Careers In Discovery podcast

44:43

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Tom sits down with Dominique Verhelle, Co-Founder, President and CEO of NextRNA Therapeutics, a company pioneering the use of long non-coding RNAs in drug discovery. Dominique takes us through her unconventional journey - from aspiring flight attendant to Biotech entrepreneur - sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She talks about the challenges of leading a startup through uncertainty, balancing science and business as both CSO and CEO, and why strategic timing is key in career growth. We also discuss the evolution of the dark genome field, NextRNA’s recent partnership with Bayer, and what’s next for this exciting company as it moves towards the clinic. A fascinating conversation on leadership, resilience, and pushing the boundaries of biology.…

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Christian Schroeter, Topas Therapeutics 28:10

acum 6 zile28:10

28:10

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Christian Schroeter, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Topas Therapeutics. Christian’s work focuses on developing immune tolerance therapies for autoimmune diseases, using nanoparticle technology to retrain the immune system. With Topas recently completing a Phase 2a trial in coeliac disease, he shares the excitement of leading a Biotech at a critical stage and the challenges of securing funding to drive the next phase of development. He also reflects on his career journey from academia to Big Pharma and now Biotech, the lessons he’s learned from global leadership roles, and why stepping outside your comfort zone - sometimes into the “crazy” - can lead to the most rewarding opportunities. If you're interested in the science behind immune tolerance, the transition from pharma to Biotech, and what it takes to navigate a career in life sciences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.…

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Theonie Anastassiadis, Prologue Medicines 32:00

acum 11 zile32:00

32:00

In this episode of Careers in Discovery , Emma is joined by Theonie Anastassiadis, Senior Principal at Flagship Pioneering and Founding President of Prologue Medicines. Theonie’s work is all about uncovering ground-breaking biology and turning it into transformative Biotech companies. She shares her journey from academia to venture creation, her experience co-founding multiple Biotech start-ups, and how Prologue Medicines is harnessing viral proteins to develop innovative therapeutics. She also dives into the importance of culture in scientific innovation, the role of mentorship in shaping careers, and why curiosity is the most powerful tool a scientist can have. If you're interested in the intersection of cutting-edge science and entrepreneurship, the realities of Biotech leadership, and how to create an impact beyond the lab, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.…

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Riccardo Panella, Resalis Therapeutics 36:07

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36:07

On this episode of Careers in Discovery, we spoke with Riccardo Panella, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Resalis Therapeutics, and Associate Professor at the Center of RNA Medicine in Copenhagen. Riccardo shared his journey from academia to Biotech entrepreneurship, discussing how a serendipitous discovery during his postdoctoral research at Harvard led him to explore the role of microRNAs in metabolism. He delved into the challenges and rewards of founding Resalis Therapeutics, highlighting the importance of resilience in securing funding and the differences between academic and commercial science. We also explored his perspectives on leadership, the value of collaboration, and the advice he would give to early-career scientists. A compelling conversation about adaptability, perseverance, and the pursuit of translational science.…

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Kathryn Penkus Corzo, bit.bio 47:54

acum 18 zile47:54

47:54

This week on Careers in Discovery , we sat down with Kathryn Penkus Corzo, President & COO of bit.bio, to talk about her journey from clinical pharmacy to leading a company at the forefront of cell therapy and drug discovery. Kathryn shared how bit.bio is using machine learning and cell coding to create scalable, precision-engineered human cells - both for research and as potential therapies. She also reflected on her career path, from cold calling her way into Roche in Switzerland to leadership roles at Lilly, Sanofi, and Takeda, and why taking risks, embracing change, and working internationally shaped her success. We also talked about culture, mentorship, and knowing when to push yourself - and why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to real growth. A great conversation with a leader who’s driving the future of cell therapy.…

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Graham Dempsey, Quiver Bioscience 46:00

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46:00

This week on Careers in Discovery , we spoke with Graham Dempsey, CSO of Quiver Bioscience, to talk about his journey from a passion for sports medicine to leading a company at the cutting edge of neuroscience drug discovery. Graham shared how Quiver is combining stem cell models, optogenetics, and AI to study brain diseases at an unprecedented scale, and what he’s learned from spending over a decade growing within the same company, from Senior Scientist to CSO. We also explored the realities of Biotech growth, the challenges of translating research into real-world impact, and why persistence is key to success in this space. A fascinating insight into the future of brain-targeted drug development.…

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Marco Schmidt, biotx.ai 27:57

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27:57

This week on Careers in Discovery , we sat down with Marco Schmidt, CSO of biotx.ai, to talk about AI, Biotech, and the future of drug discovery. Marco’s career has taken him from Biochemistry to Biotech start-ups, where he’s using causal inference to reshape clinical trials and drug development. We explored the evolution of AI in science, the rise of tech-bio companies, and why he believes this is the best time in history to be a scientist. We also got into the mindset shift needed for scientists moving into business - and why failure isn’t just inevitable, but essential. Join us for a really thought-provoking episode.…

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Tommi Kainu, GlyProVac 33:50

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33:50

This week on Careers in Discovery , we’re joined by Tommi Kainu, Chairman of GlyProVac, a Biotech developing bacterial vaccines with the potential to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Tommi’s career has taken him from medicine and research to consulting at BCG and leadership roles in Biotech. He shared insights on GlyProVac’s work, why commercial thinking is key in drug development, and lessons from his time at Bavarian Nordic - including the unexpected rise of the MPOX vaccine. His advice for scientists moving into industry? Start with the end in mind. A great conversation on science, strategy, and the business of Biotech.…

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Martijn Van De Bunt, Cytoki Pharma 35:38

acum 5 weeks35:38

35:38

This week, Emma spoke with Martijn Van De Bunt, Chief Scientific Officer at Cytoki Pharma, a pioneering Biotech in Denmark developing IL-22-based therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Martijn shared insights from his journey from medicine and academia to leading a lean, globally connected Biotech team advancing transformative therapies. Martijn discussed the pivotal moments in his career, from a PhD at Oxford that sparked his passion for impactful science, to his tenure at Novo Nordisk, and ultimately to joining Cytoki Pharma. Along the way, he emphasised the importance of adaptability, the nuances of transitioning between academia and industry, and the role of networks and teamwork in achieving success. With Cytoki Pharma approaching critical milestones in their clinical studies, Martijn also reflected on the challenges and excitement of developing ground-breaking treatments in a dynamic Biotech environment. Tune in for a conversation packed with advice on career growth, the evolution of drug discovery, and the human side of building innovative Biotech companies.…

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Jordi Carreras-Puigvert, Phenaros Pharmaceuticals 24:40

acum 5 weeks24:40

24:40

This week, we welcomed Jordi Carreras-Puigvert, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of Phenaros, a Swedish company revolutionising drug discovery at the intersection of artificial intelligence and life sciences. Jordi shared his journey from personal tragedy inspiring a career in science, to leading a cutting-edge platform combining high-content microscopy and AI to accelerate therapeutic development, especially in rare diseases. Jordi delved into his unconventional career path, including his foundational work in phenotypic drug discovery, insights on transitioning from academia to biotech, and the critical role of mentorship and networking in shaping his success. He also explored the transformative potential of AI in drug development, emphasising the importance of generating high-quality data to drive innovation. Listen in for a brilliant conversation about leveraging technology to address unmet medical needs, and the power of adaptability in forging a meaningful career in science.…

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Henri Huttunen, Herantis Pharma 25:13

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25:13

In this episode of Careers in Discovery , Emma sits down with Henri Huttunen, Chief Scientific Officer at Herantis Pharma, a Finnish biotech developing ground-breaking therapies for Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Henri shares the exciting progress on their next-generation molecule that crosses the blood-brain barrier and their innovative approach to tackling the challenges of clinical trials in this field. Henri reflects on his journey, from his early days in academic research to founding start-ups and leading Herantis’ mission to develop disease-modifying treatments. He talks about the importance of balancing scientific rigour with innovation, navigating the risks of challenging established dogmas, and the role personal passion plays in driving success. This episode is packed with insights into the cutting edge of neurodegenerative research, the lessons learned from taking bold career steps, and the inspiration behind Henri’s dedication to improving patients’ lives. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.…

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Arvid Söderhall, Empros Pharma 34:25

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34:25

In this episode of Careers in Discovery , Emma is joined by Arvid Söderhall, the first employee and project lead at Empros Pharma, as he shares his unique journey from physicist to biotech innovator. Arvid unveils the vision behind Empros Pharma’s pioneering work to combat obesity with a pharmaceutical approach to gastric bypass surgery. Emma and Arvid’s conversation delves into the evolution of Empros Pharma, the challenges of developing innovative treatments in a competitive field, and the critical importance of adapting to an ever-changing market landscape. Arvid also reflects on his career trajectory, discovering his leadership potential, and the value of seizing unexpected opportunities along the way. A must-listen episode for biotech enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about making an impact in the life sciences industry.…

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Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen, Acousia Therapeutics 37:30

acum 7 weeks37:30

37:30

This week on Careers in Discovery , we’re joined by Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen, Chief Development Officer and Managing Director at Acousia Therapeutics, a company developing innovative therapies to preserve and restore hearing. Jonas shares his journey from academic Biophysics to Biotech leadership, reflecting on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. We discuss Acousia’s groundbreaking work targeting sensory hair cells and their Phase 2 trial aimed at preventing chemotherapy-induced hearing loss, as well as the challenges and rewards of leading a lean, virtual Biotech. An inspiring conversation about tackling a major global health issue and building a meaningful career in science.…

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David Gray, Vigil Neuroscience 30:25

acum 7 weeks30:25

30:25

Could microglia hold the key to treating neurodegenerative diseases? This week on Careers in Discovery , Emma Hobbs is with David Gray, Chief Scientific Officer at Vigil Neuroscience, who is pioneering new approaches to harness the brain’s immune system. David shares his unique career journey, from aspiring author to leading drug discovery programs at Pfizer and now in Biotech. He reflects on the power of curiosity, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary learning that shaped his path to leadership. In this episode, David and Emma discuss Vigil's ground-breaking work in targeting ALSP and Alzheimer’s disease, the lessons he’s learned transitioning from big pharma to Biotech, and why having fun is essential to building a fulfilling scientific career. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and advancing treatments for patients in need.…

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Rodrigo Santos, clock.bio 52:07

acum 11 weeks52:07