Explore every episode of the podcast Flot.bio x Philip Hemme
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19 | 15 Jul 2024 | 01:08:38 | |
We’re in Munich 🇩🇪 with a “true” biotech founder, Dominik Schumacher of Tubulis. Not many biotechs in Europe are led by a founder PhD under 40 and have scaled to raising over 100M. I know only two, one is Thomas at Owkin and the other one is Dominik at Tubulis. We talked about building a champion ADC biotech, the super hot ADC sphere, and the difference between luck and success. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dominik has had an incredible career, which he started from a young age. With the founding of Tubulis, he has won many start-up awards and in 2019 he was awarded MIT’s Innovators Under 35. As a life science investor, he has invested early in many European biotech companies. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - https://curie.bio/ - https://curie.bio - Tubulis Closes Upsized €128 Million Series B2 to Accelerate Clinical Development of Solid Tumor-Focused ADC Pipeline - https://tubulis.com/news/tubulis-closes-upsized-e128-million-series-b2-to-accelerate-clinical-development-of-solid-tumor-focused-adc-pipeline/ - BioSpace - Next wave of ADCs - https://www.biospace.com/article/the-next-wave-of-adcs-could-treat-evasive-solid-tumors-/ - BMS axes Eisai ADC pact 3 years after paying $650M for would-be Elahere rival - https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/bms-axes-eisai-adc-pact-3-years-after-paying-650m-would-be-elahere-rival - Merck’s ADC Pact With Daiichi Hits Regulatory Setback in FDA Rejection - https://www.biospace.com/article/merck-s-adc-pact-with-daiichi-hits-regulatory-setback-with-fda-rejection/ - ADC Space is too crowded? - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oA23bidvd2G-z2lnAkPLAMZgl1RXLtr9/view?usp=sharing - Genmab to Broaden and Strengthen Oncology Portfolio with Acquisition of ProfoundBio ($1.8B cash) - https://ir.genmab.com/news-releases/news-release-details/genmab-broaden-and-strengthen-oncology-portfolio-acquisition - BIO-Europe Spring 2019: Newcomer Tubulis tackles ADC technology shortcomings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwr5KMypBHs - Top 20 Healthcare Specialist Investors - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r4IwIKvuVUYQaqCZnpm4DtEYyy3LIT7h/view?usp=sharing 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:44] Entrepreneurial biotech family [00:08:46] Market validation [00:14:32] Why Munich [00:17:33] Founder-led biotechs [00:25:20] Balancing 3 kids [00:29:31] Tubulis & ADCs [00:38:25] ADC space is crowded [00:46:12] Deep Track Capital [00:48:17] Vision for Tubulis [00:52:59] ADC space is hot [00:58:03] Chinese biotech [01:02:53] Luck vs success | |||
| Otello Stampacchia, Omega Funds 🇮🇹 | M&A, Boston & Pasta | E18 | 28 Jun 2024 | 01:02:46 | |
We’re in Boston 🇺🇸 with one of the top VCs, Otello Stampacchia of Omega Funds. We talked about the highest competitive tension in biopharma now that he has ever seen. We also talked about his career, especially the challenges and opportunities he had from moving to Boston over 15 years ago. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Otello is the founder and managing director of Omega Funds which he started in 2004. As an investment guru, he leads the investor relations and strategic initiatives. Previously Otello led the fund investment of one of the largest private equity asset managers in the world, AlpInvest Partners. He's also been involved in many European biotechs such as Lombard Odier Immunology Fund, Goldman Sachs, and Index Securities (now Index Ventures). 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/otello-stampacchia-omega-funds/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support the show and more content creation: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:57] Competitive tension in biopharma [00:14:43] Cash in pharma [00:29:19] Personal background from Italy [00:41:10] Getting into venture capital [00:51:27] Decision to move to Boston [01:01:42] Thanks for listening | |||
| Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two billion 💶 exits ("smoothly") | E09 | 04 Dec 2023 | 01:11:33 | |
Today, I’m in Paris (🇫🇷) to chat with Marc de Garidel, the new CEO of Abivax. We talk about the challenges behind the exits and why Abivax could be a third big success. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Marc is a biopharma veteran with an impressive track record. He has made two billion-dollar exits, was CEO of Ipsen, and has recently made the biggest French IPO ever with Abivax. He has also raised $60M series B for Massachusetts-based Corvidia Therapeutics before being acquired for $2.1B by Novo Nordisk. He also was the CEO of CinCor Pharma which sold for $1.8B to AstraZeneca in 2023. I’ve never met Marc but I heard many great things about him. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/ 🫶 FOLLOW US Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 10k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Wanna reach 10,000+ biotech leaders at companies like BioNTech, Immunocore or Genmab? Feel free to message Nick (nick@flot.bio) to learn more. 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:32] Behind the scene of the 2 billion-dollar exits [00:20:48] Lessons on compliance analysis [00:24:09] What to do when the market is against you [00:36:08] Abivax: Phase II compared to standard of care [00:42:51] IBD and the microbiome [00:51:20] Why is 70% of the market in the US? [00:59:07] The best way to sell a company is to make a great product [01:03:48] Find people who inspire you [01:10:45] Thanks for listening 🙏 | |||
| Mike Ward | The Best and the Worst since the 80s in EU Biotech | E08 | 20 Nov 2023 | 01:44:25 | |
Today we're in Munich at BIO-Europe to chat with one of the best commentators in European biotech, Mike Ward. We talk about the best and the worst of the European biotech industry since the 80s. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Mike has been in biotech content since the birth of the industry in the 80s. He has worked at BioCentury, Informa/Scrip and now Clarivate. I’ve known Mike for many years and I like how clearly he sees things while being no-bullshit and fun. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/y428h2wr 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): [https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 10k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:32] The best and worst of biotech [00:11:08] The beginnings of the EU biotech scene [00:21:38] It's all in cycles and echos [00:28:14] Biotech of today [00:45:12] Can biotechs make money? [00:56:31] Funding big vs small [01:16:15] The EU biotech world is very small [01:21:45] The changing media landscape [01:38:35] The rockstar of biotech [01:43:18] Thanks for listening | |||
| Agnete Fredriksen, Nykode | Being one of the top 50 women in 🇪🇺 bio | E07 | 31 Oct 2023 | 01:21:51 | |
We’re live from Oslo 🇳🇴 to catch up with Agnete Fredriksen, co-founder and CBO of Nykode (ex-Vaccibody). In this episode, we chat about being one of the leading women in bio in Europe, the Nordics, and immunotherapies. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Agnete founded the immunotherapy company Nykode in 2006 which is now worth around $500M. For her PhD she designed and developed the first Vaccibody vaccine molecules, improving the outlook for cancer patients. I’ve known Agnete for many years and I like her sharpness while having this Scandinavian humility. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/yk364wes 🔗 FOLLOW US - Don't miss an episode by signing up for our monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter) https://twitter.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Our show is a unique addition to the European podcast scene, complementing other news-focused or locally-targeted podcasts. We bring you rare long-form conversations with the best in European biotech. Your host Philip animates the conversation to dig out exciting, and sometimes contrarian ideas. These might inspire you and help you grow. 10k monthly views. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know your thoughts and what you found useful by dropping a comment. Also, make sure you like the episode and follow our channel so you never miss an episode and help others find it too. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:52] Welcome [00:01:36] Women in biotech [00:25:35] Gender equality on the board [00:42:10] Raising $45 million [00:47:47] How the science works [01:01:20] Explaining the clinical results [01:07:19] The immunotherapy field [01:17:02] Biotech in Oslo [01:21:08] Thanks for listening | |||
| Rodger Novak, CRISPR Tx | Bringing the first CRISPR drug to the market | E06 | 24 Oct 2023 | 01:12:03 | |
Biotech great Rodger Novak, Co-Founder and Chairman of CRISPR Tx joins us on the show. In this episode, we chat about bringing the first CRISPR drug to the market and why he thinks everything is wrong in bio in Europe besides science. Rodgers’ is a name everyone should know, having made it big in the global biotech scene. I first interviewed him back in 2016 at Labiotech. It’s a treat to be able to sit down with him again. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER A serial entrepreneur, Rodger Novak has made it big through his many successful enterprises in the pharma and biotech scene. As co-founder of one of the hottest and best-known biotechs in the world, CRISPR Tx, he has been an instrumental player in bringing cutting-edge gene therapy to the world. Trained with a medical degree, he has also provided key contributions in the fields of anti-infectives, genetics and personalized medicine. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/9kucsnzt 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: - Rodger at Hello Tomorrow 2022 - https://youtu.be/OWMRlLzJ5l8 - Rodger at Labiotech Refresh in 2019 - https://youtu.be/kp6m6BDckDk?si=RhjDeDi-n0crXMra - Rodger at Labiotech Refresh in 2016 - https://youtu.be/XFK-B1xJzGc?si=TG7ut5f-aGEgpLwg - Rodger on the Between Biotech Waves podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PFWLgJ80QmZwdN9Rmy6a7?si=0QLdSEJTSIe_et0vDarYmQ 🔗 FOLLOW US - Don't miss an episode by signing up for our monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Our show is a unique addition to the European podcast scene, complementing other news-focused or locally-targeted podcasts. We bring you rare long-form conversations with the best in European biotech. Your host Philip animates the conversation to dig out exciting, and sometimes contrarian ideas. These might inspire you and help you grow. 10k monthly views. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know your thoughts and what you found useful by dropping a comment. Also, make sure you like the episode and follow our channel so you never miss an episode and help others find it too. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:38] Welcome [00:01:45] Bringing CRISPR to the market [00:17:33] Experience in biotech isn't everything [00:21:35] How important is CRISPR? [00:27:07] How to become best in class [00:33:40] The secret recipe for founding a successful company [00:37:28] Everything is wrong in biotech in Europe besides science [00:46:44] What can a young European founder do to bridge the US gap for biotech [00:57:01] The European attitude can get in the way of entrepreneurship [01:06:20] Follow Rodger Novak [01:09:23] Thanks for listening and follow Flot.bio | |||
| Johannes Fruehauf, BioLabs | Reinventing Incubators For Bio Startups | E05 | 04 Aug 2023 | 01:28:43 | |
We’re back live and in Paris 🇫🇷 with our next guest, Johannes Fruehauf. We talk about reinventing the co-working labs for biotech startups, the difficulties of doing business in Europe, profitability in biotech, and much more (see timestamps below). 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Johannes is the President, CEO, and founder of BioLabs, the biggest “incubator”, or as they like to call it “co-working laboratory”, platform for biotech startups in the world. Today they have over 14 locations, including 3 in Europe (2 in Paris and 1 in Heidelberg). He is also the founder of LabCentral and a general partner at Mission BioCapital. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/mt9dva8u 🔗 FOLLOW US - Don't miss an episode by signing up for our monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Our show is a unique addition to the European podcast scene, complementing other news-focused or locally-targeted podcasts. We bring you rare long-form conversations with the best in European biotech. Your host Philip animates the conversation to dig out exciting, and sometimes contrarian ideas. Those might inspire you and help you grow. 10k monthly views. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know your thoughts and what you found useful by dropping a comment. Also, make sure you like the episode and follow our channel so you never miss an episode and help others find it too. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:39] Welcome to this new episode [00:02:19] How & why reinvent biotech incubators [00:14:14] The competitors [00:17:41] Entrepreneurship in Europe [00:22:11] The Challenges of doing business in Europe [00:29:37] People make it happen [00:36:51] BioLabs in Asia and Japan [00:41:46] Is a higher risk tolerance a good thing for everyone? [00:48:22] Money: being profitable in life sciences and not raising money if you don't have to. [00:59:15] Synergies between real estate and investing [01:14:01] Should you get a business coach? [01:25:52] Thanks for listening | |||
| Bernat Olle, Vedanta | Where is the Microbiome Industry Now | E04 | 22 Jun 2023 | 01:21:51 | |
In a virtual special, we welcome Bernat Olle to the show. We discuss the microbiome space, including Vedanta’s upcoming Phase 3, and how it feels to be a European founder in Boston.
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⏰ Timestamps: (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:56) Welcome (00:02:36) Zooming out on the microbiome field (00:11:44) Standardizing the process and composition (00:21:39) What's the cost? (00:27:16) Scalability (00:33:05) The many microbiome companies (00:39:43) EU microbiome industry (00:43:51) Challenge of fundraising (00:49:23) Running a company in the US vs EU (01:00:30) Would you recommend the entrepreneurial path? (01:06:04) What can I do for my microbiome? (01:18:06) Follow Bernat (01:19:09) Wrapping up | |||
| Ingmar Hoerr, CureVac | Founding a $20B Biotech and Almost Dying as CEO | E03 | 24 May 2023 | 02:31:51 | |
It’s a treat to welcome Ingmar Hoerr on the show. We chat about building a 20B dollar biotech startup, almost dying on the job, and why people skills are so important in biotech. Ingmar is a pioneer in the EU biotech scene, revolutionizing drug development with mRNA therapeutics. He and his team created the initial technology used in mRNA vaccines and submitted the first patents for its use. CureVac helped other mRNA companies such as Moderna and BioNTech successfully solve the Covid pandemic. Ingmar is very inspiring, as he is visionary and bold while remaining humble and caring. I’ve known him for almost a decade, and each interaction with him was memorable. This long episode and the lunch that followed are yet another example. Enjoy 😉 LINKS MENTIONED: The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/
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⏰ Timestamps: (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:53) Welcome (00:01:54) Background (00:05:53) The mindset to make change (00:06:59) Early days of RNA and mice (00:08:55) The beginnings of CureVac (00:13:39) How to survive while founding a company (00:15:03) Where did the money come from? (00:19:19) The key to getting the funds (00:20:22) Getting the lab running (00:22:34) Advancing RNA for humans (00:24:29) Becoming a real biotech company (00:27:31) Surviving the startup phase (00:28:54) Investing in vision (00:33:06) Getting proof of concept (00:35:15) Phase one (00:37:35) Phase two - failure is important (00:42:51) Pharma partnerships (00:47:01) Flu, rabies, and covid (00:49:33) Stepping down to add in USA spirit (00:53:01) Close to death (00:57:49) Coming to peace with a new role (01:02:06) The pandemic (01:08:35) RNA people (01:10:51) Moving on from CureVac (01:11:53) Creating a foundation (01:16:48) Freedom (01:27:46) Biotech people are risk takers (01:29:29) Sharing inspiration (01:37:28) Reflection is key (01:40:42) Making decisions (01:51:37) People are important (02:05:39) Strengths vs weakness (02:11:32) Creating a common culture (02:29:11) Thanks for listening | |||
| Werner Lanthaler, Evotec | Leading AI in Biotech | E02 | 26 Apr 2023 | 01:22:19 | |
It's great to have Werner Lanthaler, the CEO of Evotec, one of the largest biotech research companies in Europe/the world, on the show. We have known each other for almost ten years now. He's not only sharp but also friendly and easy to talk to. In this episode, we chat about leading AI in biotech, the sharing economy in the industry, how to be authentic, and more. Hope it helps you learn, be inspired and grow 😉 📯 MENTIONED- Fireside chat with Werner talking about AI in Biotech in 2019 at BIO-Europe Spring in Vienna - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDd1qXCsGSc&pp=ygUad2VybmVyIGxhbnRoYWxlciBsYWJpb3RlY2g%3D - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/
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🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW ⏰Timestamps: (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:37) Welcome (00:02:49) AI in biotech (00:10:08) What AI means for staff (00:11:27) How are biotech companies using AI today? (00:15:28) Biotech - a sharing industry (00:25:32) Trending back to integrated companies (00:30:46) The global EU biotech industry (00:36:03) A brighter funding future (00:44:01) Background on Werner (00:48:12) From no science to CEO (00:59:04) Staying humble (01:04:06) Mindmaps for motivation (01:09:27) A typical day (01:12:33) What's Evotec building? (01:18:32) Follow Werner and Evotec (01:19:42) Thanks for listening (01:20:20) About Flot.bio | |||
| Antoine Papiernik, Sofinnova | €Billion Biotech Investing With Balance | E01 | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:44:21 | |
For our first episode, we catch up with Antoine Papiernik, the chairman of Sofinnova partners, one of the top EU biotech VC funds. We chat about building billion-euro biotechs in Europe, being listed on the Midas list (without letting it go to your head), the importance of being good at selling, being lucky, and how to balance all this with family priorities.
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⏰ Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:27) Welcome (02:17) Background and serendipity (05:25) Getting into investment (07:23) I wouldn't hire me (09:23) Are you lucky and curious? (14:27) Joining Sofinnova (17:38) Becoming Managing Partner (19:10) Midas List (20:41) You're only as good as your last deal (21:45) Equal opportunity (28:03) How to get funded (31:12) Europe vs USA( 35:54) How Europe can do better (39:27) Crossing the chasm to the future (41:04) Follow Antoine (41:35) Wrapping up | |||
| Christina Takke, V-Bio Ventures 🇧🇪 | Wonder VC Woman | E17 | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:43:45 | |
We’re in San Sebastián 🇪🇸 with one of the top VCs in Europe, Christina Takke from V-Bio Ventures. We talk about her path to get to the top and the benefits of gender diversity for both investing and European biotech as a whole. We also talk about her investment in Argenx when it was only three employees and the venture creation had dropped since 2022. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Christina co-founded V-Bio Ventures in 2015 and is now the Managing Partner. Before this, she was a leader in the European Venture Capital world with 15 years of experience. She has been a partner at Forbion Capital Partners where she led many successful investments in biopharma and pharma companies. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Lean years for company creation in Europe? - BioVox, Sep 2023 - https://biovox.eu/lean-years-for-company-creation-in-europe/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/christina-takke-v-bio-ventures/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our more content creation: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:03] Top VC woman in biotech [00:08:36] European background [00:13:49] Investing in Argenx at the start [00:20:26] V-Bio story [00:25:09] Tech transfer [00:35:44] Company creation drop [00:42:39] Thanks for listening | |||
| Naveed Siddiqi, Novo Holdings 🇬🇧🇩🇰 | Sharp Macro View of EU Biotech | E16 | 27 May 2024 | 00:46:16 | |
We’re in San Sebastián 🇪🇸 with Naveed Siddiqi of one of Europe's largest biotech investors, Novo Holdings. We talked about how things really are in European biotech at the moment. We also talked about his upbringing as a second-generation immigrant in the UK and the importance of diversity. I’ve known him since he was a partner at Andera. He is a sharp investor, but also very friendly and open. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Naveed has been a part of Novo Holdings since 2019 and splits his time between London and Copenhagen. He has over 25 years of experience in life science venture investment as well as investment banking. Before joining Novo Holdings he was a partner at Andera Partners, a venture capital and growth equity firm with over 2 billion euros to focus on life science investment. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED -Novo leads Q4 2023 as Top Investor - Oppenheimer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-t2Ba-fnHdyJhIq4j-d7dSCk7Vj65bw/view?usp=sharing - Amolyt Pharma Announces $138 Million Series C Financing led by Sofinnova Partners and co-led by Intermediate Capital Group - https://amolytpharma.com/2023/01/06/amolyt-pharma-announces-138-million-series-c-financing-led-by-sofinnova-partners-and-co-led-by-intermediate-capital-group/ - AstraZeneca inks $800M buyout of French biotech to snag phase 3 rare disease drug - https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/astrazeneca-inks-800m-buyout-snag-phase-3-rare-disease-drug - Novo-backed Amolyt Pharma snags $80M series B for endocrine pipeline - https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novo-backed-amolyt-pharma-snags-80m-series-b-for-endocrine-pipeline 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/naveed-siddiqi-novo-holdings/ 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:09] European biotech [00:18:06] Billion dollar exits [00:37:17] Diversity [00:45:04] Thanks for listening | |||
| Claudia Ulbrich, Cardior 🇩🇪 | Being the Founder of a Rare €1B Exit | E15 | 07 May 2024 | 00:54:34 | |
We’re in Hannover 🇩🇪 with the founder and CEO of Cardior, Claudia Ulbrich We talked about Cardior’s recent €1B exit to Novo Nordisk. We also talk about miRNA and Cardiovascular, and why she earned the funny nickname “Frau Biotech”. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Claudia has been founding biotechs since the ’90s. She founded her first biotech company, LipoNova AG in 1998 and went on to co-found many more, including Cardior Pharmaceuticals. During her time she has launched and brought public a cancer vaccine company, helped see through a multi-million dollar deal of over €20M, and much more. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Novo Nordisk to acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals and strengthen pipeline in cardiovascular disease: https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=167038 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X: https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:47] Novo Nordisk deal [00:10:19] Results from heart disease phase1 [00:19:55] MicroRNA [00:26:42] The history of Cardior [00:41:49] Working with Centerview [00:45:17] Frau Biotech [00:53:57] Thanks for listening | |||
| Bahija Jallal, Immunocore 🇬🇧 | Commercial, Diversity, and AI | E14 | 26 Mar 2024 | 01:15:45 | |
We’re super privileged to chat online with Bahija Jallal, the CEO of Immunocore. Immunocore is the largest biotech in the UK and the 5th largest in Europe with a market cap of just over 3 billion dollars. We talk about how Immunocore has helped thousands of cancer patients and has become a commercial biotech. We also talk about why she thinks gender and race diversity are a business case and how AI is changing protein and biologics engineering. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKERI’ve “known” Bahija for over 10 years, after reading her profile in a student pharma magazine when I was studying bioengineering in France. At that time, she was head of MedImmune and SVP R&D at AstraZeneca. Now as the CEO of Immunocore, with their pioneering T cell receptor platform, she has helped to bring incredible treatments for cancer patients to market. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Bahija on the Breakthrough Labs podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X4xedUdJid9GeioRSkCrP?si=39d8c7511aab443f- Immatics builds on its PRAME Success (and competes with Immunocore) - [OncologyPipeline.com](https://www.oncologypipeline.com/apexonco/immatics-builds-its-prame-success) - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/bahija-jallal-immunocore/🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free.⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:34] Welcome [00:01:46] Immunocore’s life-changing cancer drug [00:07:40] Commercializing Immunocore [00:13:46] Explaining the TCR technology [00:20:40] Targeting tumors with PRAME [00:23:26] Immunocore now and then [00:35:37] Why Bahija chose Immunocore [00:40:22] Top lessons from Bahija Jallal [00:45:48] How is risk appetite connected to innovation? [00:49:10] Diversity in biotech [01:00:59] Biological innovation [01:05:49] AI in protein engineering optimization [01:14:42] Thanks for listening | |||
| Edwin Moses | How to build large biotech platforms | E13 | 05 Mar 2024 | 01:26:40 | |
We’re in Brussels with Edwin Moses, the former CEO of one of the most successful platform companies in Europe, Ablynx, now part of Sanofi. We talk about how he feels 5 years after the exit from Ablynx and his lessons. We also talk about the parallels between industrial biotech, AI bio and cell therapy, and how a chairman can help CEOs grow. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Edwin Moses is Chairman of Achilles Thx (cell therapy for solid tumors), Avantium (bioplastics) and LabGenius (AI biotech). He is the former CEO of one of the most successful platform companies in Europe, Ablynx, now part of Sanofi. I interviewed him back in 2018 when he sold the company. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/edwin-moses-biotech-platforms/ 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
🫶 FOLLOW US
🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Jens Nielsen, BII | How to make translation of life science research work | E12 | 05 Feb 2024 | 01:18:34 | |
We’re in Copenhagen with Jens Nielsen, the CEO of BioInnovation Institute. We will talk about what works best to translate academic research in bio into innovation for humanity, especially how everything is connected. We also talk about how BII is solving some of the main challenges scientist entrepreneurs face and the drawbacks of Novo financing most of Denmark’s biotech ecosystem. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Jens Nielsen is one of the best in this space in Europe. Not only is he the CEO of BII, he’s also a professor of systems biology at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, and is the most cited researcher in the field of metabolic engineering as well as industrial biotechnology. He’s the founder of the International Metabolic Engineering Society and has also founded many biotechs. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/jens-nielsen-translation-of-life-science-research/ 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 10k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:29] Welcome [00:01:43] Translation of science [00:08:48] Being flexible is key [00:11:58] When to stop being flexible [00:19:34] Listen to your gut [00:22:38] The importance of network [00:28:05] Entrepreneurial mindset recipe [00:31:08] Role models [00:32:38] Interaction with industry [00:43:07] Results of BII [00:54:14] How to be cost-effective in helping startups [00:57:56] Novo Nordisk [01:11:07] Closing the lab [01:17:46] Thanks for listening | |||
| Sander van Deventer, VectorY & Forbion | Pioneering gene therapy | E11 | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:59:06 | |
We’re in Amsterdam with Sander van Deventer, the CEO of VectorY. We will talk about VectorY and what’s missing in gene therapy. 💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKER Sander has an impressive track record, being a professor, operational biotech founder and a VC. In 1998, he co-founded uniQure, which brought the first gene therapy to the market. He also co-founded the leading VC Forbion as well as Dezima. He is now building a new venture VectorY, again in gene therapy. I interviewed him in 2017 back at Labiotech so it’s great to catch up with him again. 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sander-van-deventer-gene-therapy/ 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 10k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:54] VectorY: Raising the largest Series A in 2023 in 🇪🇺 [00:05:01] What's coming for ALS [00:07:50] How Vectorized Antibodies work [00:17:57] New Vector (AAV) technologies [00:22:55] The pipeline of VectorY [00:27:22] Where VC money is moving to [00:32:29] The Netherlands as a biotech cluster [00:35:31] CRISPR approval and gene therapy reimbursement [00:48:15] Where Sander came from [00:56:14] How to have the energy to be a serial entrepreneur | |||
| Thomas Clozel, Owkin | What does AI Biotech really mean | E10 | 18 Dec 2023 | 01:20:13 | |
In an online special, we’re interviewing Thomas Clozal, the co-founder and CEO of Owkin. We talk about scaling AI in biotech and how it feels to be the child of billionaire biotech parents.💎 ABOUT THE SPEAKERThomas founded Owkin in 2016 and I first met him in 2017. At that time, Owkin was still a baby and I wasn’t sure where it would go. Now it’s a unicorn following a $180M investment from Sanofi in 2021 and has over 300 employees. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Exscientia Expands Biologics Design Capability with Automated Laboratory https://investors.exscientia.ai/press-releases/press-release-details/2022/Exscientia-Expands-Biologics-Design-Capability-with-Automated-Laboratory/default.aspx- Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two billion 💶 exits (kind of smoothly) | E09 https://youtu.be/njZR8udGBTQ- How AI Can Tackle Cancer - Leader in Innovation (Fast Company) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LQGtAaD7ALSsHslNZJ1mC?si=96a0ba9ddafd4fbc- Aviv Regev leads Genentech's next revolution with AI - https://endpts.com/aviv-regev-leads-genentechs-next-revolution-with-ai/ - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/ 📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-clozel-ai-biotech/ 🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 10k monthly views. Free. ⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:26] You need a good pipeline [00:09:24] How Owkin is scaling AI in biotech [00:16:46] Augmenting AI in biotech [00:23:05] How AI can work for small/medium biotech companies [00:27:18] Always looking for more data [00:33:58] Anonymization of data and federated learning [00:42:18] Becoming a biotech company [00:47:29] Small molecules [00:49:10] Limitations [00:51:51] Growing up with billionaire biotech parents [00:56:37] Becoming unfocused and having fun [01:09:02] Getting the best investors [01:18:51] Thanks for listening | |||
| Harpreet Singh, Immatics 🇩🇪 | PRAME, TCR Based Therapeutics | E20 | 02 Sep 2024 | 01:04:02 | |
We’re in Munich 🇩🇪 with the founder of one of the 15 most valuable European biotechs, Harpreet Singh.We talked about the field of PRAME receptors, TCR therapeutics and cell therapy at large. We also talked about the combination with mRNA therapeutics and his upbringing in a Sikh family in Germany. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED Labiotech.eu | “Interview Harpreet Singh - Why Being in a New Field From the Start Can Pay Off in the Long Run”, Sep 2019: https://www.labiotech.eu/expert-advice/interview-singh-immatics/ Flot.bio | “Bahija Jallal, Immunocore 🇬🇧 | Commercial, Diversity, and AI | E14”, Mar 2024:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmGke4sRvE Edwin Moses | How to Build Large Biotech Platforms (like Ablynx) | E13: https://youtu.be/oMBcFC3PqyM?si=xTcZF27F0UFjyQhbApex Onco | Immatics’ PRAME gift keeps on giving: https://www.oncologypipeline.com/apexonco/immatics-prame-gift-keeps-giving The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/harpreet-singh-immatics/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:00] PRAME & TCR space [00:12:43] Types of Cell Therapy [00:25:44] Commercialization [00:29:11] Valuations in Gene Therapy [00:33:17] Fundraising with Dievini and Struengmann [00:43:46] Sikh origin [00:48:31] Expanding to the US [00:53:59] PhD to CEO [00:59:21] Quickfire [01:03:01] Thanks for listening | |||
| Marina Udier, Nouscom 🇨🇭 | Cancer Vaccines, Neoantigens | E21 | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:19:52 | |
We’re in Basel 🇨🇭 with the CEO of Nouscom, one of the top EU immuno-oncology biotechs in the cancer vaccine space, Marina Udier.We talked about cancer vaccines and Nouscom’s platform. We also discussed the importance of focus for success and her career.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERMarina was recommended to me by one of her investors. She has an inspiring story, growing up in Croatia, going to the US, and making it all the way to be one of the 11% of female CEOs of biotechs in Europe in 2024. Now she is the CEO of Nouscom, but prior she was the Operating Principal at Versant Ventures, as well as holding top-level positions at Novartis Pharma, and McKinsey & Company.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Moderna and Merck Announce mRNA-4157/V940, an Investigational Personalized mRNA Cancer Vaccine, in Combination with KEYTRUDA(R) (pembrolizumab), Met Primary Efficacy Endpoint in Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 Trial - ****https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2022/Moderna-and-Merck-Announce-mRNA-4157V940-an-Investigational-Personalized-mRNA-Cancer-Vaccine-in-Combination-with-KEYTRUDAR-pembrolizumab-Met-Primary-Efficacy-Endpoint-in-Phase-2b-KEYNOTE-942-Trial/default.aspx?os=vb&ref=app- Agnete Fredriksen, Nykode | Being one of the top 50 women in 🇪🇺 bio | E07 - https://flot.bio/episode/agnete-fredriksen-top-women-bio/- BioNTech to Present Clinical Data Updates Across mRNA and Immunomodulatory Oncology Portfolio at ESMO Congress 2024 - https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/biontech-present-clinical-data-updates-across-mrna-and- Nouscom Raises €67.5 Million ($72 Million) In Oversubscribed Series C Financing Round - https://nouscom.com/2023/11/14/nouscom-raises-e67-5-million-72-million-in-oversubscribed-series-c-financing-round-2-2/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/marina-udier-nouscom-cancer-vaccines/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.[🎙️](https://x.com/FlotBio) ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:02:18] Cancer vaccines & Nouscom- [00:10:39] Bioinformatics algorithm- [00:15:16] Hype cycle in cancer vaccines- [00:26:04] $72M series C- [00:33:35] Managing a biotech board- [00:42:22] Personal story of Marina Udier- [00:48:17] Transition from Novartis- [00:54:00] Luck and timing in biotech- [00:56:10] Headwinds, Tailwinds- [00:58:13] Finding focus with a small team- [01:06:33] Gender diversity in biotech- [01:16:01] Quick fire- [01:18:37] Thanks for listening | |||
| Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmune 🇬🇧 | Tecelra, TCR Cell Therapy, Solid Tumors | E22 | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:54:29 | |
We’re online with Adrian Rawcliffe, the CEO of Adaptimmune, the TCR cell therapy company behind the first engineered cell therapy for solid tumors that was approved for a rare form of sarcoma. We talked about Tecelra's commercial rollout. We also talked about what's next in cell therapy, and Philly Cheesesteak vs Fish and Chips. — — — Thank you to today’s sponsor, Merck, who can support your antibody drug discovery. Learn more and claim a cool antibody pin here: https://bit.ly/3AhZFUA — — — ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Adrian Rawcliffe has been in the biopharma industry for over 20 years and has worked in high positions for companies such as GSK. Adrian has been with Adaptimmune for almost 10 years, serving as CFO before becoming the CEO in 2019. I didn’t know him personally but have heard and seen great things about him. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - US FDA approves Adaptimmune's therapy for rare type of cancer: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-approves-adaptimmunes-gene-therapy-rare-cancer-2024-08-02/ - Adaptimmune Receives U.S. FDA Accelerated Approval of TECELRA® (afamitresgene autoleucel), the First Approved Engineered Cell Therapy for a Solid Tumor: https://www.adaptimmune.com/investors-and-media/news-center/press-releases/detail/271/adaptimmune-receives-u-s-fda-accelerated-approval-of - Galapagos selects Adaptimmune T-cell therapy for $665M biobucks collab: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/galapagos-selects-adaptimmune-t-cell-therapy-665m-biobucks-collab - FDA approves Iovance's Amtagvi as first T-cell therapy for a solid tumor: https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/fda-approves-iovances-amtagvi-first-cell-therapy-solid-tumor - Fireside Chat with Adrian Rawcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of Adaptimmune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=AWIbHOJ1nUI&t=1121s - Afamitresgene autoleucel for advanced synovial sarcoma and myxoid round cell liposarcoma (SPEARHEAD-1): an international, open-label, phase 2 trial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00319-2/abstract - Adaptimmune's CEO discusses last night's FDA accelerated approval of TECELRA, a TCR-based engineered cell therapy for synovial sarcoma: https://www.biotechtv.com/post/adaptimmune-august-2-2024 - Adrian’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrawcliffe/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/adrian-rawcliffe-adaptimmune/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introducing Adrian Rawcliffe [00:02:35] Commercial rollout of Tecelra, the first engineered cell therapy for solid tumors [00:07:35] The limits of TCR Cell Therapy [00:13:54] Market access in Europe [00:15:36] Peak sales projections [00:21:34] Next steps into 2025 [00:22:23] Rich History of Adaptimmune [00:28:47] GSK and transitioning to Biotech [00:35:54] BD & Partnering (or why not partner)[00:44:47] The Future of Cell Therapy: When will Allogeneic and In Vivo Therapies be on the Market? [00:48:43] Quick fire with Adrian Rawcliffe[00:50:20] Thanks for listening | |||
| Szabolcs Nagy, Turbine 🇭🇺 | AI in Biotech, Simulation | E23 [Sponsored] | 11 Nov 2024 | 01:04:44 | |
We’re in Budapest with Szabolcs Nagy, the founder of Turbine, one of the leading companies for AI in biotech in the world.We talked about AI in biotech at large. We also cover the differences between opening a platform versus doing proprietary drug development and building the company from central Europe. __This episode is sponsored by Turbine, which can improve your drug development. Learn more at https://shorturl.at/w3Im6__⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERI’ve known Szabolcs since 2017 when he joined Bayer’s accelerator in Berlin. I found him incredibly inspiring back then and still to this day. Szabi began his serial entrepreneurship with the creation of a cybersecurity startup. Once that was acquired, he launched himself into the biotech scene with the founding of Turbine in 2015.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Accenture's Investment in Turbine Enhances AI-Powered Cell Simulations for Biopharma R&D: https://www.biopharmatrend.com/post/806-accentures-investment-in-turbine-enhances-ai-powered-cell-simulations-for-biopharma-rd/- After a tough year, Exscientia folds into Recursion to create an AI superpower: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/after-tough-year-exscientia-folds-recursion-create-ai-super-power📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/szabolcs-nagy-ai/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:47] AI in Biotech [00:09:03] Open platform vs proprietary drug development [00:29:09] Pricing and value of AI technology in biotech [00:38:19] Working with the average biotech [00:42:42] History of Turbine and Szabolcs Nagy [00:53:36] Data-driven drug development [00:58:04] Quickfire | |||
| Lovisa Afzelius, Flagship Pioneering 🇸🇪 | Company building, AI | E24 | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:59:16 | |
In our first episode recorded live in front of an audience, we’re with Lovisa Afzelius, the General Partner of the European branch of Flagship Pioneering 🇸🇪We talk about Flagship, including its EU activities. We also talk about company-building and Lovisa’s personal journey to be one of the leading Swedish leaders in biotech.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERLovisa is an icon in the EU biotech and pharma world, having been a CEO, co-founder, president, board chairman, and executive director in many emerging companies. Joining Flagship in 2020, she became the founding CEO of Alltrna, and co-founded/CEO of Apriori Bio, Metaphore Biotechnologies, and Prologue Medicines. Lovisa has received many accolades. A few include being listed on Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 250 List in 2024, 2023 she featured in the PharmaVoice 100 list of life science industry leaders. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- tRNA therapies, Lovisa Afzelius, Founding CEO, Theonie Anastassiadis, Co-founder & CIO, Alltrna: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JaGad1YednEhExnK4Xl2L?si=7G65_6u_TyeB3Rmn5hzZYw&nd=1&dlsi=4f17dae5cf3f4306- Agnete Fredriksen, Nykode | Being one of the top 50 women in 🇪🇺 Bio | E07: https://flot.bio/episode/agnete-fredriksen-top-women-bio/- Flagship Pioneering website: https://www.flagshippioneering.com/- Otello Stampacchia, Omega Funds 🇮🇹 | Competition, Boston & Pasta | E18: https://flot.bio/episode/otello-stampacchia-omega-funds/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/lovisa-afzelius-flagship-pioneering/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:08] Flagship Pioneering and their EU biotech initiatives[00:06:18] Being creative in many biotech spheres[00:08:37] Why invest 50m in first seed Series A every time?[00:11:42] The Flagship Pioneering business model: invest early[00:15:57] VC-created vs founder-led biotechs[00:17:46] Raising one of the largest biotech funds[00:19:19] Flagship Pioneering’s biggest returns[00:22:36] AI & biotech[00:26:31] What does success mean to Flagship Pioneering[00:29:20] How to help biotech spinoffs grow and advice for women to be biotech leaders [00:34:03] How to move from computational to translation sciences & bring drugs to market faster[00:37:14] What can the EU learn from the US to create biotechs[00:40:36] How do you bridge the gap between biotech company creation in the US vs EU[00:43:07] Lessons for an early-stage biotech career[00:47:18] How to attract the best biotech talent[00:48:38] Moving to Boston[00:52:13] Quickfire[00:55:41] Thanks for listening | |||
| Gunilla Osswald, BioArctic 🇸🇪 | Leqembi, Alzheimer’s disease | E26 | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:54:25 | |
We’re at BIO-Europe in Stockholm 🇸🇪 with Gunilla Osswalld, the CEO of BioArctic, the inventor of one of the only drugs that have worked for Alzheimer's. We talked about the science and business behind Leqembi. We also talked about the Alzheimer’s field at large and transitioning from big pharma to biotech. — — — Thank you to today’s sponsor, Turbine, who is organizing a free Techbio event at JPM25 and is inviting you to join. Click the link to RSVP and secure one of the limited spots: https://www.turbine.ai/jpm25-event-registration — — — ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gunilla joined BioArctic in 2013 after many successful years in executive positions at Astra/AstraZeneca, including Vice President for the product portfolio of neurodegenerative diseases. Since joining BioArctic, the largest Swedish biotech, Leqembi, one of the only successful drugs for Alzheimer’s was approved. This was an invention of BioArctic that Eisai and Biogen have commercialized. This is a particularly impressive feat considering 98% of Alzheimer’s drugs fail. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- - The CEO of BioArctic talks Leqembi and what's next in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and more: https://www.biotechtv.com/post/bioarctic-gunilla-osswald-september-21-2024 - Roche sees rapid amyloid clearing in Alzheimer's study, adjusts protocol after patient death: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/roche-sees-rapid-amyloid-clearing-early-alzheimers-study - Edwin Moses | How to build large biotech platforms | E13: https://flot.bio/episode/edwin-moses-biotech-platforms/ - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/gunilla-osswald-bioarctic-alzheimers/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:24] Leqembi and BioArctic [00:10:40] Side effects of Leqembi for Alzheimer's treatment [00:17:03] Passing the blood-brain barrier for better Alzheimer's treatments [00:21:00] Market access for Leqembi in Europe [00:27:03] Gunilla Osswald's commitment to patients [00:31:55] Leaving AstraZeneca, transitioning to biotech [00:38:42] Unique culture at BioArctic [00:42:26] Alzheimer's field in Europe and at large [00:48:20] Quickfire [00:53:42] Thanks for listening | |||
| Sean Marett 🇩🇪 | BioNTech, Art of Dealmaking | E25 | 02 Dec 2024 | 01:14:55 | |
We’re in Hamburg with Sean Marett, who has been instrumental to the success of BioNTech for 12 years. We talked about the secrets behind BioNTech’s success. We also talked about the art of dealmaking and working with China. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Sean joined BioNTech in 2012 as part of the Management Board. He was instrumental in the growth of the company and global expansion through business development and product commercialization. Prior to BioNTech Sean worked in top companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Evotec, and Lorantis. I first met Sean in 2015 in Berlin, when BioNTech had no website, but was already the largest private biotech in Europe. Now Sean has retired from BioNTech after 12 years but still aids the company as a specialist consultant. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - BioNTech Announces Planned Retirement of Sean Marett: https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/biontech-announces-planned-retirement-sean-marett - BioNTech pays $800M to take control of potential Keytruda killer: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biontech-pays-800m-take-control-potential-keytruda-killer - Sean Marett, COO at BioNTech, on the Future of mRNA Therapies - 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zrDKRvsAEU - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sean-marett-biontech-dealmaking/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 15k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS - [00:00:00] Intro - [00:01:45] Sean Marett stepping down as CBO of BioNTech - [00:05:10] From Pfizer to BioNTech - [00:15:28] Building a biotech in Mainz - [00:29:02] The art of biotech dealmaking - [00:45:29] Mistakes in dealmaking - [00:57:45] Biotech dealmaking in China - [01:04:25] Managing energy - [01:08:17] Quickfire - [01:13:57] Thanks for listening | |||
| Thomas Ybert, DNA Script 🇫🇷 | DNA Printing & Synthesis | E27 | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:58:36 | |
We’re online 🇫🇷 with Thomas Ybert, the co-founder of DNA Script, the leading biotech for DNA printing of oligos. We talked about the commercialization of the first DNA printer. We also talked about company building at large and how to expand to the US successfully. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER At just 30 years old, Thomas Ybert co-founded DNA Script in 2014 in Paris. Previously he worked in R&D at Sanofi before joining Total in the New Energies Division where he contributed to the bio jet-fuel project in collaboration with Amyris. It was here he developed his passion for manufacturing synthetic DNA which moved him from the world of academic research to a startup. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-ybert-dna-script-dna-printing/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Mathias Uhlen 🇸🇪 | Entrepreneurial Scientist, 26 times | E28 | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:49:25 | |
We’re online 🇸🇪 with Mathias Uhlen, one of the best entrepreneurial scientists in Europe. We talked about the entrepreneurial mindset in academia. We also talked about AI for biology and why he doesn’t believe in the current anti-ageing drugs. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Looking at the career of Mathias Uhlen can only leave you feeling impressed. He has co-founded or invested in 26 startups while having published over 800 papers, and creating the Human Protein Atlas, one of the most successful biology projects ever. He was also the Founding Director of Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), a national project with the Swedish government to help technology and data-driven research in support of European life science research. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - New innovation award celebrates entrepreneurs who have taken on big challenges: https://www.kth.se/en/om/nyheter/centrala-nyheter/nytt-innovationspris-hyllar-entreprenoren-som-tar-sig-an-stora-utmaningar-1.1049278 - Jens Nielsen, BII | How to make translation of life science research work | E12: https://flot.bio/episode/jens-nielsen-translation-of-life-science-research/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/mathias-uhlen-entrepreneur/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS - [00:00:00] Intro - [00:02:05] How Mathias Uhlen co-founded 26 startups - [00:10:55] Entrepreneurial mindset - [00:15:10] Entrepreneurial scientist in Europe - [00:18:43] Developing tools for research in biotech - [00:20:53] Human Protein Atlas - [00:24:55] AI for biology and AlphaCell - [00:34:35] Lessons for younger academics - [00:37:24] Combination of tech and biology - [00:40:57] False promises of anti-ageing - [00:44:48] Quickfire - [00:48:35] Thanks for listening | |||
| Philipp Baaske, NanoTemper 🇩🇪 | Bootstrapping in Biotech | E29 [Sponsored] | 19 Mar 2025 | 01:11:11 | |
We’re in Munich with Philipp Baaske, one of the best life science tool founders in Europe. We talked about the lessons of building this life science tools business, specialized in protein interactions. We also talked about the difficulties and rewards of entrepreneurship and the impact of life science tools. ___ This episode is sponsored by NanoTemper Technologies, which performs protein characterization. Learn more at https://bit.ly/flotbio_nanotemper ___ ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Philipp Baaske, a German biophysicist, co-founded NanoTemper Technologies in 2008 with Stefan Duhr. He earned his PhD from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, specializing in biophysics. Baaske pioneered MicroScale Thermophoresis, advancing drug discovery research. He was Co-CEO for 16 years before becoming Executive Chairman in 2024. An award-winning innovator, he supports biotech and entrepreneurship as a business angel. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/philipp-baaske-nanotemper-boostrapping-biotech/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Christoph Broja, EQT 🇩🇪🇳🇱 | #1 European Biotech VC, LSP Marriage, ADCs | E30 | 01 Apr 2025 | 01:02:10 | |
We’re in Munich 🇩🇪 with Cristoph Broja, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, the top venture capital firm in Europe.We talk about his lessons up until becoming a partner at the firm. We also talk about how to invest in hot areas such as obesity or ADCs, and the importance of being curious. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Cristoph Broja has been a Partner at EQT Life Sciences since 2022. Prior to this, he found himself in a myriad of biotechs, such as being part of the investment team of the Boston-based Gurnet Point Capital, as well as B-Flexion Capital in London. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19: https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/ - Claudia Ulbrich, Cardior 🇩🇪 | Being the Founder of a Rare €1B Exit | E15: https://flot.bio/episode/claudia-ulbrich-cardior/ - René Kuijten, Head of EQT Life Sciences, on BioStock: [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rené-kuijten-b503a1_collaboration-startups-investors-ugcPost-7293582558116663297-9Q-M](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ren%C3%A9-kuijten-b503a1_collaboration-startups-investors-ugcPost-7293582558116663297-9Q-M?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXuQREBNiVcFS8XPp62vaHeZfMBR6F5yK0) 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/christoph-broja-eqt-vc/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS - [00:00:00] Intro - [00:01:51] Becoming partner at EQT Life Sciences - [00:02:48] Getting to the top in biotech without a life science degree - [00:10:40] Moving back to Europe - [00:13:19] Investments in ADCs, Tubulis, Cardior - [00:28:28] LSP 7, biggest venture fund in Europe - [00:35:07] Observing the Chinese biotech scene very closely - [00:39:05] Marriage between LSP and EQT - [00:48:41] Focus on M&A vs IPO - [00:59:17] Quickfire | |||
| Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma 🇩🇰 | Biopharma Turnaround | E31 | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:50:47 | |
We’re in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 with Christophe Bourdon, the CEO who turned a 116-year-old biopharma company from the brink of failure to success.We discuss the lessons behind the turnaround, innovation in dermatology, especially biologicals and I&I, and living in eight different countries. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Christophe Bourdon came to be CEO of LEO Pharma in 2022, where he was tasked with the massive assignment of transforming the financially failing company into a success. Luckily, he had gained experience in roles of increasing leadership importance in many EU biotech companies, Sanofi, Amgen, and Alexion, as well as leading the smaller biotech, Orphazyme A/S, as their CEO. No,w Leo Pharma is in the green. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits (“smoothly”) | E09: https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/ - Jens Nielsen, BII | How to make translation of life science research work | E12: https://flot.bio/episode/jens-nielsen-translation-of-life-science-research/ - On the Origin of Species: Charles Darwin: https://tinyurl.com/2nbhkecs - Gilead roars into JPM25, inking $1.7B inflammation deal with Leo Pharma: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/gilead-roars-jpm25-250m-upfront-research-deal-leo-pharma - Homepage LEO Pharma, history and pipeline: http://leo-pharma.com/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/christophe-bourdon-leo-pharma-biopharma/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:54] Turnaround of LEO Pharma [00:08:47] Current products at LEO Pharma [00:17:28] STAT6 Protein Degrader, deal with Gilead [00:23:34] Immunology & Inflammation is hot [00:28:26] Pipeline of LEO Pharma & Dealmaking [00:38:20] Finance & IPO [00:45:03] Living & working in 8 countries [00:48:17] Quickfire | |||
| Joris Pezzini, Alira Health | Hottest Biotech Insights | E32 [Sponsored] | 22 Apr 2025 | 01:10:41 | |
We’re in Barcelona 🇪🇸 with Joris Pezzini from Alira Health to discuss the hottest biotech insights right now, including obesity, I&I, radiopharmaceuticals and ADCs. --- This episode is sponsored by Alira Health, an advisor and clinical development partner for life sciences companies. Learn more at https://bit.ly/alirahealth-flotbio-1 --- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Joris Pezzini has been in the biotech world for over 15 years. Before joining Alira Health in 2019, he had worked in some top pharma and biotech companies across the US, UK and France, including UCB, LFB, and Bionest Partners. Through this combo of roles as a Biopharma executive in start-ups, mid-sized, pharma, and consulting firms, Joris has a good eye on the industry with a wealth of experience and knowledge. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Roche pads out obesity pipeline, paying Zealand $1.6B upfront to codevelop amylin asset: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/roche-fattens-obesity-pipeline-paying-zealand-165b-upfront-co-develop-amylin-asset - Medicine 3.0: What It Is and Why You Need It - Hone Health: https://honehealth.com/edge/medicine-3-0-peter-attia/ - Why ADCs and Radiopharmaceuticals Are Big Pharma’s New Obsession: https://flot.bio/adcs-radiopharmaceuticals-alira-health/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/joris-pezzini-alira-health-biotech-trend/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS - [00:00:00] Intro - [00:02:17] Hottest biotech industry trends according to Joris Pezzini - [00:11:14] Medicine 3.0 - [00:13:22] ADCs and Radiopharmaceuticals - [00:17:00] The “end” of the blockbuster model - [00:20:35] Challenges to raise money - [00:27:41] Transatlantic & China - [00:33:04] The success story of Alira - [00:44:50] Investing in real-world evidence and AI - [00:48:53] Background in bioprocessing - [00:58:20] Bridging biotech and healthy lifestyle - [01:05:42] Quickfire | |||
| Daniela Marino, CUTISS 🇨🇭 | Skin Tissue Therapeutics, TechBio | E33 [Sponsored] | 05 May 2025 | 01:06:13 | |
We’re online with Daniela Marino, CEO and co-founder of one of the best companies in Europe for tissue therapeutics, CUTISS.We discussed the story behind CUTISS and its current series C fundraising. We also discussed cell therapy in general and why kids are good at preventing burnout.---This episode is sponsored by CUTISS, the only TechBio company in the advanced clinical stage of developing skin tissue therapies. Learn how you can support CUTISS on its path to Series C success: https://bit.ly/flotbio-cutiss---⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERIn 2023, Daniela Marino was named as one of the 30 Rising Leaders in the healthcare industry, thanks to the impact of CUTISS, the company she co-founded as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Here, she and her team have made waves for people suffering from severe skin injuries and defects through regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and skin pigmentation.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- CUTISS Homepage (technology, about us): [https://cutiss.swiss](https://cutiss.swiss/)- CUTISS Deck Series C: https://cutiss.swiss/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CUTISS-AG-Teaser-Q1-2025_Series-C.pdf- Thomas Ybert, DNA Script 🇫🇷 | DNA Printing & Synthesis | E27: https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-ybert-dna-script-dna-printing/- Ingmar Hoerr, CureVac | Founding a €20B Biotech | E03: https://flot.bio/episode/ingmar-hoerr-curevac-founding-a-20b-biotech-and-almost-dying-as-ceo/- Giammaria Giuliani profile https://www.forbes.com/profile/giammaria-giuliani/- Hansjorg Wyss profile - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansjörg_Wyss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansj%C3%B6rg_Wyss)📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/daniela-marino-cutiss-skin-tissue-therapeutics/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:41] Story of CUTISS[00:04:47] Positive Phase 2 Data[00:16:03] Raising a Series C[00:26:34] Next steps for CUTISS[00:31:46] Cell Therapy and Tissue Therapy landscape[00:42:36] US Biotech Market[00:45:12] TechBio, Hardware and Automation[00:50:58] Kids preventing burnout[00:54:18] Daniela Marino, Academic and Female Founder[01:01:10] Quickfire | |||
| Chris Martin, Verona Pharma 🇬🇧 | Ohtuvayre, COPD, Execution | E34 | 26 May 2025 | 00:55:24 | |
We’re online with Chris Martin, COO of the 6th most valuable biotech in Europe, Verona Pharma. Their amazing story sees them bring a fully-owned respiratory drug to market and multiply its valuation by 120x within the last 5 years (from $50M to $6B today) 💸We talk about the commercial rollout of Ohtuvayre, Verona’s drug. We also discuss the British roots of the company and why execution is the most important in biotech.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERChris Martin joined Verona Pharma as their COO in 2020. He’s at the helm of Verona’s commercial strategy, driving the company’s progress in respiratory medicine. Before Verona, Chris played a key role as Executive Director of Marketing at SK Life Science, where he helped launch the CNS treatment XCOPRI® (cenobamate tablets). He also led the marketing efforts at Cempra, guiding the launch of their first product, and spent a decade at Salix Pharmaceuticals, where he led the Xifaxan® marketing team through its acquisition by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Verona Pharma’s corporate presentation: https://www.veronapharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VRNA-Presentation-May-2025.pdf- Verona website: [http://veronapharma.com](http://veronapharma.com/)- Ohtuvayre website: [http://ohtuvayre.com](http://ohtuvayre.com/)- Q1 2025 results: https://www.veronapharma.com/news/verona-pharma-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results-and-provides-corporate-update/- Royalty pharma website: [https://www.royaltypharma.com](https://www.royaltypharma.com/)- Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmune 🇬🇧 | Tecelra, TCR Cell Therapy | E22: https://flot.bio/episode/adrian-rawcliffe-adaptimmune/- Bahija Jallal, Immunocore 🇬🇧 | Commercial, Diversity, and AI | E14: https://flot.bio/episode/bahija-jallal-immunocore/ - The 25 Most Valuable Biotech Companies in Europe in 2025: https://flot.bio/most-valuable-biotech-companies-europe-2025/ 📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/chris-martin-verona-pharma-copd/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:02:04] Commercial rollout of Ohtuvayre- [00:06:42] Fierce competition in COPD- [00:10:34] UK origins of Verona Pharma- [00:21:24] Strong Clinical data for Chronic Disease Patients- [00:26:01] Reaching Profitability for Verona Pharma- [00:30:58] Chris Martin Joining Verona Pharma- [00:34:51] Execution is Key to Success in Biotech- [00:42:48] How to get to the top in Biotech without a background in science- [00:46:33] Royalty model in Biotech- Quickfire | |||
| Renee Aguiar-Lucander, Hansa Biopharma 🇸🇪 | Immunology, Gene therapy | E36 | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:53:46 | |
Fresh after leading Calliditas Therapeutics through a $1.1B acquisition, Renee Aguiar-Lucander takes us through her new CEO role at Hansa Biopharma 🇸🇪.We learn how Hansa is commercialising Idefirix, its lead product for improving outcomes in kidney transplantation. We also cover the hot area of immunology, the behind-the-scenes story behind Calliditas’ takeover and the complex world of biotech financing.-----Launching a biotech startup? Grab your Biotech Starter Kit through Merck’s New Lab Starter Program and get the tools and support you need from day one: https://bit.ly/biotech-starter-kit----⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERRenee Aguiar-Lucander became the CEO of Hansa Biopharma in April 2025 after a seven-year tenure as CEO of Calliditas Therapeutics, which Asahi Kasei Corporation acquired in September 2024. Before her CEO roles, she also had a long career in healthcare investments with senior roles in funds including Omega Fund Management and 3i Group.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Hansa Biopharma’s Interim Report Q1 April 2025: https://www.hansabiopharma.com/files/Main/1219/4138498/20250423-hnsa--q1-2025-quarterly-report-eng.pdf- The acquisition announcement of Calliditas Therapeutics by Asahi Kasei: https://asahi-kasei.eu/acquire-calliditas-therapeutics-ab/- Hansa Biopharma’s website: https://www.hansabiopharma.com/- Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits ("smoothly") | E09: https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/- Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma 🇩🇰 | Biopharma Turnaround | E31: https://flot.bio/episode/christophe-bourdon-leo-pharma-biopharma/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/renee-aguiar-lucander-hansa/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:02:18] Joining Hansa Biopharma- [00:03:23] How Idefirix works- [00:06:45] Commercialization and competition- [00:15:24] Navigating biotech finances- [00:19:51] Lessons from Calliditas’ exit- [00:27:11] Sofinnova and European crossover funds- [00:41:23] Immunology is hot- [00:44:04] Financing to management- [00:47:54] Women leading biotech- [00:50:20] Quickfire | |||
| Stephane Bancel, Moderna | mRNA Therapeutics, Boston Biotech Mafia, AI Biotech | E35 | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:58:51 | |
We’re with Stephane Bancel, CEO of the US mRNA giant Moderna. The company’s 15-year trajectory has taken it from the startup seed stage to a commercial heavyweight with three mRNA-based products in the market 🧬 We go in-depth into Stephane’s leadership style and background before delving into Moderna’s research and the evolution of the mRNA space. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Stéphane Bancel joined mRNA therapeutics company Moderna as CEO in 2011 and led its efforts to develop a commercial COVID-19 vaccine during the global pandemic in 2020. Prior to this, he held senior roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, including CEO of bioMérieux and Country Manager for Belgium at Eli Lilly. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED - Moderna website: https://www.modernatx.com/ - Moderna partners with OpenAI: http://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2024/Moderna-and-OpenAI-Collaborate-To-Advance-mRNA-Medicine/default.aspx - Ingmar Hoerr, CureVac | Founding a €20B Biotech | E03: https://flot.bio/episode/ingmar-hoerr-curevac-founding-a-20b-biotech-and-almost-dying-as-ceo/ - Harpreet Singh, Immatics 🇩🇪 | PRAME, TCR Based Therapeutics | E20:https://flot.bio/episode/harpreet-singh-immatics/ 📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/stephane-bancel-moderna-mrna/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US - Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio 🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS - [00:00:00] Intro - [00:01:44] Building an effective team - [00:04:10] The Boston biotech mafia - [00:09:10] mRNA as a platform - [00:09:10] mRNA as a platform - [00:12:25] The transition to entrepreneurship - [00:27:31] mRNA pionners - [00:36:32] Innovation at scale - [00:47:12] Beyond vaccines - [00:53:38] AI everywhere - [00:55:16] Quickfire | |||
| Aino Kalervo, TILT Biotherapeutics 🇫🇮 | Immunotherapy, Oncolytic Virus | E37 [Sponsored] | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:49:17 | |
We dive into the world of cutting-edge cancer treatments with Aino Kalervo, Chief Operating Officer of TILT Biotherapeutics and occasional tennis legend in her spare time.TILT recently closed a $25M series B round, backed by leading Finnish investors, to finance the clinical development of its oncolytic virus candidate to supercharge cancer immunotherapies.We also explore the challenging space of oncolytic viruses and the untapped potential of biotech innovation in Finland.______For transparency, this episode has been sponsored by TILT.______⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERAino Kalervo is the Chief Operating Officer of TILT Biotherapeutics, responsible for fundraising and business development. She has also served as the president of TILT’s US affiliate since 2022. Prior to joining TILT, she worked for Sanofi and the French therapeutic vaccine company Theravectys.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- TILT Biotherapeutics’ website: https://tiltbio.com/- TILT’s Series B round: https://tiltbio.com/userassets/uploads/2025/05/TILT-Series-B-press-release-May-2025.pdf- Marina Udier, Nouscom 🇨🇭 | Cancer Vaccines, Neoantigens | E21 - Flot.bio: https://flot.bio/episode/marina-udier-nouscom-cancer-vaccines/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/aino-kalervo-tilt-immunotherapy/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:44] Inside TILT’s $25M series B round[00:04:04] Multi-action oncolytic viruses[00:10:54] Learning from their peers[00:14:07] Phase 1 for melanoma[00:21:14] Collaborations and competitors[00:23:17] From Helsinki to global trials[00:33:03] Finland’s biotech ecosystem[00:39:00] Aino Kalervo’s personal path[00:45:43] Quickfire | |||
| Robin Carr, Myricx Bio 🇬🇧 | New ADC Payloads, London Biotech Startups | E38 | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:58:22 | |
We jet off to Central London to meet Robin Carr, CEO of Myricx Bio, a startup developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat cancer. The team’s idea – using a novel ADC payload inhibiting molecules called N-myristoyltransferases (NMTs) – helped them to bag an impressive £90M ($114M) Series A round in 2024. Robin outlines Myricx’s journey from small molecule antivirals to the booming market of cancer ADCs, and how the transition from big pharma to biotech has been an energising experience for him. -------------------- This episode is sponsored by Kadans. Learn more about Kadans’ London Innovation Centre where life sciences companies grow from start-up to global player: https://bit.ly/kadans-myricxbio -------------------- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robin kicked off his Myricx experience as chief development officer in November 2019, before rising to the CEO seat in August 2022. Before this, he was VP of drug discovery at Astex Therapeutics, before spending more than a decade in research executive roles at GSK. ending up as SVP Drug Design and Selection. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/robin-carr-myricx-bio-adc/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Alex Zhavoronkov, Insilico Medicine | AI Drug Development, Longevity | E39 | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:58:02 | |
We chat about longevity with Alex Zhavoronkov, CEO and founder of the artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Insilico Medicine. Born in Latvia, Alex founded Insilico in 2014, with the company raising a huge $110M Series E round this year. Alex gives us a tour of Insilico’s sprawling pipeline, a blunt rundown of the competitive landscape in AI drug development, and explains how Insilico is navigating the huge challenges faced by longevity-focused startups. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Alex founded Insilico in 2014 after serving in senior roles at ATI Technologies, NeuroGNeuroinformatics, and the Biogerontology Research Foundation. With an academic background in biomedicine and computer technology, he has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, and has bachelor’s degrees from Queen's University, Canada, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, US, and a PhD from Moscow State University, Russia. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/alex-zhavoronkov-insilico-medicine-ai-drug-development-longevity/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Stefano Portolano, Azafaros 🇳🇱 🇨🇭 | Rare Diseases, Small Molecules | E40 | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:18:34 | |
On a trip to Basel, Switzerland, Philip catches up with Stefano Portolano, CEO of the European firm Azafaros. They chat about Azafaros’ massive $147M Series B round in May 2025, which is being used to develop a small molecule treatment for rare diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders.Stefano also explains how rare diseases went in and out of fashion with big pharma, the revival of small molecule drugs relative to gene therapies and biologics, and his extensive experience in big biotech firms.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERWith more than 20 years of experience in orphan diseases under his belt, Stefano Portolano joined Azafaros in 2021. He previously served as Vice President, Strategy & Commercial Operations at Celgene and Head of Europe at Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals.Stefano first received his Doctor of Medicine from Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Italy and carried out research in autoimmunity as an adjunct assistant professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, USA.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Azafaros website - https://www.azafaros.com/- Azafaros Series B round - https://www.azafaros.com/news/azafaros-secures-132m-in-oversubscribed-series-b-financing-to-advance-phase-3-clinical-programs-of-innovative-therapies-in-lysosomal-storage-disorders/l211c14- Joris Pezzini, Alira Health | Hottest Biotech Insights - https://flot.bio/episode/joris-pezzini-alira-health-biotech-trend/- Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits (“smoothly”) - https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/stefano-portolano-azafaros-rare-disease/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:01:45] Azafaros’ origin and $147M B round- [00:04:39] Developing nizubaglustat- [00:11:17] Competition in Niemann-Pick disease type C- [00:18:44] The small molecule revival- [00:24:29] Keeping options open- [00:27:23] Europe’s growing role in biotech investments- [00:30:12] The rare disease fashion- [00:51:20] Getting personal with Stefano Portolano- [01:11:11] Quickfire | |||
| Dragan Grabulovski, Araris 🇨🇭 | ADC Linkers, Replacing Chemotherapy | E41 | 08 Oct 2025 | 01:08:49 | |
Philip meets up with Dragan Grabulovski, CEO of the startup Araris, at Lake Zurich to chat about the company’s work with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).They talk about Araris’ huge $400M upfront buyout by Taiho Pharma of Japan, Dragan’s extensive history as a biotech entrepreneur, and Araris’ vision to replace chemotherapy with ADCs.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERDragan Grabulovski is a co-founder of the startup Araris and became CEO in 2023. He previously worked as a biotech consultant and startup coach in Switzerland. He co-founded the biotech company Covagen in 2007, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2014. Dragan has a Master’s degree and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from ETH Zurich.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Araris’ website: https://www.ararisbiotech.com/- Taiho Pharma acquires Araris: https://www.ararisbiotech.com/docs/250316_250317-araris-taiho-pr.pdf- Robin Carr, Myricx Bio 🇬🇧 | New ADC Payloads, London Biotech Startups | E38: https://flot.bio/episode/robin-carr-myricx-bio-adc/- Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19: https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/- ETH entrepreneurship and terms: https://ethz.ch/staffnet/en/news-and-events/internal-news/archive/2025/07/new-business-creation-regulations-and-equity-and-licensing-policy.html 📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/dragan-grabulovski-araris-adc/💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW US- Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/- X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:02:08] Araris’ acquisition by Taiho Pharma- [00:08:29] Covagen: Dragan Grabulovski’s first exit- [00:12:54] The origins of Araris and its ADC tech- [00:22:14] How to value a technology platform - [00:29:34] The burgeoning ADC market- [00:41:53] ADCs replacing chemotherapy- [00:46:15] The Swiss biotech ecosystem- [01:00:53] Quickfire questions | |||
| Daniela Marino, CUTISS 🇨🇭 | Tissue Engineering, Skin Grafts | E42 [Sponsored] | 13 Oct 2025 | 01:07:40 | |
Hot on the heels of CUTISS’ $60M Series C round, we catch up once more with CEO and co-founder Daniela Marino. We chat about the company’s mission to develop an engineered tissue therapy to reduce the need for skin grafts in patients with severe burns. She also explains the decentralization of tissue manufacturing with automation and the need for perseverance as a founder and CEO. ---This episode is sponsored by CUTISS, the only TechBio company in the advanced clinical stage of developing skin tissue therapies. Learn how you can support CUTISS on its path to Series C success: https://bit.ly/flotbio-cutiss--- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER In 2023, Daniela Marino was named as one of the 30 Rising Leaders in the healthcare industry, thanks to the impact of CUTISS, the company she co-founded as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Here, she and her team have made waves for people suffering from severe skin injuries and defects through regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and skin pigmentation. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/daniela-marino-cutiss-tissue-engineering/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Fabrice Chouraqui, Pharming 🇳🇱 | Transgenic Rabbits, Rare Diseases | E43 | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:54:48 | |
We travel to the offices of Pharming Group in Leiden, the Netherlands, to chat with the newcomer CEO Fabrice Chouraqui. Fabrice discusses the fascinating history of Pharming, with its first commercial drug RUCONEST produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits. He also talks about the growth of Pharming from a protein therapy-focused biotech into a European multi-asset heavyweight, with a market cap of at least €800 million. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Fabrice Chouraqui has been the CEO of Pharming Group since March 2024. Prior to this, he was a CEO-Partner at the US biotech venture capital firm Flagship Pioneering as well as CEO of the Flagship portfolio company Cellarity. He also served at Novartis and Bristol-Myers-Squibb for 10 years each, with his career beginning in R&D at pharmaceutical companies that were predecessors to today’s Sanofi. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/fabrice-chouraqui-pharming-transgenic-rabbit/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Gerrit Sitters, LUMICKS 🇳🇱 | CAR-T therapy, Single-Cell Analysis | E44 [Sponsored] | 29 Oct 2025 | 01:24:33 | |
As Philip tours Amsterdam, he visits the biotech tools startup LUMICKS. Founded in 2014, the firm offers products analyzing the binding interactions between molecules and cells, with applications in drug development, CAR-T therapies, and manufacturing. Philip sits down with co-founder Gerrit Sitters to discuss the company’s trajectory, the cyclic biotech investment market, and lessons from spinning the firm out from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. ---Explore how LUMICKS' technology helps develop biologics and cell therapies with unique cell avidity data — http://bit.ly/lumicks--- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gerrit co-founded LUMICKS in 2014 following a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and co-invented the technology behind LUMICKS’ main products. Gerrit now serves as Head of Product, where he aims to deploy the company’s products to tackle challenges in the life sciences. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/gerrit-sitters-lumicks-car-t-therapy/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Laurent Levy, Nanobiotix 🇫🇷 | Nanoparticles, Radiotherapy | E45 | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:50:03 | |
As Philip travels to France, Nanobiotix CEO Laurent Lévy discusses how the company broke into Europe’s exclusive $1 billion biotech club, alongside the likes of Abivax and Medincell. They also chat about what it means to partner with giants like Johnson & Johnson, and how Laurent’s leadership style has evolved over his long tenure. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERLaurent Lévy co-founded Nanobiotics in 2003 and has served as CEO ever since. Before this, he worked in a variety of roles with companies including Altran Technologies, Valbiotis and Sanofi.He has a doctorate in nanomaterials-focused physical chemistry from the Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/laurent-levy-nanobiotix-nanoparticles-radiotherapy/ 💸 DONATEWe welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Marc de Garidel, Abivax 🇫🇷 | Ulcerative Colitis, Inflammation | E46 | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:53:40 | |
When Abivax released stunning phase 3 results for ulcerative colitis, its 600% stock price surge froze Euronext for 45 minutes. Philip meets Abivax CEO Marc de Garidel in Vienna, Austria, to go behind the scenes of a remarkable biotech turnaround. Marc discusses the processes involved in executing the phase 3 trial that beat even Abivax’s own phase 2 data. He also talks about France’s biotech ecosystem and the importance of having the right team. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Marc de Garidel joined Abivax as CEO in 2023. Prior to this, he led two biotech companies through billion-dollar exits (CinCor Pharma and Corvidia Therapeutics). He also served as CEO of Ipsen from 2010 to 2016, and has worked at the likes of Amgen and Eli Lilly. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Thomas Lingelbach, Valneva | Vaccines, Lyme Disease | E47 | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:44:27 | |
Valneva now has three commercialized vaccines, and a Lyme disease candidate in Phase 3. Philip quizzes CEO Thomas Lingelbach about everything. They also discuss the current political turbulence with vaccines, especially in the US, and how it is impacting the industry. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER A veteran in the development of more than ten vaccines, Thomas has spent over 30 years in the vaccine space and has served in senior roles at the companies Intercell, Novartis and Chiron. Thomas was with Intercell since 2006 and was the CEO when the company merged with Vivalis to form Valneva in 2013. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-lingelbach-valneva-vaccines/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ Timestamps
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| Werner Lanthaler 🇦🇹 | Biopharma AI, CDMO, Antibody Optimization | E48 | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:59:34 | |
Why have early AI drug-discovery companies often overpromised but underdelivered? Biology is still complex and hard to solve, Werner told Philip in Vienna.We revisit Werner in Vienna after he left Evotec and went on a sabbatical in 2024. We talk about his new missions as FairJourney CEO and founder of WLAN Holdings, and discuss the global CDMO scene and Europe’s competitivity in biotech.And while it's still early days yet, we find out AI will transform the way we work in biopharma going forward, with new generations of companies shaping their business models around it. ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Werner is the new CEO of FairJourney Biologics and invests with his holding. He served as CEO of Evotec from 2009 to 2024, expanding the company’s revenues and workforce. Prior to this, he was the CFO of Intercell in Austria for nine years. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-biopharma-ai/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Pascal Touchon 🇫🇷 | Cell Therapy, Jeito, Kymriah | E49 | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:14:33 | |
Pascal Touchon unpacks why the next CAR-T innovations, including allogeneic and in vivo therapies, are going to be so exciting. The cell therapy master outlines his central role in bringing two first‑in‑class cell therapies to patients: Kymriah, the first approved CAR‑T, and Ebvallo, the first approved allogeneic T‑cell therapy. We also explore his new position as an operating partner at Jeito and how we need to work harder to find Europe’s hidden biotech gems. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Get expert legal advisory support for growing your biotech from Osborne Clarke at https://bit.ly/oc-flotbio ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER With many years of experience in big pharma, Pascal had top-level positions at Novartis Oncology. He later served as CEO, and most recently Chairman, of Atara Biotherapeutics. Alongside his Jeito role, he sits on the boards of companies including Ipsen, Medincell, Catalym, Xylocor and CDR-Life. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/pascal-touchon-jeito/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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| Alessandro Riva, Transgene | Cancer Vaccines, Oncolytic Viruses | E50 | 12 Jan 2026 | 01:05:36 | |
Founded in 1979, Transgene has transformed itself into a leading personalized cancer vaccine player. Alessandro talks about the transformation, his history in cell therapy and how Europe’s biotech space can rival those of the US and China. --- Learn more about Transgene: https://bit.ly/tg_flotbio --- ⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER Alessandro became Transgene’s CEO in 2023 after joining in 2022 as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also played a key role in Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma and the regulatory approval of the CAR-T therapy Yescarta. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/alessandro-riva-transgene-cancer-vaccines/ 💸 DONATE We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme ⭐️ SPONSORSHIP Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts! 🫶 FOLLOW US
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS
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