What does it really take to build a successfulbiotech? From addressing unmet medical needs, securing investor backing and reaching critical value inflection points, to navigating acquisitions and building a company positioned for long-term success, there’s a delicate balance to strike between science and finance.
On the latest Off-Label With Altasciences, host Lisa Sanford is joined by James Mackay, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Crystalys Therapeutics Inc., to unpack where biotech stands today—and what could define its next chapter.
With James’ takes on the pressures of fundraising, growing impact of AI, and realities of leadership, it’s time to peel back the label on the business of biotech.
(00:00) - Introduction: The state of biotech
(01:15) - Meet James Mackay: From scientist to biotech CEO
(03:04) - The motivation behind bringing drugs to patients
(05:47) - Is the biotech industry rebounding?
(10:57) - The reality of biotech funding
(15:32) - What investors look for in a biotech
(19:22) - Reaching critical value inflection points
(23:40) - Finding the right investors and partners
(27:43) - Innovation, competition, and choosing where to play
(32:38) - The revival of biotech M&A
(34:39) - The patent cliff and its impact on biotech
(41:11) - How AI could accelerate drug development
(43:15) - What happens after a biotech is acquired?
(46:50) - Lightning Round: biotech, leadership, and career lessons
(50:04) - What the ciotech industry needs next
(50:35) - Supporting innovation through the Connect Foundation
(54:58) - Bold predictions for the future of biotech
(55:53) - AI-native biotech and the next 5–10 years
(58:06) - Closing thoughts