patient outcomes and has a background in biochemistry, microbiology, and business.

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Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.