In this episode we explore the economics of the health data revolution and learn about how a surprising and relatively unknown archive in Scotland could change everything. What if your genetic history, kept since 1965 in a vault, is the ultimate resource for life sciences innovation? This episode reveals how Scotland’s hidden DNA archive (over 2.5 million newborn blood cards) may be the key to revolutionising personalised medicine and global healthcare, all while safeguarding public trust.

In this conversation Ross and Sandy delve into the complexity of cancer, the challenges in finding a cure, and the innovative approaches being pursued in the field of oncology. It also explores the economic impact of cancer research and the potential for the Scottish biotech ecosystem. The discussion emphasizes the need to embrace the chaos of cancer and the business opportunities it presents.

Most people think of cancer research as solely focused on survival, but what happens when the goal shifts from "get past five years" to "live long with cancer"? In this episode, we explore the game-changing trend transforming oncology from a battle against death to a fight for quality of life.
Join Ross and Sandy as they sit down with world-renowned surgeon and cancer scientist, Professor Andrew Biankin, to uncover how decades of research have turned lethal cancers into manageable, chronic conditions. Discover why the focus must now go beyond new drugs toward better patient stratification, smarter resource allocation, and a more nuanced approach to long-term care.

We are joined by Ishani Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Oncocine, for a conversation on personalised mRNA cancer vaccines, AI-driven precision medicine, and the realities of building a biotech company in Scotland. And, as always, we finish with our Wee Bit of Joy — this week featuring rugby, David Byrne and love, and a moment away from the lab bench.

In Episode 2 of The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore Scotland’s biotech ecosystem, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and discuss the science, capital, data, and ambition needed to build a £25 billion life sciences sector. They end with their traditional Wee Bit of Joy, from signs of spring and golf plans on Bute to an unexpected encounter with Scotland’s lapidary tradition.

We are scientists, bioentrepreneurs, friends, and golf partners. In The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan use clear, friendly conversations to explore the science shaping our lives and driving Scotland’s biotech economy. In this introductory episode, we explain why we started the podcast, what questions we want to tackle, and how great ideas become real-world medicines, devices, and life sciences companies through science, translation, and innovation.

In Episode 1 of The Long Game, Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore why people in Scotland die, what those patterns reveal about cancer, heart disease, dementia, and drug deaths, and why prevention and early diagnosis matter not only for health, but for the future of Scotland’s biotech economy.