The BioHub - by Avetix

Episode 259 - Hannah Shen Founder & CEO - Kekulai

In this episode of the BioHub podcast, Amber Hayes is joined by Hannah Shen, Founder and CEO of Kekulai, an end-to-end agentic drug discovery company focused on developing first-in-class medicines. Drawing on her experience at Benchling and BridgeBio, Hannah shares her journey into biotech and the vision behind Kekulai's agentic discovery platform, Alchemy. Together, they explore the challenges of building reliable AI agents for high-stakes scientific decisions, balancing human expertise with autonomous workflows, and why more data doesn't always mean better drug discovery. Hannah also discusses how Kekulai is running three drug A fascinating conversation about the future of agentic AI, scientific reasoning and what it takes to turn emerging technology into real medicines.

Episode 258 - Susan Hill CEO & Board Member at Mestag Therapeutics

We were delighted to be joined by Susan Hill, CEO and founder of Mestag Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering new approaches to treating cancer and inflammatory diseases through the emerging field of fibroblast immunology. Susan brings more than 25 years of experience across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and investment industries. She has held senior leadership positions at Merck KGaA, Alexion, Freeline Therapeutics and Gyroscope Therapeutics, where she served as Chief Business Officer before its acquisition by Novartis. She founded Mestag Therapeutics in 2020, building the company around some fascinating science and leading it through significant financing, strategic pharmaceutical partnerships and its evolution into a clinical-stage biotech. Mestag is tackling an area of biology that has historically been overlooked, exploring how fibroblasts interact with the immune system and how those interactions could unlock entirely new therapeutic approaches for patients. Today, we'll be discussing Susan's journey through the field, the experience of building and scaling biotech companies, the science behind Mestag, and what it takes to translate emerging biology into impactful medicines.

Episode 257 - Aarash Bordbar, CEO & Co-Founder at Sinopia Biosciences

Today on The BioHub, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Aarash Bordbar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sinopia Biosciences. Aarash has built his career at the intersection of computational biology, systems biology and drug discovery, with a particular focus on understanding complex biological systems and translating that knowledge into new therapeutic approaches. He co-founded Sinopia Biosciences with a vision of harnessing computational modelling and data-driven approaches to transform drug discovery, bringing together biology, mathematics and technology to tackle some of the most challenging questions in medicine. Today, we're going to explore Aarash's journey through the field, the founding and evolution of Sinopia, how computational biology is changing the drug discovery landscape, and what the future might look like as AI and advanced modelling become increasingly integrated into biotechnology.

Episode 256 - Sean Ekins - Collaborations Pharmaceuticals

In this episode of The BioHub, Amber is joined by Dr. Sean Ekins, Founder and CEO of Collaborations Pharmaceuticals. Sean shares his perspective on the evolving role of machine learning in drug discovery, how computational approaches can support rare and neglected disease research, and what it really takes to move from prediction to meaningful therapeutic development. They also discuss the opportunities and limitations of AI in chemistry, the importance of scientific collaboration, and some of the wider questions around responsible innovation and dual-use risk as generative drug discovery continues to develop.

Episode 255 - Jason Goodson - COO at PleoPharma

n this episode of The BioHub, we welcome Jason Goodson, Chief Operating Officer at PleoPharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for cannabis use disorder and cannabis withdrawal syndrome. With millions of Americans affected by cannabis use disorder and no FDA-approved medications specifically targeting cannabis withdrawal, PleoPharma is working to address a significant unmet need through its lead candidate, PP-01, now in pivotal Phase 3 development. Jason shares insights into the growing market for addiction therapeutics, the clinical and commercial potential of PP-01, and the challenges of bringing a first-in-class treatment to market. We also explore the strategic decisions behind scaling a clinical-stage biotech, from financing and partnerships to commercial readiness, leadership, and building the right team for future growth.

Episode 254 - Erick Lucera (CFO) & Vikram Ranade (CBO) at Dyne Therapeutics

Today, we’re joined by Erick Lucera, Chief Financial Officer, and Vikram Ranade, Chief Business Officer at Dyne Therapeutics. We’ll be discussing their individual journeys through biotech, what attracted them to Dyne, and the company’s mission to develop transformative treatments for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. We’ll also explore the strategy behind building a biotech towards commercialisation, the financial and business development challenges involved, and their perspectives on the wider biotech landscape.

Episode 253 - John Yu CEO at Kairos Pharma

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Ben is joined by Dr. John Yu, CEO and Chairman of Kairos Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies to overcome drug resistance and immune suppression in cancer. Dr. Yu brings a unique perspective from his extensive career in neurosurgery, oncology, immunology, and biotechnology entrepreneurship. Together, they explore his journey from academic medicine into biotech leadership, the science behind Kairos Pharma's approach to tackling cancer drug resistance, and the development of its lead candidate, ENV105, which targets CD105 to potentially restore sensitivity to existing cancer treatments. The conversation also examines the challenges of translating academic discoveries into clinical therapies, building and financing an emerging biotechnology company, and the opportunities ahead for improving cancer treatment outcomes. An insightful discussion on scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and the journey from breakthrough research to meaningful patient impact.

Episode 252 - Sam Reich - CEO at SAB Bio

In this episode of The BioHub by Avetix, I’m joined by Sam Reich, CEO of SAB BIO. Sam shares his unconventional journey from leaving his PhD to build his first biotech, through founding and selling companies, working with influential industry figures like Phil Frost, and eventually leading Big Cypress Acquisition Corp. We discuss how that journey brought him to SAB BIO, why the company became the right opportunity, the challenges behind its strategic pivot towards type 1 diabetes, and what it takes to keep adapting when the path of a biotech changes. We also explore the lessons Sam has learned from building, financing and leading companies across multiple stages, and what comes next for SAB as it works to develop a disease-modifying treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Episode 250 - Dr. Garry Pairaudeau, Co-Founder CEO & Dr. Anthony Bradley, Co-Founder CSO of Dalton Tx

In this episode of The BioHub, Amber is joined by Dr. Garry Pairaudeau, Co-Founder and CEO, and Dr. Anthony Bradley, Co-Founder and CSO of Dalton Tx. Having previously worked together at Exscientia, Garry and Anthony went on to co-found Dalton Tx. bringing together AI, scientific expertise and software engineering to help accelerate drug discovery. We explore their journey the challenges of translating advances in AI into meaningful scientific impact, and the importance of separating genuine innovation from industry hype. We also discuss the evolving role of AI in drug discovery, building a science-driven company, and what the future could hold for AI-enabled therapeutics.

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Why Biotech Keeps Reinventing the Wheel | Greg Crescenzi, Addgene

Why spend months recreating research tools that another lab has already built? In this episode of The BioHub, we’re joined by Greg Crescenzi from Addgene to discuss how sharing scientific materials can reduce duplicated work, save researchers time and help biotech discoveries move faster. From plasmids and CRISPR tools to viral vectors and antibodies, Greg explains how Addgene helps scientists build on existing research—and why improving access between academia and industry is the next challenge. We cover: • The frustration that sparked Addgene’s founding • How sharing research tools helped CRISPR reach thousands of organisations • The barriers between academic research and commercial biotech • Partnerships supporting better sequencing and new research tools • Why unsuccessful experiments contain information worth sharing • Where AI and Addgene’s research data could create new opportunities Subscribe to The BioHub for more conversations with the people advancing biotech. #Biotech #Addgene #CRISPR #BioHub

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Episode 248- Marshall Fordyce - Founder & CEO of Vera Therapeutics

In this episode of The BioHub by Avetix, I’m joined by Marshall Fordyce, Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics. Marshall shares his journey from medicine and HIV drug development at Gilead to founding Vera, and how that experience shaped his belief in the power of building medicines that can genuinely change the course of disease. We discuss what patient-centricity looks like in practice, the thinking behind Vera’s Phase III strategy, and the company’s transition from development-stage biotech into commercial launch. Marshall also shares his framework for building biotech companies, why people and capital discipline matter just as much as the science, and what comes next for Vera as it continues the US launch of Trutacna.

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Episode 247 - Chris Moxham Founder & CEO and Clayton Mellina CTO of Transcripta Bio

In this episode of The BioHub, Amber is joined by Dr. Chris Moxham, Co-founder and CEO of Transcripta Bio, and Clayton Mellina, CTO, to explore how transcriptomics and AI are opening up new possibilities in drug discovery. Chris and Clayton explain how Transcripta connects the changes disease causes in cells with the effects of potential treatments. They discuss combining phenotypic screening with target-based discovery, finding new uses for existing medicines, and reducing risk earlier in development. The conversation covers their work in genetically defined autism spectrum disorders and Huntington’s disease, their collaboration with Mayo Clinic, and how AI agents could help small scientific teams explore thousands of hypotheses.

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Episode 246 - Neil Warma - CEO, ProMIS Neurosciences

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast by Avetix, we welcome Neil Warma, President and CEO of ProMIS Neurosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation therapies targeting toxic, misfolded proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Neil shares insights from his extensive career building and leading biotechnology companies, before exploring ProMIS' differentiated approach to treating Alzheimer's disease. We discuss PMN310, an antibody designed to selectively target toxic amyloid-beta oligomers while avoiding plaque, its ongoing Phase 1b PRECISE-AD clinical trial, and the potential to improve both efficacy and safety in Alzheimer's treatment. The conversation also explores ProMIS' broader ambitions across ALS and Parkinson's disease, upcoming clinical milestones, and Neil's perspective on leadership, financing, and building successful biotechnology companies.

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Episode 245 - Michael Fenn CBO Bexorg

On this episode of The BioHub, Amber Hayes is joined by Michael Fenn, Chief Business Officer at Bexorg, a precision neurology company combining AI with a pioneering whole-human brain platform to transform CNS drug discovery. Michael brings experience spanning biotech investing, business development and company building, including previous roles at Dewpoint Therapeutics and Iaso Ventures. He shares his journey across the industry, what attracted him to Bexorg, and why he believes the company’s approach could fundamentally change how neurological therapies are discovered and developed. We discuss the challenges of translating neuroscience research into effective treatments, how Bexorg is combining human brain pharmacology with AI to bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical success, and the opportunities and challenges of building a platform-driven biotech.

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Episode 244 - Erik Wiklund & Thomas Hansen - CEO & CTO of Circio

On this episode, we sit down with the CEO & CTO of Circio to get into the world of circular RNA. Erik, Thomas and the team are developing circVec, a circular RNA expression platform designed to make C&G therapies more powerful and durable. The guys dig into the science & history behind circular RNA before discussing some initial data they have in heart, brain and other tissues, whilst explaining why this matters. We also touch on the platform vs internal pipeline debate, their recent fundraising, partnering discussions and what to expect from Circio in the next 18 months.

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Episode 243 - Johanna Kaufman: CSO at DeckBio

We were delighted to be joined by Johanna Kaufmann, Chief Scientific Officer at Deck Bio. Johanna has spent her career at the intersection of oncology, immunology and drug development, working across both biotech and big pharma. She started her career in cancer virology before moving through roles at Genocea, TESARO and GSK, and later joined Codagenix, where she led its oncology and immunology efforts. Today, as CSO at Deck Bio, she’s helping to advance a new approach to targeting solid tumours through multi-peptide-MHC targeted T-cell engagers. In this we discuss Johanna’s journey through the field, the lessons she’s learned moving between different parts of the industry, how her thinking around drug development has evolved, and what it takes to build and advance innovative science in biotech.

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Episode 242 - Sam Blackman

We were delighted to be joined by Dr. Sam Blackman, a physician-scientist, biotech entrepreneur and investor who has built a fascinating career across medicine, drug development and biotechnology. Sam trained as a physician and spent much of his early career focused on pediatric oncology before moving into the biotech world, where he became one of the co-founders of Day One Biopharmaceuticals. He played a key role in building the company and advancing tovorafenib through development and ultimately to FDA approval for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory low-grade glioma. Since then, Sam has moved into a broader role across the biotech ecosystem, including working with companies as an investor, advisor and board member.

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Episode 241 - Howard Berman & Kia Motesharei - ReAlta Life Sciences

We were delighted to be joined by two highly experienced leaders in the biotechnology industry, Howard Berman, Ph.D., and Kia Motesharei, Ph.D. Both Howard and Kia have built impressive careers across biotechnology, capital markets, business development and strategic transactions, with a track record of helping companies navigate some of the most important stages of their growth. Howard is now CEO of ReAlta Life Sciences, where he is leading the company through an important clinical-stage period as it advances pegtarazimod into late-stage development. Kia serves as President and COO, bringing extensive experience across business development, strategic partnerships, capital formation and transactions. Together, they bring a particularly interesting perspective on how to create value in biotech and how the right strategy, leadership and capital can come together to move a company forward.

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Episode 240 - Inder Kaul - CMO at Draig Therapeutics

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Ben sits down with Dr. Inder Kaul, Chief Medical Officer at Draig Therapeutics, to discuss the evolution of neuropsychiatric drug development and what it takes to translate novel neuroscience into meaningful medicines for patients. Inder brings decades of global clinical development experience, most recently playing a key role in the development of Cobenfy at Karuna Therapeutics and Bristol Myers Squibb - one of the most significant advances in schizophrenia treatment in decades. We explore the journey behind Cobenfy, what its success tells us about pursuing new mechanisms in psychiatry, and the lessons Inder has taken into his current role at Draig. The conversation also dives into Draig’s approach to neuropsychiatry, including its Phase 2 AMPA receptor modulator DT-101 for major depressive disorder, the potential of targeting glutamate and GABA pathways, and what the next generation of CNS drug development could look like. A fascinating conversation with someone who has helped take genuinely differentiated neuroscience from clinical development through to approval.

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Episode 239 - Eran Seger - CEO & Co-Founder Protai

In this episode of The BioHub by Avetix, I’m joined by Eran Seger, CEO and Co-Founder of Protai. Eran shares his unique journey into biotech and the inspiration behind founding Protai, where the team is combining proteomics and AI to better understand disease biology and improve how new medicines are discovered. We discuss what makes Protai’s platform different, the realities of being a first-time founder and CEO, the challenge of bringing technology and biotech teams together, and where Eran believes AI can genuinely transform drug discovery.

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