In this episode, Stefan Lukianov, founder and CEO of Salve Therapeutics, shares his journey in biotech and the creation of a healthcare app designed to improve patient experiences. He discusses leveraging technology to lower drug development costs—especially for rare diseases—and the role of real-time health data in patient empowerment. Stefan also reflects on challenges such as fundraising, the founder-to-CEO transition, and the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and clear vision in driving innovation within the healthcare industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Salve Therapeutics and Patient Empowerment

02:58 The Role of Technology in Drug Development

06:00 Innovative Software Solutions for Rare Diseases

08:58 Patient Self-Management and Mobile Health Apps

12:06 Collaboration and Mentorship in Biotech

14:56 Real-Time Health Data and Patient Engagement

26:23 The Journey of App Development

31:01 Navigating Fundraising and Investor Relations

37:17 Transitioning from Founder to CEO

44:30 The Importance of Thoughtfulness in Leadership

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Stefan Lukianov
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder & CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-n-lukianov-3a6862205/
• Company / Affiliation:  Salve Therapeutics https://www.salvetherapeutics.com/
• Guest's Bio: Stefan Lukianov is an artist, author, educator, businessman, and scientist with a background in computational bioengineering. He is the founder and CEO of Salve Therapeutics, where he is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative viral and biologic therapies powered by advanced software solutions. His work centers on patient empowerment, with a focus on leveraging real-time health data and mobile health technologies to improve self-management, independence, and access to care. Beyond his role at Salve, Stefan is a strong advocate for mentorship and collaboration in the biotech industry, aiming to foster innovation, thoughtfulness, and a more patient-centered future for healthcare.

Takeaways:

• Stefan Lukianov is the founder and CEO of Salve Therapeutics.
• Salve Therapeutics focuses on patient empowerment through technology.
• The company aims to reduce the cost of drug development for rare diseases.
• Their software is designed for drug developers to streamline the process.
• Real-time health data is crucial for patient engagement.
• Collaboration and mentorship are key in the biotech field.
• Mobile health apps can enhance patient self-management.
• The goal is to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.
• Patient independence is a priority in healthcare innovation.
• Technology is transforming the way healthcare is delivered.  The app has been in development since spring 2022.
• It's important to attract users with the app's design and functionality.
• Fundraising is a complex process that requires careful planning.
• Transitioning from founder to CEO involves balancing vision with operational realities.
• Thoughtfulness in decision-making leads to better outcomes.
• Listening to feedback is crucial for growth as a founder and CEO.
• Building relationships with potential customers is key to success.
• The healthcare app industry is heavily regulated, making development challenging.
• Networking and attending events can lead to valuable connections.
• Having a clear vision helps in managing investor expectations.