Professor Patrick Most traces the 25-year journey from discovering a molecule that enhances heart contractility during his doctoral thesis, through founding two biotech startups, to his current company Aavigen's mission to deliver the first cardiac gene therapy via a simple intravenous injection by end of 2027. A masterclass in how academic scientists can navigate the path from lab bench to clinical product.Patrick Most is a W3 Professor of Molecular and Translational Cardiology at the University of Heidelberg and founder of Aavigen, a biotech startup developing heart-targeted gene therapies using engineered adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).📥 We distilled the sharpest lessons from our first 6 guests into one free guide — the Insider Biotech Career Starter Pack. Get it at https://transcribedpod.comPatrick explains:◼️ Why gene therapy could cure heart failure with a single 15-minute injection◼️ What 60 rejected investor calls taught a scientist about the business world◼️ How a failed first startup with Bristol Myers Squibb became the foundation for a stronger second company◼️ Why AI is not yet ready to design heart-targeting viruses — but will be within two years◼️ The hidden conflict young scientists face: publishing papers vs. protecting patents00:38 Introduction: Gene Therapy and the Quest to Cure Heart Disease01:42 What First Pushed You Toward Gene Therapy for the Heart?03:17 The Long Road from Academia to Biotech Startup06:55 Building the Business Plan with Mannheim Business School09:07 Pitching 60+ Investors and Finding Forbion12:18 How Pitches Evolved: Lessons in Investor Communication13:35 Biggest Pitfalls When Academics Try to Translate Discoveries16:55 The Cost Problem: Making Gene Therapy Affordable at Scale19:43 Gene Therapy 101: How Viruses Become Molecular Taxis22:29 How the Therapy Is Delivered: Injection, Infusion, or Catheter?24:57 Engineering Heart-Targeted AAVs: Capsid Design and Selection27:55 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Gene Therapy Development30:44 Aavigen's Business Model: Lead Products and Licensing34:01 Misconceptions About Gene Therapy and the Hype Cycle36:14 Managing Frustration and Staying Motivated Over Decades39:01 The Biggest Scientific Gamble: Lessons from the First Startup43:16 Balancing Professorship and Running a Company Day-to-Day45:00 Advice for Young Scientists: Incubate in Academia or Spin Out?47:20 The CEO's Role: Gut Feeling, Scenario Building, and Plan B50:02 How the Co-Founders Met and What Makes a Strong Team54:14 Pivoting Through COVID: When You Cannot Start Despite Having Funding55:57 Navigating Biotech Funding in a Scarce Market58:28 When to Start Building Investor Relationships1:01:00 Advice to Students: Knock on Startup Doors1:02:41 How Entrepreneurship Makes You a Better Professor1:05:02 US vs. Germany: Funding, Flexibility, and Academic Culture1:08:01 Career Reflections: What Would You Do Differently?1:10:12 Timeline: When Will Gene Therapy Cure Heart Disease?1:12:58 Closing RemarksFollow Patrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-patrick-most-174506a4/—Transcribed Podcast — in-person interviews with scientists, founders, and industry experts shaping the future of biotech and pharma.🎙️ Watch all episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@TranscribedPod📥 Free Biotech Starter Pack → https://transcribedpod.com🌐 https://transcribedpod.com📸 Instagram: @transcribedpod📧 [email protected]🎵 Jingle composed by Tembeh → https://open.spotify.com/artist/4s9JmadJjVdYQ6YxYtJgja#TranscribedPodcast #Biotech #Pharma #Science #Interview #GeneTherapy #Cardiology #Aavigen