In this episode of IDEA Collider, we are joined by Alex Telford, a biotech founder, writer, and thinker based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the co-founder of Convoke Bio, Alex discusses his journey from studying biochemistry at UCL to founding a company that develops software tools for streamlining biopharmaceutical workflows.

The conversation dives into the impact of AI and language models on the biotech industry, addressing inefficiencies in drug development, and exploring the potential of synthetic biology and personalized medicine. The discussion also touches on the future of drug discovery, China's role in biotech, and the challenges of understanding neuroscience and consciousness. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of biopharma innovation!

00:00 Welcome to Idea Collider

00:04 Introducing Alex Telford

01:59 Alex's Journey from UCL to Convoke Bio

05:29 The Mission and Work of Convoke Bio

07:57 Challenges in Pharma Decision Making

14:05 The Role of AI in Pharma

18:26 Knowledge Management and AI

27:58 Staying Updated in the Fast-Moving AI Field

30:25 AI's Impact on Industry Economics

31:38 AI in Clinical Trials and Drug Development

35:56 China's Role in Drug Discovery

39:24 Neuroscience and AI: Blurring the Lines

46:05 Future Predictions in Pharma

51:20 Addressing Cognitive Bias in Pharma

53:13 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Keep up with Alex Telford;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-telford/

Website: atelfo.github.io

X: https://twitter.com/atelfo

Substack: atelfo.substack.com

Follow Mike Rea On;

Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/

X: https://x.com/ideapharma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

In this episode of Idea Collider, host Mike Rea interviews Dr. Christian Rommel from Bayer. Dr. Rommel discusses his journey in molecular oncology from the Max Planck Institute, through roles at Roche, to overseeing global R&D at Bayer. He shares insights on turning scientific discovery into novel medicines, collaboration between scientists and commercial teams, and the importance of maintaining scientific integrity. Dr. Rommel also delves into the impact of AI in drug development, the potential of genetic medicines, and the complexities of launching new medicines on a global scale. The conversation also touches on embracing failure, internal and external partnerships, and the evolving landscape of clinical translation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:25 Christian Rommel's Journey in Oncology

03:02 The Importance of Collaboration in Innovation

05:16 Balancing Risk and Reward in Drug Development

18:07 The Role of AI and Data in Modern R&D

22:33 Partnerships and External Learning

26:16 Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Biotech

27:18 Global Expansion and Leadership Diversity

27:27 Courage in Biotech Management

27:54 Inspiration from Roche Genentech

30:26 Commitment to Product Supply and Market Readiness

32:23 Challenges of Global Launches

35:53 Emerging Trends in Pharma: AI and Genetic Medicines

42:20 Decision-Making in Pharma

47:30 Reflections on Academic and Professional Journey

Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Keep up with Christian Rommel;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-rommel/

Website: https://www.bayer.com/en/innovation/science-research-and-innovation

Follow Mike Rea On;

Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/

X: https://x.com/ideapharma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

In this insightful episode of IDEA Collider, Mike welcomes Mathai Mammen, Chairman and CEO of Parabilis Medicines. Mathai shares his extensive journey through academia, MD PhD program at Harvard, co-founding Theravance, and leadership roles at Merck and J&J. They delve into Mathai's innovative approach to creating transformative medicines, navigating the biotech industry, and the unique challenges of targeting 'undruggable' proteins. They also discuss the role of AI in drug discovery, the importance of strategic risk, and fostering team resilience and spirit in both large and small pharma companies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:56 Founding Thebans and Career Highlights

01:43 Leadership at Merck and J&J

02:18 Innovative Approaches at Parabilis Medicines

04:09 Defining and Tackling Undruggable Targets

09:27 Multivalent Drug Design and Bispecifics

13:53 AI and Data Science in Drug Development

19:28 Building and Leading World-Class Teams

25:41 The Importance of Holding Conviction as an Entrepreneur

26:25 Learning from Setbacks in the Biotech Industry

30:10 Challenges and Innovations in Drug Development

32:28 Navigating the Ups and Downs of the Biotech Industry

36:02 The Mission and Future of Parabilis

40:35 Personal Reflections and Advice for Entrepreneurs

46:46 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Keep up with Mathai Mammen;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathai-mammen/

Website: https://parabilismed.com/

Follow Mike Rea On;

Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/

X: https://x.com/ideapharma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

In this episode of Idea Collider, host Mike Rea interviews Paul Peter Tak, CEO of Candel Therapeutics, discussing his remarkable journey from a clinician in Amsterdam to leading cutting-edge biotech companies. Paul shares pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of transitioning from academia to big pharma, and the innovative principles he applied. He dives deep into Candel’s promising work in viral immunotherapies for cancers and the unique leadership and management philosophies that have guided his journey. Additionally, Paul Peter touches on his passion for leveraging collective intelligence and his unconventional hobbies that keep him grounded and creative.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:59 Early Career and Passion for Medicine

02:09 Transition to Industry and GSK Experience

04:50 Building Successful Organizations

07:42 Innovative Models in Pharma

19:03 Joining Candel Therapeutics and Vision for the Future

25:15 Transforming Cancer Treatment

27:24 Challenges in Biotech Market

28:45 Strategic Decisions and Prioritization

31:39 Collaborations and External Partnerships

33:07 Innovative Approaches and Future Prospects

44:23 Leadership and Personal Insights

Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Keep up with Paul Peter Tak;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-peter-tak-md-phd-fmedsci-1b44749/

Follow Mike Rea On;

Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/

X: https://x.com/ideapharma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

In this episode of Idea Collider, we sit down with Susan Galbraith from AstraZeneca, a leading figure in oncology R&D. Susan shares her journey from medical training in Manchester and Cambridge to spearheading transformative cancer treatments at AstraZeneca. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, AstraZeneca's vision for eliminating cancer as a cause of death, the role of patient stories in motivating R&D efforts, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and digital health tools.

With a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, Susan provides insights into how successful oncology drugs are developed and the importance of equitable representation in clinical trials. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that highlights the future of personalized cancer therapies and the collaborative efforts driving innovations in oncology.

Chapter Summaries;

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Susan Galbraith's Career Journey

02:37 Defining Success in Oncology R&D

05:01 Early Phase Drug Development

07:09 Digital Health and Patient Experience

12:37 Global Collaboration and Innovation

15:05 AI and Future of Oncology

28:08 Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials

33:46 Mentorship and Career Advice

37:45 Challenges and Future Outlook in Oncology

42:06 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Keep up with Susan Gabraith;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-galbraith-584a195/?originalSubdomain=uk

Follow Mike Rea On;

• Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/
• X: https://x.com/ideapharma
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/

In this episode of IDEA Collider, we dive into the world of biotech innovation with John Maraganore, former CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Recognized as a trailblazer, John transformed RNA interference from a scientific concept into a revolutionary class of medicines, leading the development of five life-changing drugs.

Join us as we explore John's journey from a first-generation American with Greek immigrant parents to a key figure in biomedicine. We'll discuss his education at the University of Chicago, his leadership role at Alnylam, drug delivery challenges for RNAi therapeutics, and the importance of strategic pharmaceutical alliances. John also shares his take on the current biotech environment, the impact of policy and regulation, and the promising future of genetic medicines and AI in drug discovery.

Chapter Summaries;

00:00 Introduction to John Maraganore: Biotech Trailblazer

01:11 John's Early Life and Education

03:09 Joining Alnylam and the RNAi Revolution

04:56 Challenges and Successes at Alnylam

06:47 Current Biotech Funding Environment

08:17 Global Competition and US Leadership in Biotech

10:25 The Importance of In-Person Collaboration

12:01 Overcoming Drug Delivery Hurdles

15:21 Maintaining an Entrepreneurial Spirit in Biotech

17:00 Balancing Science and Business in Decision Making

20:27 Strategic Partnerships in Biotech

23:36 The Role of Biotech in Global Challenges

26:25 Advocating for Policy Changes in Biotech

30:41 Mentoring the Next Generation of Biotech Leaders

32:35 Future Frontiers in Biotech Innovation

36:08 John's Vision for the Future of Biomedicine

37:18 Communicating Innovation and Leadership

Don't forget to Like, Share, Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Keep up with John Maraganore;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-maraganore/

Follow Mike Rea On;

• Website: https://www.ideapharma.com/
• X: https://x.com/ideapharma
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigidea/

Listen to more fantastic podcast episodes: https://podcast.ideapharma.com/