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Barry Quart, CEO of Connect Biopharma, on Asthma Innovation & Biotech Leadership
Thursday, April 16, 2026 • Duration 23:07
Synopsis:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy.
At a time when biotech innovation is being reshaped by science, capital, and global dynamics, Alok Tayi sits down with Barry Quart, CEO of Connect Biopharma, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of asthma and COPD treatment.
With over 30 years in pharmaceutical R&D and nine FDA-approved drugs to his name, Barry shares a rare insider perspective on building and scaling biotech companies—from pioneering HIV therapies that reshaped the AIDS epidemic to leading next-generation biologics targeting acute asthma exacerbations. He unpacks Connect’s differentiated IL-4 receptor biology, the untapped opportunity in acute care settings, and why innovation has lagged for decades in treating exacerbations despite millions of ER visits annually.
The conversation also explores the realities of running a publicly traded biotech in volatile markets, the evolving role of China in global drug discovery, and how leaders navigate geopolitical complexity while advancing science. As Connect approaches key clinical catalysts, this episode offers a compelling look at where biotech innovation, capital, and global strategy intersect.
Biography:
Dr. Barry Quart is the CEO of Connect Biopharma, (Nasdaq: CNTB), a clinical-stage company developing therapies for acute exacerbations of inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and COPD. Barry is currently leading the company’s development of rademikibart, a best-in-class antibody that targets interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) and reduces severe flare-ups called “exacerbations” that can occur with asthma and COPD and can lead to hospitalization and even death. Connect is the first company to enter this space addressing acute exacerbations of inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Quart is a recognized industry leader with over 30 years of leadership experience and nine FDA-approved drugs under his belt. Barry brings deep expertise in drug development, biotech strategy, and bringing breakthrough therapies to the market. He holds a PharmD from the University of California, San Francisco.
Adial CEO Cary Claiborne on Treating Alcohol Addiction with Genetics
Friday, March 6, 2026 • Duration 14:16
Synopsis:
Addiction is often misunderstood as a failure of willpower—but emerging science increasingly shows it may be deeply rooted in biology.
In this episode of Biotech 2050, recorded during JPM 2026 in San Francisco, host Alok Tayi speaks with Cary Claiborne, CEO of Adial Pharmaceuticals, about a new precision-medicine approach to tackling one of the world’s most widespread and undertreated conditions: alcohol use disorder.
Cary shares the personal and professional journey that brought him into addiction medicine—from a career in finance at global corporations to helping take pioneering biotech companies public and ultimately leading Adial’s mission to address addiction through science. After losing a close family member to addiction, Cary became determined to focus his work on diseases where innovation could create meaningful societal impact.
The discussion explores Adial’s genetically targeted therapy, designed to reduce alcohol cravings without requiring patients to stop drinking entirely. Cary explains how their repurposed low-dose therapy, paired with a simple cheek-swab diagnostic test, could help identify the patients most likely to benefit—bringing a precision-medicine framework to addiction treatment, an area that has seen little therapeutic innovation in more than two decades.
Alok and Cary also examine the broader landscape of addiction science, the societal costs of untreated alcohol use disorder, and how AI-driven clinical simulations are helping design smarter Phase III trials. Looking ahead, Cary discusses how this scientific platform could expand into other impulse-driven conditions, including opioid addiction, gambling, and compulsive behaviors.
It’s a compelling conversation about precision psychiatry, addiction medicine, and the future of neuropsychiatric drug development.
Biography:
Cary Claiborne was named Chief Executive Officer of Adial Pharmaceuticals in August 2022 after previously being appointed Chief Operating Officer in December 2021 and being named to the Board of Directors. Mr. Claiborne previously served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and board member of Indivior PLC, a publicly traded specialty pharmaceutical company developing medicines to treat addiction and serious mental illnesses. Among his accomplishments, Mr. Claiborne led the company’s spin off from its then parent company, Reckitt Benckiser, to become an independent, listed company. While at Indivior, he established and oversaw corporate reporting, internal audit, tax, treasury, external audit, and information technology. Prior to joining Indivior, Mr. Claiborne served as the CFO of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, which was later sold to Mallinckrodt. Before joining Sucampo, Mr. Claiborne served as CFO and Corporate Secretary of Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., and oversaw corporate finance during the company’s initial public offering. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Business Administration and from Villanova University with an M.B.A. and was a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Governance Fellow.
Sheila Gujrathi, MD on Leadership, Biotech Innovation & The Mirror Effect for Women Leaders
Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 39:59
Synopsis:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy.
Physician-scientist, biotech founder, and leadership advocate Sheila Gujrathi, MD joins Rahul Chaturvedi on the Biotech 2050 Podcast for a powerful conversation at the intersection of biotech innovation, leadership, and personal transformation.
Sheila shares the unconventional journey that led her from academic medicine to the forefront of biotechnology—spanning roles at Genentech and Bristol Myers Squibb, founding companies, serving on boards, and recently helping guide Ventus Therapeutics through its acquisition by Lilly. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons she learned building drugs, scaling companies, and navigating the evolving biotech deal environment.
The discussion then turns deeply personal as Sheila explores the ideas behind her book “The Mirror Effect,” revealing how self-awareness, supportive networks, and authentic leadership can transform careers—especially for women and underrepresented leaders in science. From overcoming imposter syndrome to building the “CEO Sisterhood” network of women biotech leaders, Sheila shares hard-earned insights on navigating power, culture, and identity in high-stakes industries.
For founders, investors, and leaders alike, this episode blends biotech strategy with deeply human lessons on resilience, purpose, and the power of believing in yourself.
Biography:
SHEILA GUJRATHI, MD, is a biotech entrepreneur, executive, and champion for under- represented leaders. Over the past 25 years, she’s had the privilege of developing life-changing medicines for patients with serious diseases while building and running private and public biotech companies—including some exciting exits. Today she’s a founder, chairwoman, board director, strategic advisor, and consultant to start-up companies and investment funds.
Dr. Gujrathi was the co-founder and former CEO of Gossamer Bio and former Chief Medical Officer of Receptos. Her journey started at Northwestern University, where she earned both her M.D. and biomedical engineering degree, and took her from the halls of Harvard, UCSF, and Stanford to the corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies like McKinsey, Genentech, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Dr. Gujrathi has earned multiple leadership awards, including AIMBE Fellow, BLOC100 Luminary, Healthcare Technology Report Top 25 Women Leaders in Biotechnology, Corporate Directors Forum Director of the Year, and Fiercest Women in Life Sciences. But what really lights her up is creating the inclusive environments she wished she’d had throughout her career. That’s why she co-founded the Biotech CEO Sisterhood, a group of trailblazing female CEOs—because we’re all better when we support each other.
Fred Aslan, Artiva CEO, on Cell Therapy’s Next Wave, RA Trials & Scalable NK Platforms
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • Duration 25:06
Synopsis:
At the heart of JPM 2026’s biotech buzz, Alok Tayi sits down with Fred Aslan, CEO of Artiva, to explore how bold platform bets, scalable cell therapies, and autoimmune breakthroughs could reshape medicine. Fred traces his journey from medical school in Brazil to consulting at BCG, venture capital, and ultimately founding multiple companies—sharing why following curiosity, not rigid career ladders, shaped his path.
Fred dives deep into the bottlenecks holding back traditional CAR-T therapies—manufacturing complexity, cost, hospitalization, and toxicity—and explains how Artiva’s off-the-shelf NK-cell platform aims to change the paradigm. The discussion explores why rheumatoid arthritis became Artiva’s lead indication, how immune “resets” could redefine autoimmune care, and what’s ahead in 2026 as the company prepares registrational trials and expands its basket studies across lupus, myositis, scleroderma, and more.
The episode closes with rapid-fire takes on AI in drug development, China’s accelerating biotech engine, rare disease trial models, and the strategic principles founders should follow when choosing indications and building durable platforms.
Biography:
Fred Aslan, M.D., has a 20-year track record as an executive and investor in the life sciences industry. He was most recently President and CBO at Vividion Therapeutics, where he was responsible for business development, finance, alliance and project management, and operations. Dr. Aslan had the opportunity to lead Vividion’s Series B financing and $135M-upfront collaboration with Roche. Prior to Vividion, Dr. Aslan had a 12-year affiliation with Venrock. Initially he was an investor from 2006 to 2013, when he cofounded and served as a board member of Receptos Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Celgene for more than $7 billion). Dr. Aslan led Venrock’s investment in Zeltiq (acquired by Allergan for more than $2 billion) and was involved in the early formation of Fate Therapeutics. Subsequently as an entrepreneur from 2013 to 2018, he was CEO of Adavium Medical, a Brazilian medical device company, which he grew from zero to 350 employees, sales of over US$40 million, and fully integrated R&D, manufacturing, and commercial capabilities. Prior to Venrock, Dr. Aslan was Director of Business Development and Head of Investor Relations for CuraGen, a Nasdaq-listed oncology-focused biotech company. Prior to CuraGen, he was a consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Dr. Aslan holds a B.S. in biology from Duke University, an M.D. from Yale School of Medicine, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Michelle Werner, CEO of Alltrna, on tRNA Platforms, Rare Disease & Drug Innovation
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 26:40
Synopsis:
At JPM 2026 in San Francisco, Alok Tayi welcomes Michelle Werner, CEO of Alltrna, to Biotech 2050 for a powerful conversation at the intersection of personal mission, platform biology, and rare-disease drug development.
Michelle traces her two-decade career across Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and Novartis—and the moment everything changed when her child was diagnosed with a rare disease. That experience led her to Alltrna and its pioneering engineered tRNA platform, designed to correct nonsense mutations across hundreds—potentially thousands—of genetic disorders with a single therapeutic approach.
Together, Alok and Michelle explore how tRNAs work, why “stop-codon disease” could redefine rare-disease classification, and how basket trials borrowed from oncology may accelerate development. They dive into delivery strategy, portfolio expansion into CNS and muscle disorders, regulatory innovation, and how AI is reshaping molecular design—offering a rare look at what it takes to build a first-in-class modality from the ground up.
Biography:
Michelle is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with more than 20 years in the industry spanning commercial and research & development (R&D) responsibilities. Prior to Alltrna, Michelle served as Worldwide Franchise Head, Solid Tumors at Novartis Oncology, where she was responsible for delivering the disease area strategies across multiple tumors and led business development efforts resulting in a doubling of long-term portfolio value for the franchise. Previous to Novartis, Michelle was a senior leader at AstraZeneca and as Global Franchise Head in Hematology, she was critical in launching multiple indications worldwide for CALQUENCE®. Prior to this, Michelle was Head of US Oncology, where she led the business through dramatic growth in both team and revenue through eight-plus product launches. Previous to AstraZeneca, Michelle was with Bristol-Myers Squibb for 10 years in various positions of increasing responsibility including roles in sales, marketing, and market access in the US and UK, and above market in Europe (based in France) and global almost exclusively in oncology. Michelle started her professional career in R&D, working hands-on with patients at the Oncology Clinical Trials Unit at Harvard Medical School before moving into industry in clinical operations. Outside of her corporate responsibilities, Michelle is a wife and mother to three children and is a member of the rare disease community. She is currently serving a Board appointment for the non-profit organization Rare Disease Renegades, a purpose that fuels her passions both personally and professionally.
Brian Hilberdink on Boehringer’s U.S. Growth, AI & Pharma’s Next Frontier
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 21:53
Synopsis:
From managing a theme park in Canada to leading the U.S. business of one of the world’s largest privately held pharma companies, Brian Hilberdink’s journey is anything but conventional. Live from JPM 2026 in San Francisco, Biotech 2050 host Alok Tayi sits down with the President, U.S. Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim to explore how frontline sales experience shaped a career now steering launches across obesity, chronic kidney disease, oncology, and rare disease.
The pair dive into Boehringer’s long-term, privately held model—one that reinvests nearly 30% of revenue into R&D—and the strategic thinking behind its ambitious pipeline: first-in-class breakthroughs in interstitial lung disease, major obesity programs, and upcoming waves of launches through 2027 and beyond.
They also unpack the future of commercial pharma—from direct-to-consumer models and digital patient engagement to AI-powered launches and trial recruitment—plus Brian’s candid views on China’s innovation engine and the growing importance of rare disease. A masterclass in modern pharma leadership, portfolio strategy, and building for generations.
Biography:
Brian Hilberdink is an accomplished global executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as President of U.S. Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. In his role at Boehringer, he oversees several business units across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic and renal diseases, obesity, pulmonary fibrosis (ILD), and oncology. Renowned for driving impactful results and fostering cultures of accountability and engagement, Brian consistently enhances organizational performance.
Previously, Hilberdink served as Executive Vice President at LEO Pharma, where he led the North American Region and served as President of the U.S. affiliate, which became the primary growth driver for the company globally.. Earlier in his career, Hilberdink held several senior-level positions at Novo Nordisk, where he worked across multiple geographies. He was recognized for developing and executing innovative go-to-market strategies, resulting in the successful launch of multiple blockbuster therapies in the areas of obesity and diabetes.
Johan Luthman, Lundbeck EVP R&D, on Rebuilding Neuroscience Pipelines & Drug Discovery
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 31:02
Synopsis:
Fresh from the JPM 2026 in San Francisco, Alok Tayi welcomes Johan Luthman, Executive Vice President of R&D at Lundbeck, for a sweeping, deeply personal conversation on the future of neuroscience drug development. From his early days as a Swedish clinician-scientist to leading breakthrough Alzheimer’s programs and rebuilding Lundbeck’s pipeline from the ground up, Johan shares the pivotal moments—and phone calls—that shaped a 30-year career across AstraZeneca, Merck, Serono, and now Denmark’s neuroscience powerhouse.
The discussion dives into Lundbeck’s bold strategic reset: letting biology lead, de-risking early in patients, embracing rare disease and sleep medicine, and making disciplined bets on monoclonal antibodies, migraine prevention, epilepsy, and neuroendocrine disorders. Johan explains how the company shifted capital toward innovation, rebuilt its portfolio through targeted acquisitions, and built one of the most advanced neuroscience pipelines in pharma today.
In one of the episode’s most powerful moments, Johan opens up about his personal motivation—caring for family members with Alzheimer’s and dedicating his career to diseases of the brain. From AI-driven R&D productivity and adaptive trials to Denmark’s unique foundation-owned pharma model, this conversation is a masterclass in scientific rigor, decision-making under uncertainty, and keeping patients at the center of everything.
Biography:
In 1991, Johan Luthman began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in Astra, later AstraZeneca. In 2005, Johan joined Serono as Head of Neuroscience & Immunology Research, and subsequently, in MerckSerono, as Therapy Area Head, Neurology & Immunology. In 2009, he became CEO of biotech start-up GeNeuro. In late 2009, Johan joined Merck as VP & Franchise Integrator for Neuroscience and Ophthalmology. In 2014, he came to Eisai where he was Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development. Johan joined Lundbeck as Executive Vice President, R&D in March 2019.
Johan is a Swedish national and is trained as a Doctor of Dental Sciences from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. He also holds a PhD in Neurobiology and Histology as well as an Associate Professor title from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Johan is a Member of the Board of Directors of Brain+.
Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma CEO, on Dermatology Innovation, Rare Disease & Scalable Growth
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 13:02
Synopsis:
At a moment when biotech is rethinking growth, innovation, and patient impact, Alok Tayi sits down with Christophe Bourdon, Chief Executive Officer of LEO Pharma, to explore what it truly means to build a purpose-driven, commercial-stage biotech.
Drawing on three decades across Sanofi, Alexion, Amgen, and now LEO Pharma, Christophe shares a clear conviction: innovation only matters when it meaningfully changes patients’ lives. At LEO Pharma, that belief is shaping a focused strategy in medical dermatology, where over one-third of the global population is affected and thousands of skin diseases still lack approved treatments.
The conversation spans LEO Pharma’s evolution into a nearly $2B growth company, the rise of first-in-class therapies in atopic dermatitis and chronic hand eczema, and why formulation science, rare disease execution, and “white-glove” patient support are essential to changing standards of care. Christophe also offers sharp perspectives on AI-enabled scouting, the accelerating innovation coming out of China, and why biotech must resist “me-too” products in favor of true clinical breakthroughs.
From JPMorgan Healthcare Conference insights to deeply human stories of rare disease care at 4 a.m., this episode is a masterclass in disciplined growth, differentiated innovation, and patient-first leadership.
Biography:
Christophe joined LEO Pharma as CEO in April 2022 and has since led the company through a strategic transformation, sharpening its focus on innovation and external partnerships. Under his leadership, LEO Pharma has accelerated growth in key markets, advanced its pipeline, and strengthened its culture, reinforcing its position as a global leader in medical dermatology.
Before joining LEO Pharma, he served as CEO of Orphazyme A/S. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Amgen, including Senior Vice President and General Manager for the U.S. Oncology Business, and at Alexion as Senior Vice President, EMEAC, overseeing the commercial development of ultra-orphan therapies across 40 countries.
Christophe holds an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a B.A. from the Institut Supérieur de Gestion (ISG) in Paris, France.
Matt Gline, Roivant Sciences CEO, on Clinical Breakthroughs, Capital Discipline & Building Biotech
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • Duration 34:25
Synopsis:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy.
Roivant Sciences CEO Matt Gline returns to Biotech 2050 for a deeply reflective conversation with host Rahul Chaturvedi on what it really takes to build a biotech company that lasts. From Roivant’s transformational $7B Pfizer-to-Roche deal to delivering registrational Phase 3 data in dermatomyositis—one of biotech’s most difficult graveyard indications—Matt shares how disciplined execution, decentralization, and learning from failure shaped Roivant’s trajectory.
The discussion explores Roivant’s unique “Vant” model, why multiple CEOs can outperform centralized command-and-control structures, and how thoughtful clinical trial design—down to steroid tapering and site execution—can make or break outcomes in rare disease development.
Beyond science and strategy, Matt reflects candidly on his own evolution as CEO, the realities of leading a public biotech through volatile markets, and why authenticity, focus, and embracing hard lessons matter more than chasing hype. This episode is a masterclass in biotech leadership, clinical development, and long-term value creation.
Biography:
Matt Gline serves as Chief Executive Officer of Roivant Sciences. Mr. Gline joined Roivant in March 2016 and previously served as Chief Financial Officer. From April 2014 to March 2016, he was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Fixed Income Digital Structuring, where he focused on technology and data strategy.
Prior to Goldman Sachs, Mr. Gline was a co-founder of Fourthree, a risk analytics technology and consulting company. From 2008 to 2012, he served as Vice President at Barclays, Enterprise Risk Management Advisory, where he provided analysis for corporate clients related to capital markets access for financing and risk management. Mr. Gline earned his A.B. in Physics from Harvard College.
Jay Hartenbach, President & COO, Diakonos Oncology on Reprogramming Cancer Immunity Breakthrough
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • Duration 28:23
Synopsis:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Quartzy.
What happens when engineering discipline, business pragmatism, and breakthrough immunology collide?
In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Alok Tayi sits down with Jay Hartenbach, President & COO of Diakonos Oncology, to unpack one of the most unconventional—and promising—approaches in cancer immunotherapy today.
Jay traces his journey from biomedical engineering into biotech operations, sharing how Diakonos was built outside the traditional venture playbook and why the company chose to tackle two of the most punishing cancers first: glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. He reveals how Diakonos’ dual-loading dendritic cell platform creates an exponentially stronger immune response—essentially tricking the body into launching a viral-level attack against cancer.
From capital-efficient clinical execution to nontraditional fundraising and early signs of durable patient responses, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how bold science, disciplined operations, and relentless persistence can reshape what’s possible in oncology.
Biography:
Jay Hartenbach is a distinguished leader in the biotechnology and wellness sectors, known for his passionate commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions and transforming patient outcomes. He currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Diakonos Oncology, where he is leading the team through the development and clinical advancement of pioneering immunotherapies targeting some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, including glioblastoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Since joining Diakonos Oncology, Jay has been instrumental in achieving significant milestones such as attaining FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designation for the company’s lead candidate, DOC1021, securing greater than $30 million in financing, and establishing research collaborations with leading cancer centers to advance the clinical trials of the company’s novel dendritic cell vaccine platform.
Before his role at Diakonos, Jay co-founded Medterra, a globally recognized wellness company that set industry standards for quality and innovation, and where he continues to serve as Chairman of the Board, shaping high-level strategic direction. He also co-founded Perland Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage biotech firm focused on developing therapies for arthritis conditions, and has held leadership and board advisory roles across several life sciences ventures.
Jay holds a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Engineering Management from Duke University, grounding his entrepreneurial leadership with scientific expertise.
