Explore every episode of the podcast Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Rutledge | World Precision Instruments - Advancing Preclinical Research Through Better Tools and Models | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:26:30 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Mark Rutledge, President and CEO of World Precision Instruments. Mark discusses how evolving research needs are reshaping the tools and technologies used in preclinical science. The conversation explores the growing importance of more standardized and physiologically relevant in vitro models, including organ-on-chip applications, as researchers look for better ways to generate meaningful data earlier in development. Mark also shares perspective from his leadership experience across diagnostics, life sciences tools, and commercial organizations. He discusses how World Precision Instruments evaluates where to innovate, the role of customer insight in product development, and the challenges of leading an established scientific instrumentation company through changing research and market expectations. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on September 28, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Justin Byers | Axio BioPharma - Building the Data Foundation for AI-Ready Biomanufacturing | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:26:36 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Justin Byers, Founder and CEO of Axio BioPharma. Justin discusses why the next generation of AI-enabled biomanufacturing depends on something more fundamental than better algorithms: better access to structured, contextualized process data. The conversation explores how fragmented information across labs, manufacturing sites, sponsors, and external partners can slow development, complicate tech transfer, and limit the value organizations can extract from AI. Justin also shares perspective from his career across analytical science, process development, commercialization, and company building. He discusses Axio BioPharma’s approach to connecting real-world laboratory execution with broader process knowledge, the challenges of transferring knowledge across organizational boundaries, and what life sciences leaders should consider as they prepare their manufacturing operations for more effective use of AI. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on September 14, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Dhruv Patwardhan | LuminOne - Accountable AI for Life Sciences Commercial Teams | 29 Aug 2026 | 00:32:16 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Dhruv Patwardhan, Founder of LuminOne. Dhruv discusses how AI can improve commercial decision-making in life sciences by helping teams make better use of fragmented market, account, and customer signals. The conversation explores where AI is genuinely useful today, why many implementations stall after the pilot stage, and how leaders can distinguish practical workflow improvements from impressive demonstrations that fail to change day-to-day execution. Dhruv also shares perspective from more than a decade in life sciences commercial leadership, including lessons on workflow design, source traceability, human oversight, and accountability. He explains why AI should support rather than replace human judgment, and what CEOs and commercial leaders should consider as AI becomes more deeply embedded in commercial organizations. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on August 28, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Pawel Krysiak | Jaya Biosciences - Gene Therapy for Neurodegeneration | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:34:33 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Pawel Krysiak, President & CEO of Jaya Biosciences. Pawel discusses JayaBio’s work to develop CNS-directed gene therapies for genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and frontotemporal dementia. The conversation explores JayaBio’s focus on lysosomal enzyme gene heterozygosity and how this approach may help identify patient subpopulations within diseases historically treated as broad, heterogeneous conditions. Pawel also shares perspective from more than 20 years across neurodegeneration, oncology, rare diseases, commercialization, market access, and company building, including lessons from orphan drug launches and the challenge of advancing differentiated science toward clinical development. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on June 29, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| David Pass | AltrixBio - Gut-Targeted Oral Therapy for Diabetes and Obesity | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:21:25 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with David Pass, CEO and President of AltrixBio. David discusses AltrixBio’s work to advance AJN003, a once-daily, oral, gut-targeted therapeutic candidate being developed for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related cardiometabolic conditions. The conversation explores how AltrixBio’s approach is inspired by the metabolic effects observed after bariatric surgery, and how a non-systemic oral therapy could address important gaps in today’s treatment landscape. David also shares perspective from more than 25 years across diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, pharma, biotech, and digital health, including lessons from commercial leadership, company building, and advancing differentiated science toward the clinic. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on June 15, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Dave Gallup | EMPIRI - Functional Precision Oncology and Live Tumor Tissue Drug Response | 30 May 2026 | 00:29:30 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Dave Gallup, Co-Founder and CEO of EMPIRI, an oncology platform company advancing functional precision oncology through its E-slice platform. Dave discusses how EMPIRI is using live human tumor tissue to measure drug response while preserving native tumor architecture and the tumor microenvironment. The conversation explores how E-slice may complement genomic and molecular profiling, help bridge the translational gap between preclinical models and clinical outcomes, and support better decision-making in oncology drug development. Dave also shares his path from building biological analysis businesses to co-founding EMPIRI, including lessons from scaling complex technical platforms, earning market trust, and balancing scientific rigor with commercial execution. This episode covers functional precision oncology, live tumor tissue assays, oncology drug development, translational science, and the future role of empirical drug response data in cancer research and care. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on May 29, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Anil Goyal | IMMvention Therapeutix - Collaborations & Building Biotech Innovation Ecosystems | 19 May 2026 | 00:33:18 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Dr. Anil Goyal, Co-Founder and CEO of IMMvention Therapeutix, a VC-backed biotechnology company developing globally accessible therapies for rare and chronic diseases, including sickle cell disease and Friedreich’s ataxia. Anil shares insights from nearly 30 years in biotechnology leadership spanning company formation, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and therapeutic innovation across multiple modalities and disease areas. The conversation explores Immvention’s scientific approach, the realities of building emerging biotech companies in today’s funding environment, and the balance between scientific ambition and operational discipline. They also discuss Immvention’s strategic collaboration with Novo Nordisk focused on developing oral therapies for sickle cell disease and other chronic diseases, including what partnerships like these can signal about platform validation and long-term development strategy. Beyond his work in biotechnology, Anil is also a passionate ecosystem builder and co-founder of the OpenDoors Group, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing equity, diversity, and access for the next generation of life sciences entrepreneurs and innovators. The discussion also touches on North Carolina’s growing R&D ecosystem and the importance of regional innovation clusters in advancing life sciences. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on May 18, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Stan Watowich | Ridgeline Therapeutics - Targeting Aging Biology and Chronic Disease | 02 May 2026 | 00:32:21 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, Don Alexander speaks with Stan Watowich, Founder and CEO of Ridgeline Therapeutics and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Stan shares his journey from academic science to biotech company building, and how Ridgeline is developing small molecule therapies aimed at improving how we age and treat chronic disease. The conversation explores the company’s focus on NNMT, a key regulator of cellular energetics, and the broader opportunity to address age-linked conditions through targeted drug discovery. They also discuss the realities of translating academic research into commercial success, prioritizing programs in a constrained funding environment, and what it takes to build a company around high-conviction science. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on May 1, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Michael Heltzen | eXoZymes – AI-Enabled Cell-Free Biomanufacturing and the Future of Enzyme Engineering | 18 Apr 2026 | 00:43:23 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Michael Heltzen, CEO of eXoZymes, a publicly traded biotechnology company developing AI-enabled, cell-free biomanufacturing platforms designed to expand what is possible with enzyme engineering. Michael discusses the company’s thesis that producing complex molecules outside living cells may allow greater control, scalability, and speed compared to traditional biologic manufacturing approaches. We explore how advances in artificial intelligence are helping identify and optimize enzyme pathways, the strategic considerations involved in building a platform company in today’s capital environment, and what differentiates cell-free systems from more established synthetic biology approaches. We also discuss the realities of scaling a publicly traded life sciences company, how leaders balance scientific ambition with commercial discipline, and where cell-free biomanufacturing could create meaningful impact across nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets.This episode was streamed live on YouTube on April 17, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Charles Legg | CureLab Oncology – Advancing Immuno-Oncology Through Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:30:27 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Charles Legg of CureLab Oncology, a biotechnology company developing novel immuno-oncology therapies designed to more precisely modulate immune pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Charles shares his perspective on how immunotherapy continues to evolve beyond first-generation checkpoint inhibitors and why a deeper understanding of tumor biology may lead to more durable and broadly effective cancer treatments. We discuss the scientific rationale behind targeting immune signaling pathways, the challenges of translating complex biology into therapeutic development programs, and how emerging platform approaches may shape the future of oncology innovation. We also explore the realities of building oncology companies in today’s capital environment, including capital efficiency, prioritization of development milestones, and how biotechnology leaders communicate complex scientific strategies to investors and partners. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on April 6 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Christopher Gropp | Trialogics – Modernizing Clinical Trials Through AI, Real-Time Data, and Integrated Technology | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:33:04 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Christopher Gropp, Founder and CEO of Trialogics, a clinical trial technology company developing integrated platforms designed to improve how clinical research data is captured, managed, and utilized across global studies. Chris shares his journey building technology solutions for clinical research and explains why many trials still rely on fragmented systems that create operational inefficiencies for sponsors, CROs, and clinical sites. He discusses Trialogics’ approach to integrating eConsent, IRT/IWRS, ePRO/eCOA, and remote device management to support decentralized trials and enable real-time patient data collection. We explore the operational challenges of scaling technology in regulated environments, the growing role of AI in clinical trial management, and how modern platforms are helping sponsors run more efficient, patient-centered studies. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on March 23, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Chris Hoyt | KeifeRx – Building Biotech Companies Around Academic Drug Discovery | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:28:15 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Chris Hoyt, CEO of KeifeRx, a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company developing small molecule therapies for neurodegenerative diseases based on technology licensed from Georgetown University. Chris shares his journey as an entrepreneurial executive who has launched, funded, and scaled venture-backed companies across multiple industries before entering biotechnology. He discusses how those experiences translate to building a drug development company and the strategic decisions involved in turning promising academic discoveries into IND enabled programs. We explore the challenges of funding and scaling early-stage biotech companies, the importance of capital discipline in today’s market environment, and how leaders evaluate scientific opportunities when building new biotechnology ventures. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on March 9, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Ben Scruggs | Altis Biosystems – Engineering Predictive Human Gut Models for Drug Development | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:35:39 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Ben Scruggs, the CEO of Altis Biosciences, a biotechnology company developing advanced human intestinal tissue platforms designed to improve the predictability of drug development. Ben explains how Altis’ RepliGut® platform addresses long-standing limitations in traditional preclinical gut models, which often fail to replicate human physiology and contribute to costly downstream clinical setbacks. He shares how the company is building scalable, functional human intestinal tissue systems to better model drug absorption, metabolism, toxicity, and inflammatory disease. We explore the discipline required to commercialize complex biology, the realities of scaling a platform biotechnology company, and how improving translational models can enhance capital efficiency across the pharmaceutical industry. Ben also offers perspective on leadership in deep science ventures, partnering with pharma, and positioning infrastructure technologies for long-term impact. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on February 23, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Murat Croci | Ibex Biosciences – Translating Breakthrough Science into Clinical-Stage Therapies | 07 Feb 2026 | 00:27:37 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Murat Croci, Co-CEO of Ibex Biosciences, a biotechnology company developing novel therapies to address major unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious disease. Murat discusses how Ibex is advancing high-conviction therapeutic programs from preclinical success toward the clinic, and the discipline required to translate strong scientific data into IND-ready assets. He shares insights from his career across biotechnology, operations, and company leadership, and how taking personal capital risk alongside investors shapes his approach to execution and decision-making. We explore the realities of early-stage drug development, balancing portfolio focus with optionality, and the challenges founders face as programs transition from discovery into clinical development. Murat also offers his perspective on leadership under risk and what it takes to build durable biotech companies in today’s funding environment. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on February 6, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Gitte Pedersen | Genomic Expression – RNA Diagnostics and Transforming Precision Oncology | 24 Jan 2026 | 00:26:20 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Gitte Pedersen, founder and CEO of Genomic Expression, a life sciences company focused on advancing RNA-based diagnostics to improve cancer care. Gitte discusses how Genomic Expression is applying RNA sequencing and data-driven diagnostics to help clinicians identify the most effective treatment options for individual cancer patients. She shares insights from her career journey, spanning corporate strategy, investment, and entrepreneurship, and how her multidisciplinary background has shaped the company’s mission-driven approach to innovation. We explore the challenges of translating complex genomic data into clinically actionable tools, the realities of scaling a diagnostics company within healthcare systems, and Gitte’s perspective on the future of precision oncology and RNA-based diagnostics. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on January 23, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Jason Kralic | Tellus Therapeutics – Translational Biotech Platforms and Advancing Therapies for Neonatal Brain Injury | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Jason Kralic, CEO and co-founder of Tellus Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for neonatal brain injury. Jason discusses how Tellus is building a translational biotech platform grounded in strong biological insight and disciplined execution, with a clear focus on addressing one of the most complex and underserved patient populations in medicine. He shares insights from his career journey as a neuropharmacologist and life sciences business development leader, including how his experience in large pharma and biotech informs the way he evaluates scientific risk, platform focus, and company strategy. We explore the challenges of translating science into the clinic, the realities of capital strategy and timing in today’s funding environment, and Jason’s perspective on what it takes to build biotech companies designed to endure. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on January 9, 2026. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Karthik Sriram | Parabilis Medicines – Strategic Finance and the Helicon™ Platform Shaping the Future of Peptide Therapeutics | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:29:40 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Karthik Sriram, Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Parabilis Medicines, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation peptide therapeutics through its innovative Helicon™ platform. Karthik discusses how Parabilis is applying platform science and strategic financial planning to advance medicines designed to deliver extraordinary outcomes for patients. He shares insights from his career journey, transitioning from biomedical engineering into corporate strategy and biotech finance, and highlights how FP&A plays a central role in aligning scientific priorities with operational execution. We explore the company’s vision for the Helicon™ platform, the opportunities and challenges of scaling a clinical-stage organization, and the broader trends shaping the future of peptide therapeutics and biotech company-building. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on December 8, 2025.Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Jim Buck | Medcura – Advancing Surgical Safety Through Innovative Hemostatic Solutions | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:31:16 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Jim Buck, President & CEO of Medcura, a medical device company advancing surgical safety through innovative hemostatic and wound treatment solutions. Jim discusses how Medcura is addressing one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, rapid and reliable bleeding control, through a platform built on biocompatible, naturally derived polymers. He shares insights from his leadership journey, the company’s path from R&D to commercialization, and how Medcura’s technology is helping surgeons and patients achieve better outcomes in both surgical and wound care settings. This episode was streamed live on YouTube on October 6, 2025. Learn more at genecoda.com. | |||
| Mike Stocum | Bantam Pharmaceutical – Targeting Cancer Through the Mitochondria | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:34:53 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Mike Stocum of Bantam Pharmaceutical, a biotech developing therapies that target cancer cells through their mitochondria. Mike shares how Bantam is advancing its lead programs and building a strategy to translate cutting-edge science into new treatment options for patients. Learn more at genecoda.com.
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| Mark Stead | Atomic AI – Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Structural Biology to Unlock RNA Therapeutics | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:37:07 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Mark Stead of Atomic AI, a biotech harnessing artificial intelligence and structural biology to unlock RNA’s therapeutic potential. Mark shares how Atomic AI is building a discovery platform to model RNA structures with unprecedented accuracy, opening the door to new classes of medicines for oncology, rare diseases, and beyond. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on August 22, 2025. | |||
| Larry Tiffany | CEO, GenrAb – Developing Fully Human Neuroprotective Antibodies for Neurodegenerative Diseases | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:24:37 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Larry Tiffany, CEO of GenrAb, to explore how the company is developing fully human neuroprotective antibodies to address neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Larry discusses GenrAb’s scientific approach, the promise of neuroprotection in slowing disease progression, and the challenges of advancing novel biologics in today’s biotech landscape. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on June 20, 2025. | |||
| Saurabh Johri | Chief Business Officer, Catena Biosciences – Revolutionizing Protein Conjugation for Next-Generation Therapeutics | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:32:50 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Saurabh Johri, Chief Business Officer at Catena Biosciences, a pioneering company revolutionizing protein conjugation technologies for next-generation therapeutics. Saurabh shares insights on Catena’s platform, its potential to reshape therapeutic development, and the company’s vision for advancing precision medicine through novel protein engineering approaches. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on June 6, 2025. | |||
| Darren Dasburg | CEO, Clarus Biologics – Advancing Vaccine and Immunology Innovation with Novel Adjuvant Platforms | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:34:37 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Darren Dasburg, CEO of Clarus Biologics, a company advancing vaccine and immunology innovation through a novel adjuvant platform designed to improve immune responses, particularly in vulnerable populations. Darren shares insights on Clarus Biologics’ technology, its potential applications in global health, and the company’s strategy for bringing novel adjuvant solutions to market. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on May 19, 2025. | |||
| Ayla Annac | CEO & Co-Founder, InvivoSciences – Precision Medicine for Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Diseases | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:40:35 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Ayla Annac, CEO and Co-Founder of InvivoSciences, a precision medicine company transforming the way therapies are discovered and developed for heart failure and cardiometabolic diseases. Ayla shares insights into InvivoSciences’ innovative platform, the promise of patient-specific models in drug discovery, and the company’s vision for advancing precision medicine. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on April 11, 2025. | |||
| Anna Kazanchyan, MD | CEO, Saghmos Therapeutics – Cardiovascular and Kidney Protection with ST-62516 | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:33:48 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Anna Kazanchyan, MD, CEO of Saghmos Therapeutics, about the company’s mission to revolutionize cardiovascular and kidney protection. We explore how their lead drug candidate, ST-62516, is designed to prevent Major Adverse Cardiac and Kidney Events (MACKE) in high-risk patients undergoing PCI. Dr. Kazanchyan discusses the science behind ST-62516, why it has a strong likelihood of FDA approval, and the company’s strategic approach to clinical trials, regulatory success, and market exclusivity. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on March 28, 2025. | |||
| Charles Swindell | CEO, Glycotest – Advancing Glycoprotein Biomarkers for Liver Disease Detection | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:28:43 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Charles Swindell, CEO of Glycotest, about the company’s proprietary technology that measures glycoprotein fucosylation for the detection of liver diseases. Charles shares insights on the science behind Glycotest’s platform, the challenges of bringing diagnostic innovation to market, and the future of precision liver disease detection. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on March 14, 2025. | |||
| Rich Shea | CEO, Basking Biosciences – RNA Aptamers for Acute Thrombosis Treatment | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:30:16 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we sit down with Rich Shea, CEO of Basking Biosciences, to discuss the company’s pioneering work with RNA aptamer technology for the treatment of acute thrombosis. Rich shares insights on Basking’s scientific journey, the challenges of advancing a novel therapeutic approach, and the opportunities ahead in cardiovascular care. Learn more at genecoda.com. Originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on February 24, 2025. | |||
| Dr. Nathan Stasko | CEO, Vast Therapeutics – Nitric Oxide Innovation in Respiratory Health | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:26:06 | |
In this episode of Executive Insights for Life Sciences Innovators, we speak with Dr. Nathan Stasko, CEO of Vast Therapeutics, about the company’s journey with nitric oxide technology in respiratory therapeutics. Dr. Stasko shares the challenges of advancing novel drug delivery approaches, lessons learned in building a biotech startup, and his perspective on innovation in life sciences. Learn more at genecoda.com. This conversation was originally recorded and streamed on YouTube Live on February 7th, 2025. | |||