BioTalk Unzipped, hosted by Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe, unzips the stories behind medical progress through candid, intelligent, and often entertaining conversations with leaders across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, clinical research, bioanalysis, and drug development.
Each episode explores the science, strategy, setbacks, breakthroughs, and human stories shaping the future of medicine. From first-in-human trials and biomarkers to oncology, rare disease, AI, regulatory strategy, and emerging therapeutic technologies, BioTalk Unzipped makes complex life science topics engaging, accessible, and relevant.
The show feels like the conversation you would want to overhear after a great scientific conference: thoughtful, unscripted, curious, and grounded in real-world experience. We bring listeners inside the decisions, discoveries, and personal journeys behind the therapies and technologies that may one day reduce suffering and improve lives.
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Navigating Challenges in Drug Discovery with Dr. Alfred Botchway
Season 1 · Episode 33
Monday, April 7, 2025 • Duration 51:52
In this episode of BioTalk Unzipped, Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe sit down with Dr. Alfred Botchway, CEO of Attentive Science, to discuss his journey in biomedical science and the groundbreaking work being done at the intersection of AI, non-clinical safety, and drug discovery. Dr. Botchway shares his insights on the role of AI in refining toxicology studies, how stress impacts human health, and his experience founding companies like Xenometrics and Attentive Science.
The conversation dives deep into the complexities of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), the importance of regulatory standards, and the exciting research happening in anxiety and PTSD treatments. Dr. Botchway also discusses the future of biomedical research, the need for greater collaboration between academia and industry, and how innovations in sample collection are transforming clinical trials.
Whether you’re interested in AI, biomedical innovation, or the future of drug discovery, this episode offers valuable insights from a leader shaping the industry.
Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
CEO of Attentive Science: https://www.attentivescience.com/
Dr. Chad Briscoe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbriscoe/
Celerion - https://www.celerion.com/
Gregory Austin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryaustin1/
Celerion - https://www.celerion.com/
00:00 Introduction to BioTalk Unzipped
02:32 Dr. Alfred Botchway's Journey in Biomedical Science
03:48 Challenges Founding and Growing Xenometrics
07:30 Starting Attentive Science: A New Venture
09:37 Love of the Work - Variations
10:26 The Role of AI in Non-Clinical Safety Assessments
13:04 The Three Rs: Replace, Reduce, Refine, and AI
15:46 Regulatory Standards and Good Laboratory Practices
20:42 New News! - Research on Anxiety and Drug Discovery
27:07 Cortical Stimulation and Stress Management
27:45 Bridging Academia and Industry
29:26 Engaging the Next Generation in Science
32:42 The Value of Vocational Training in Science
34:47 Community Involvement and Giving Back
37:00 Cultural Influences on Leadership
42:39 Global Expansion and Strategic Goals
48:41 Innovations in Sample Collection for Clinical Trials
Digital Twin Episodes reference with Tomas Helikar:
Transforming Immunology: The Promise of Digital Twins with Dr. Tomáš Helikar
https://youtu.be/jTM_Zlt3wxU
Digital Twins: The Future of Drug Discovery with Dr. Tomáš Helikar
https://youtu.be/NM5X0jTd6UA
2024 Year In Review: BioTalk Unzipped
Season 1 · Episode 32
Monday, March 17, 2025 • Duration 41:57
In this episode of BioTalk Unzipped, hosts Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe reflect on their journey over the past year, discussing key themes and insights gained from their guests. They explore the humanistic approach to healthcare, the impact of AI in drug development, common threads among successful individuals, personal growth through conversations, and the importance of leadership and mentorship in the industry. The episode concludes with exciting plans for future series focused on drug development and global healthcare innovations.
Thanks to CREO Consulting for hosting this episode!
The importance of human connection in drug development.
AI is becoming integral in drug discovery and development.
Successful individuals often wish they had taken more risks.
Leadership in the industry is about raising others up.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional growth.
Biotech Funding Trends and the Rise of Digital Twinning with CEO Scott Ogle
Season 1 · Episode 23
Monday, October 21, 2024 • Duration 29:40
EP-23. In the second half of this compelling conversation on BioTalk Unzipped, Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe continue their deep dive with Scott Ogle, CEO of TruLab. They explore the surprising parallels between the banking and pharma industries, the game-changing role of digital twinning in clinical trials, and the biotech funding landscape. Scott also shares his thoughts on leadership, mentorship, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on pharma innovation. This episode offers listeners valuable insights into the future of drug development and the challenges of balancing professional and personal life in a fast-paced industry.
Chapters
1:09 - Comparison of the Banking Industry to the Pharma Industry
5:18 - Data Integrity, Same For Decentralized Trials?
8:33 - Biotech Funding Trends
11:18 - NEW NEWS! – Digital Twinning in Clinical Trials
16:15 - What Advice Would You Give to Your Younger Self?
20:57 - Mentorship and Its Impact, How it Shaped Scott
23:45 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
24:32 - The Inflation Reduction Act and Innovation
Takeaways
The regulatory environment in pharma can slow down innovation.
Digital twinning in clinical trials could revolutionize drug development.
Family influences play a significant role in shaping business perspectives.
The need for a strong company culture to maintain values during growth.
Biotech funding trends are influenced by macroeconomic factors like interest rates.
The importance of mentorship in professional development.
Technology Meets Purpose: Transforming Clinical Trials at TruLab with CEO Scott Ogle
Season 1 · Episode 22
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 • Duration 33:37
Summary
In this 22nd episode of BioTalk Unzipped, host Gregory Austin and co-host Chad Briscoe engage with Scott Ogle, CEO of TrueLab, discussing his journey from finance to the pharmaceutical industry, the impact of personal experiences on innovation, and the importance of technology in clinical trials. They explore how to hire the best employees in this climate, the significance of company culture, and the influence of family on business perspectives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to BioTalk Unzipped
03:15 The Impact of Personal Experience on Innovation
08:47 TruLab's Technology and Its Role in Clinical Trials
14:33 The Importance of Sample Management and the Genesis of TruLab
20:33 NEW NEWS! – The Future of Cancer Treatments
23:34 Hiring Patterns and the value of Company Culture
Takeaways
Scott Ogle's personal experience with his father's illness inspired the creation of TruLab.
TruLab focuses on eliminating inefficiencies in clinical trial sample management.
The importance of having fun in one's career for productivity and happiness.
Hiring for energy and cultural fit is crucial for company success.
More young people out of college actually prefer working in the office, so it’s a hiring advantage.
Sound Bites
“Entrepreneurs get excited about their solution but can forget about what problem they’re solving.”
"We need to iterate on technology in clinical trials."
“20-25% of biological samples get tossed out.”
Mentoring in Pharmaceutical Science with Dr. Jim Shen
Season 1 · Episode 21
Sunday, September 29, 2024 • Duration 35:08
Mentoring in Pharmaceutical Science with Dr. Jim Shen
Summary
In Episode 21 of BioTalk Unzipped, host Gregory Austin and co-host Dr. Chad Briscoe interview Dr. Jim Shen, the executive director and head of regulated bioanalysis operations at BMS. Jim discusses his early career in bioanalysis and the importance of mentorship. He emphasizes the need to recognize and appreciate the success and expertise of others, as well as the importance of building a network of champions, allies, and sponsors. The conversation also touches on the topic of psychedelics as a drug therapy and the recent retraction of scientific papers on MDMA-assisted therapy. Jim shares his passion for photography, particularly infrared photography, and the resurgence of film photography.
Chapters
01:14 - Jim’s Favorite Publication and His Journey into Bioanalysis
04:15 - Finding Joy in Your Work: Pursuing Your Interests and Making a Difference
05:10 - Early Career in Bioanalysis
07:35 - The Importance of Mentorship and Dealing With Adversaries
17:35 - NEW NEWS: Retraction of Scientific Papers on Drug Therapy
24:55 - Personal Interests: Photography and Gaming
Takeaways
Dr. Shen's journey into bioanalysis highlights the importance of pursuing your interests and finding enjoyment in your work, even if it may not align with your initial plans.
Building a supportive and collaborative community is crucial in the field of bioanalysis, where knowledge sharing and networking play a significant role in advancing research and innovation. Recognize and appreciate the success and expertise of others
Build a network of champions, allies, and sponsors
Be open to new career opportunities and emerging fields
Maintain integrity and transparency in scientific research
Great Advances in Cancer Research with Dr. Jim Shen
Season 1 · Episode 20
Sunday, September 1, 2024 • Duration 37:19
In this episode (EP20) of BioTalk Unzipped, host Gregory Austin and co-host Dr. Chad Briscoe interview Dr. Jim Shen, the Executive Director and Head of Regulated Bioanalysis Operations at BMS. They discuss topics such as the advancements in cancer therapies, the integration of AI and mechanistic modeling in drug development, and the complexities of regulatory submissions. Dr. Shen shares his journey into bioanalysis and his passion for mass spectrometry.
Chapters
01:15 - Introduction, Background, and Passion for The American Cancer Society
03:46 - Advancements in Cancer Therapies, Opdualag
08:03 - From Small Molecule to Large to Hybrid
12:52 - NEW NEWS! - Halda Raises $126M for a New Targeted Cancer Therapy
18:30 - Dr. Shen’s Journey from Computers to Chemistry into Bioanalysis
27:00 - The Integration of AI and Mechanistic Modeling in Drug Development
34:30 - Navigating the Complexities of Regulatory Submissions
Takeaways
Advancements in cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and antibody drug conjugates, have revolutionized the treatment landscape and improved patient outcomes.
The integration of AI and mechanistic modeling in drug development shows promise but is still in its infancy. More research and collaboration between software and hardware engineers are needed to fully realize its potential.
Navigating the complexities of regulatory submissions requires adherence to international guidelines and validation of analytical methods to ensure accuracy and precision.
Dr. Shen's journey into bioanalysis highlights the importance of pursuing your interests and finding enjoyment in your work, even if it may not align with your initial plans.
Sound Bites
The Future of Hybrid Healthcare: Insights from Zealic CEO Chuck Piccirillo
Season 1 · Episode 19
Thursday, August 15, 2024 • Duration 39:32
In this episode of BioTalk Unzipped, Gregory Austin and Dr. Chad Briscoe continue their conversation with Zealic CEO, Chuck Piccirillo. They delve into the unique challenges of the patient journey and the increasing demand for hybrid healthcare solutions that offer more flexibility. The discussion highlights the rise of virtual health, particularly in Europe, and introduces exciting developments in ion channels as a goldmine for new medicines. They also explore the financial intricacies of drug development, the importance of leadership through incremental steps, the value of in-person interactions, and hard-earned lessons in the industry. Finally, Chuck offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs in the life sciences sector.
Chapters
00:17 - Adapting to what is unique in the patient journey.
07:08 - Push for hybrid solutions - more flexibility.
09:20 - Virtual health is emerging, especially in Europe.
14:02 - New News! - Ion Channels are a goldmine for new medicines
19:23 - The Financial Side of Drug Development
21:50 - Leadership - Incremental Steps, the Value of In-Person Interactions, Learning Hard Lessons
30:58 - Advice For Entrepreneurs in Life Science
Takeaways
Building blocks to build the digital patient experience, then tweak it to the individual drug and form a complex digital and personal adaptive health journey.
The healthcare industry needs to find a balance between safety and innovation to ensure patients have access to the best possible care. Remote patient monitoring and decentralized clinical trials are crucial in improving patient engagement and outcomes in the healthcare industry.
Virtual visits and technology integration can enhance patient engagement and make healthcare more accessible.
While there has been an increase in decentralized trials, the focus is currently on commercial solutions due to the crowded nature of the clinical trial technology space.
Genetic Diagnostics & Student CEOs with Dr. Jonathon Hill
Season 1 · Episode 15
Sunday, August 4, 2024 • Duration 33:17
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Jonathon Hill discusses the unique partnership between his lab and the university, which allows students to become entrepreneurs, develop their own projects, and become the CEO. Dr. Hill discusses the potential for AI to better diagnose disease based on the individual’s genome. He also talks about Lumicell's fluorescent system for highlighting residual breast cancer tissue and the importance of genetic diagnostics in personalized medicine. Dr. Hill shares his advice for students interested in genetics and biotechnology research, emphasizing the value of research experience and taking risks. He also discusses the challenges of regulatory pathways in the biotech industry.
Takeaways
The unique partnership between academic institutions and companies can provide students with opportunities to develop their own ideas and become entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and impact in the biotechnology industry.
Lumicell's fluorescent system can help detect residual breast cancer tissue, reducing the need for additional surgeries
Genetic diagnostics will play a crucial role in personalized medicine, but there are limitations to relying solely on genetic sequencing
Navigating regulatory pathways is a challenge in the biotech industry
Sound Bites
“We like to say that we are creating CEOs in our labs … CEO at age 23.”
“When you go to the doctor, they do a guess and check model.”
“Why did you not carefully diagnose the problem and give me the right treatment the first time?”
“And medicine needs to go in the direction of AI-aided diagnosis because it's going to lower costs, make things faster and more efficient and better in the long run if we can create if we can create accurate diagnoses.”
“Typically about 50% of high school seniors indicate they will go to college. This year it’s down to 37%”
How AI is Helping Diagnose Disease with Chuck Piccirillo
Season 1 · Episode 18
Friday, August 2, 2024 • Duration 38:04
Summary
In this conversation, Gregory Austin and Chad Briscoe interview Chuck Piccirillo, CEO of Zealic Health, about his experience in the healthcare industry and the focus on patient-centric solutions. Chuck shares his personal journey with colitis and how it ultimately inspired him to start Zealic Health. The company aims to provide highly patient-centric digital platforms to improve care and treatment in the healthcare industry. Chuck also shares the story of how Zealic Health adapted to the war in Ukraine and relocated their employees to Poland.
The panel tackles the tough questions around the new LDT as a Medical Device final ruling by the FDA. They then discuss how AI is helping doctors detect cancer and in making better diagnostic decisions.
Takeaways
Zealic Health focuses on providing patient-centric digital platforms to improve care and treatment in the healthcare industry.
The use of AI in healthcare can help accelerate drug development, improve diagnostics, and enhance patient engagement.
Zealic Health adapted to the war in Ukraine by relocating their employees to Poland, demonstrating their commitment to their team and their mission.
The FDA final ruling is clearly to improve safety but the confusion is in the interpretation of that ruling and
Sound Bites
“The biggest challenge is the interpretation of these (LDT) rules.”
“Typically I’m not in favor of what Congress is doing.”
“Trying to understand how we’re going to navigate the space … it’s just been confusing.”
"The FDA is trying to protect us, but they need to navigate these things and engage industry experts."
“(regarding AI) Where does marketing end and reality begin?”
"AI isn't going to say, 'We don't need the doctor, just use AI.'"
“The people who are out of their jobs won't be the ones using AI. The people who are out of their jobs will be the ones who don't.”
Reptiles, Treatments, and Cell-Gene Therapy with Dr. Vick
Season 1 · Episode 17
Monday, July 15, 2024 • Duration 38:01
Summary
Dr. Andy Vick shares some of the things that surprised him throughout his career and he discusses his passion for reptiles and his experience discussing the pharmaceutical potential of venom with future toxicologists at Ashland University. Next, Andrew Vick discusses his role as an adjunct professor at Ohio State University, his involvement in academia, and how he got into it. We discuss a story about a clinical study that restored hearing in children with gene therapy. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the impact of professional organizations like AAPS on the industry and the importance of networking and fellowship.
Takeaways
Cancer doesn’t have the same death sentence - fear factor it used to have 30+ years ago.
It takes about 10 years for a newly discovered compound to make it on the market.
Andrew Vick is passionate about reptiles and has a collection of rare reptiles. He enjoys educating others about reptiles and their pharmaceutical potential, particularly venom.
There’s a shift from small molecules to biologics in the past 5 years.
Andrew Vick visited Ashland University to discuss the pharmaceutical potential of venom with future toxicologists, combining his passion for reptiles and pharmaceutical science. Andrew Vick is an adjunct professor at Ohio State University, where he teaches in the College of Pharmacy Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
His role as an adjunct professor involves giving guest lectures, providing career and professional development for students, and serving on the Dean's Corporate Council.
Andrew Vick is also involved in evaluating assets developed in academia and collaborating with industry to develop strategies for bringing products to the clinic.
We discuss a study by Regeneron that used gene therapy to restore hearing in children with mutations in the otoferlin gene.
Regarding Cell-Gene Therapy we have a lot to learn both from the positive pharmacological potential, but also from a safety and tolerability standpoint.
Personal growth can come from listening and engaging with others.
Innovative approaches are essential in addressing industry challenges.
Keywords
BioTalk, drug development, AI, mentorship, leadership, podcast, healthcare, innovation, personal growth, industry insights
Sound Bites
“The similarities between the banking industry and the pharma industry is eerily similar.”
“Quality is really what we do.”
“Being quality is core to software.”
“It’s really clear people care more about their money than they do their healthcare.”
“Biotech and large pharma seem to balance each other out.”
“The career for you is at the intersection of what you are good at and what you like to do.”
“If you’re good at something and you like to do it, it fuels your energy to keep getting better.”
“Enjoy the impact in what you’re doing and accomplishing!”
Keywords: Scott Ogle, TruLab, clinical trial technology, biotech innovation, sample management in clinical trials, hiring for company culture, company values in leadership, finance to pharma journey, revolutionizing clinical trials, impact of personal experience on innovation, biotechnology leadership, clinical trial inefficiencies, cancer treatment news, digital transformation in pharma, family influence in business, company culture in biotech, pharmaceutical funding challenges, ISB 2001 trispecific T cell engager.
Explore different hobbies and interests outside of work
Sound Bites
“Sponsors are those with the power to change your career. Those people don't come along very often, so you need to really grab them when you see them.”
“EQ is so important in being successful in your larger pharmaceutical company.”
“I first tell my staff to divide people into 3 groups, champions, allies, and sponsors.”
“And it is very hard to be in this field, to be a scientist, but you know, it's the people that make it worthwhile.”
New News Story:
Following FDA rejection, a journal retracts papers on MDMA-assisted therapy
Virtual health and routine monitoring have the potential to alleviate the burden on healthcare providers and improve patient care.
Ion channel research holds promise for developing new medicines and treatments for various conditions.
Incremental progress and persistence are key in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Sound Bites
(regarding adaptability in clinical software) “Imagine if LinkedIn only every 6 months. How engaging would that be?”
"And it would actually integrate with like Uber, for example, and help them get a ride if they had to go to the doctor and actually, and all of that is based on these building blocks that we're able to assemble and then press a button."
“I think everybody wants whatever aspect of life nowadays to be hybrid anything.”
“It’s why we always talk about pragmatic innovation.”
“Persistence in the face of opposition of all sorts.”
New News Story: These microscopic tunnels are a goldmine for new medicines
Patient Journey, Hybrid Healthcare Solutions, Drug Development Finance, Leadership in Life Sciences, Entrepreneurship in Life Sciences, Remote Patient Monitoring, Decentralized Clinical Trials, Healthcare Technology Integration, Digital Patient Experience, Clinical Software Adaptability, Pragmatic Innovation, Persistence in Entrepreneurship, Leadership
#HealthcareInnovation
#VirtualHealth
#DrugDevelopment
#LifeSciences
#Entrepreneurship
#DigitalHealth
#HybridHealthcare
#IonChannels
#PatientCare
#RemoteMonitoring
#ClinicalTrials
#Leadership
#HealthTech
#PragmaticInnovation
#Persistence
#pharmaceutical
#biotech
#science
#CEO
Chapters
01:01-The balance between being professor and running a lab
02:00-The unique partnership between university and industry
03:55-More students are looking to pursue entrepreneurship out of college
06:31-How will AI affect genetics research and the industry? The impact of AI in future diagnoses.
12:58-New News! Lumcell’s breakthrough in residual breast cancer imaging detection.
16:10-Dr Hill’s passions within and outside his professional life.
17:37-Advice for young scientists and budding biotech entrepreneurs.
21:00-Growth of bioinnovations and training scientific students for business success vs. backlash of the cost of education.
28:48-The regulatory hurdles and progress for Wasatch and their DNA research.
Professional organizations like AAPS play a crucial role in networking and fellowship, providing opportunities for collaboration and learning in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sound Bites
"I have just a passion for reptiles and have accumulated a small and pretty rare collection of reptiles from around the world."
“It's probably a good 10 years from the glimmer in a biochemist's eyes to on the market.”
“There’s a logarithmic difference between great and good.”
“Just use your imagination on a way to tackle a disease and then find a way.”
“Cell and gene therapy opens the door to a whole different category of opportunities.”
“AAPS is just kind of part of my DNA.”
Chapters
00:21 - Surprises in Dr. Vick’s Career
02:24 - The Cyclical Nature of Technology
03:30 - Exploring the Pharmaceutical Potential of Venom
05:35 - Improvements in Cancer and Other Diseases In The Past 30 Years
10:13 - Educating Future Toxicologists about Reptiles and Pharmaceuticals
15:45 - Andrew Vick's Role as an Adjunct Professor at Ohio State University
21:21 - New News!! - Restoring Hearing in Children with Gene Therapy
27:27 - The Impact of Professional Organizations on the Industry, AAPS
New News Story: The 'little protein factory' that could: Regeneron gene therapy restores hearing in 2 children
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