Biotech

This is a good commentary. Earlier this year, I read “Where are all the trillion dollar biotechs?” - clearly, a lot would have to change in the traditional pharma model for companies to start hitting $1T valuations; notably the R&D and clinical pipeline would have to become much more efficient. Then, I asked myself “Will tech start buying pharma?”, and I thought they may. It’s the tech companies who have better vantage point to digital and personalized health, and I can definitely see them building out labs for automated, AI-driven biological discovery. Buying pharmas would then simply be a means to market access (which is imo one of the few pharma’s strong moats currently, the other being proficiency in running clinical trials). ...

This article was co-authored by Kevin Merchant and Martin Holub. Introduction Development of novel drugs has been a critical contributor to extending healthspan and fighting diseases, but the process is complex. The involvement of multiple stakeholders and strict regulatory processes are responsible for some of it, but that contribution is dwarfed by our limited understanding of underlying biological processes. Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed rapidly showing reasoning ability over large multidimensional datasets. AI, indeed, is transforming the drug discovery process as well. ...

This field recap was writen at end of Q22024. Events that took place after this date are not reflected. In this post, I provide a brief field recap on RNA interference as therapeutic modality. First, I provide background on its biological mechanisms. Next, I follow up with an overview of the siRNA therapeutics field, highlighting approved drugs, as well major ongoing trials. I conclude with a short recap. Mechanism of RNA Interference RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which RNA molecules suppress gene expression in sequence specific fashion. The process was initially described in late 80’s and early 90’s, [ref, ref], and elucidated at the turn of the century with work that yielded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine [ref]. RNAi is a natural process of gene regulation that has physiological role in wide range of organisms, including mammals and plants. Despite some important differences, the process is mostly conserved among species. In the following, we describe it in broad strokes, focusing on its mechanism in eukaryotic and human cells. ...

Earlier this week I returned from the Nucleate Alumni 2024 Summit. I had high expectations, but the event did not disappoint and managed to meet them. Never have I ever been to an event where networking with a diverse group of prospective founders, investors and industry professionals was so seamless. I can’t wait to see the innovation and collaboration that these connections will spark and want to send out a huge thank you to the fellow members of Nucleate leadership, speakers and sponsors <3. ...

Last week I had the chance to attend the 2024 Dutch Biotech Event organized by hollandbio. It was an afternoon packed with inspiring talks, great discussions, and new connections. The program included four parallel breakout sessions. I picked one named “The Basics of Biotech Board Management.” The session was organized as a panel, with three cool biotech executives with range of experience with being board memebrs: Eline van Beest (CEO of Hybrize Therapeutics), Felice Verdyun (Partner at EQT Life Sciences), and Mirjam Mol-Arts (pharma executive previously at companies including Organon and Ferring Pharmaceuticals). I chose this session, as I reasoned that it will be where I learn the most in the shortest amount of time. Good bet, the only time I stopped taking notes was when I raised my hand to ask questions! Below is a summary of these notes. Anyone who is biotech and interested in what makes a good board and how to manage it should find this insightful. ...

This is a summary and a transcript from panel discussion “Bridging Dutch Biotech Excellence with Global Entrepreneurial Opportunities”, that we hosted at the Nucleate Netherlands Launch Event, on 11th of June in Utrecht. The discussion was moderated (and transcribed!) by William Lake (WL). Panel Overview Panelists will compare the Dutch and American entrepreneurship cultures and discuss the differences, as well as challenges and opportunities this leads to. The panel also creates an opportunity to discuss if startup founders should think about going global from early on, and the mindset shifts this may require. The learning goal for this panel is to understand how Nucleate’s mission can translate at a national level, and how the ecosystem can best benefit from it. The panelists will highlight opportunities and programs that facilitate the mobility of biotech and entrepreneurial talents, companies and investment opportunities between the Netherlands and abroad. The panel will feature four panelists, including members from a Dutch globally diversified biotech VC firm, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and Health~Holland, as well as an early-stage entrepreneur with experience with the US bio-entreprenurial ecosystem. ...

This is a summary and a transcript from panel discussion “Strengthening and Connecting the Dutch Entrepreneurial Landscape”, that we hosted at the Nucleate Netherlands Launch Event, on 11th of June in Utrecht. Panel Overview Panelists will discuss technology transfer capabilities across the Netherlands and highlight challenges and opportunities for PhD and Postdoc entrepreneurs in the country. The discussion will address strategies to raise awareness among biotech researchers about the funding and acceleration programs available, and, more broadly, how to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in academia. Representatives from Biotech Booster, unlock_ , programs of technology transfer, and VC will comment on how they are contributing to fostering and supporting Dutch entrepreneurship and mention challenges they face. The session includes 4 panelists from these programs. Q&A will offer students and postdocs in the audience the opportunity to reflect on their experience and perceived strengths and challenges in the ecosystem. ...