Joanne Gere

If you want a glimpse into new ways to commercialize science and solve health challenges, specifically as it relates to women's health, this episode is for you. There is so much I learned from speaking with the brilliant Laura Minquini!

9

Aubrey de Grey & Peter Fedichev debated whether rejuvenation (reversal of biological age) is possible or not, 2024/5/27 https://lnkd.in/gasHcMhB My summary, personal take, & 3 suggested topics for further discussion: Background Peter published papers reportedly showing rejuvenation to be impossible. Aubrey's plan to defeat aging is well known to be a rejuvenation plan. The discussion made clear that they agree on many things & helpfully clarified Peter's position. Summary of the most important stuff: Both unashamedly say extreme progress vs aging is their goal, not only small healthspan extension or squaring the curve. Aubrey did not prove that rejuvenation is possible nor did Peter prove that it is impossible. Peter distinguishes 2 kinds of molecular damage that need to be reversed for rejuvenation: (A) Non-random damage that increases exponentially w/ aging & has strong correlations eg across cells/tissues/organs. This includes most well-known damage types that Aubrey & SENS typically discuss, eg senescent cells, lipofuscin, AGE crosslinks, etc. (B) Uncorrelated random damage that accumulates linearly, eg DNA mutations & epi-mutations, but not only these. He called this "configurational entropy" in analogy with a physics concept. Repairing this damage type requires undoing each individual change in each place (eg each cell) which is harder because each cell's random changes differ, so there's no simple enzyme or therapy for performing the same molecular change everywhere. The crux of Peter's pessimism about rejuvenation is that restoring every part of the body to its pristine pre-random-changes state is too hard. Aubrey thinks that epigenetic reprogramming (eg OSKM) strongly hints that this problem can be solved. Their overall positions are not as far apart as the hype & coverage of Peter's earlier papers suggest. Peter admits that biology is physics & the ability to manipulate molecules well enough in some distant future will enable full rejuvenation. His claim of impossibility refers specifically to a very short time scale of near future (he said initially 5 years, plus 10yrs for testing before availability). IIRC, he admitted that 100+ years is hard to predict, so the pessimism seems to be limited to achieving reversal of this type of damage within somewhere between 5 & 100 years, but that's enough for Peter to think that less effort should be devoted to damage repair & more to radically slowing aging. Aubrey thinks full damage repair is possible soon enough that it should have a big concerted effort behind it (as he has long advocated), so not only not be abandoned but should get increasing resources. Aubrey however admits that it's largely unknown how quickly certain levels of effectiveness can be achieved with this approach. Both in fact admit large levels of uncertainty with many remaining empirical unknowns & seem happy to have further conversations. My personal take & 3 suggested topics for further discussion in comments...

46

12 Comments

Well this is a big frickin' deal! The latest Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) program (funded throught the Biden Cancer Moonshot Program) is for an AT-HOME-MCED test 🤯🤯🤯 The program is being led by Ross Uhrich from Walter Reed Medical Center & the USUHS (fantastic institution by the way, I've worked with them). These programs are a big deal, particularly in VC Dx hard times - a recent ARPA-H program was funded for a total of $150M with individual grants of $20M-$30M. Great non-dilutive way to fund a newco! Article from Politico attached: "What the agency doesn’t want: another $1,000 cancer test that nobody uses." (poor GRAIL that's just plain mean 🤣) Here's the draft proposal (great read!): https://lnkd.in/gy_6w97t "POSEIDON aims to identify cancers at a stage when the tumors are more responsive and less costly to treat, thus saving lives and money for Americans. POSEIDON will develop sensors and synthetic reporters to be administered at home that can detect early-stage cancer with unmatched sensitivity and specificity. The synthetic reporters are shed in urine or breath and detected with a low-cost device that integrates telemedicine with user-friendly hardware and, if necessary, provides patients and clinicians a path forward follow-up diagnosis and care." "To accomplish this, POSEIDON builds upon two key disciplines: (1) Synthetic biology, which allows for engineering of cell-free and cell-based circuits with sophisticated sensing, signal analysis, and signal output functions, and (2) Multi-omic tumor profiling efforts, which combine genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, volatilomics, and metabolomics to decipher features of tumor molecular landscapes." Critical IMO is the requirement for multiomics: reaching the sensitivity and specificity required by MCED clearly requires far higher performance than can come from a single omic 👏👏👏 In person Proposer's Day September 4th: https://lnkd.in/gwJffZh6 (lots of interesting information including "must have" and "optional" cancer targets) Teaming page: https://lnkd.in/g_6eZfBm Good chance for any smaller companies (e.g. an 'omics startup) to team up with a prime like Battelle to provide a sub-component for a few million. You can see who's already expressed interesting, including: Tufts University, Verily, Velsera, Battelle, University of Washington, University of Michigan, Boston Scientific, New York University, UCLA, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (now that's ironic 🤣)

210

11 Comments

As MassBio releases its 5-year strategic plan today, I'm thrilled to share key insights from my recent podcast conversation with Jason Cordeiro, Chief Operating and Innovation Officer. I had no idea about some of these programs, so I bet you'll learn something new even if you think you know all about MassBio! Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: 🌱 Nurturing Early-Stage Companies: MassBio is launching a Launchpad program to provide roadmaps and potential partners for startups, along with plans for a seed fund linked to their MassBio Drive accelerator. 🤖 Embracing AI and Tech: There's a strong focus on supporting AI-driven drug development and "tech for biotech" companies, recognizing the importance of digital innovation in the industry's future. 💰 Expanding Investor Base: MassBio is developing a program to demystify life sciences investing and attract new funders to the sector. 🧬 Fostering Diverse Talent: The successful Biodiversity initiative is expanding, with plans to develop targeted programs in different communities plus a new focus on executive-level talent development in partnership with The Termeer Foundation. 📣 Amplifying Industry Impact: MassBio aims to better communicate the biotech industry's story to lawmakers and the public, emphasizing its broader impact beyond financial metrics. These initiatives are part of MassBio's comprehensive strategy to maintain Massachusetts' leadership in the biotech sector. I'm excited to see how these plans unfold over the next five years! #Biotech #MassBio #Innovation #LifeSciences #AIinHealthcare Don't miss the full conversation! Link to podcast in comments.

57

5 Comments

Come join us for an info session and networking event for the Nucleate Global Virtual Activator (GVA) at PLNT Leiden on October 10 (5:30PM - 6:30PM)! Sign up for the event here: https://lu.ma/85my2g6k We’re recruiting participants for the Nucleate GVA program—a 6-month, equity-free incubator tailored specifically to academic founders. If you’re considering spinning out a project, this could be the perfect chance to move forward. 💡 The program offers access to top biotech mentors 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬, extensive networking opportunities, workshops, and the chance to build and strengthen your team. The program kicks off with a chance to build and strengthen your team as well! Since its launch in 2021, it has already helped create over 100+ companies 🏢, raising over $370M 💰, all without requiring founders to pay any upfront costs or give up equity. If you have developed a technology, you can apply for either our: 💊 Bio Track – for innovators in therapeutics, diagnostics, or discovery platforms. 🌿 Eco Track – focused on food & agriculture, chemicals & energy, or consumer products. Don’t have an idea yet? Apply as a  scientific, business, or clinical contributor to team up with inventors through our matching process. 🎯 Notable success stories include Invitris (Germany, eventually backed by Y Combinator) and BrewRight (a Dutch start-up and winner of this year’s Eco Track pitch). Applications for the next cohort are already open 🗓️: https://lnkd.in/d_ieyyVu 👉 Check out the one-pager information sheet here: https://lnkd.in/dcXnyevc For any questions about the event, don’t hesitate to contact: Cesare Marino and Richard Dela Rosa Daniel Lin and Regan Ellis, GVA Co-Managing Directors Cesare Marino Richard Dela Rosa Esther León Sonseca Martin Holub Onur Karakaslar Samuel Feldmann William Lake Yuri van Elsas

17

2 Comments

Biotech Investors Refuel in 2024! "Flagship Pioneering, the sprawling life sciences investor and startup incubator, appears to be seeking more capital than originally planned for its eighth fund. The Boston-area firm is raising up to $3.5 billion, versus a $3 billion target outlined last November, according to documents from a pension fund that has invested in Flagship’s funds. The pension fund, Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management , or Massachusetts’ PRIM, is committing up to $60 million to the fund, and other repeat investors have also ponied up: The Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) committed $75 million and the State of Michigan Retirement System committed $200 million...." ARCH Venture Partners Foresite Capital TCGX Decheng Capital #venturecapital #capital #funding #financing #celltherapy #genetherapy #cellandgenetherapy #advancedtherapies #regenerativemedicine #lifescience #lifesciences #biotech #biotechnology #lifescience #lifesciences #investors #investment #funds

19

This week, I explored the fascinating world of Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), an innovative form of radiotherapy that holds potential in cancer treatment. The scientific principles and investment trends are detailed in my latest article, "The Science Behind TAT: Precision, Power, and Promise."

6

Another important step.

50

2 Comments

A new version of `gencode` module of OakVar has been released, based on the latest GENCODE v46. In addition to more transcripts, this module will explicitly show which transcripts are MANE Select and MANE Plus Clinical to assist better assessment of the clinical relevance of variants as well as has isoform-level transcript-to-UniProt mapping. It comes with the updated companion widgets as well. Try it with `ov install gencode`! To start with OakVar, https://docs.oakvar.com.

5

🌟 Breaking Barriers in Longevity Science: Klotho Supplementation via Bioelectric Stimulation 🌟 ✨ Exciting Innovation Alert: Leonhardt Ventures secures their 2nd U.S. Patent for enhancing Klotho protein levels 🧬, also known as the “longevity protein,” through bioelectric stimulation ⚡. 💡 Why Klotho Matters: 🕰️ Slowing aging processes 💪 Enhancing organ function 🛡️ Preventing age-related diseases ⚙️ The Innovation: Using specific bioelectric signaling ⚡, tissues are stimulated to increase circulating Klotho in the bloodstream 🩸. Recent studies showed: 📈 150% increase in circulating Klotho with just 2 weekly 45-minute sessions over 4 weeks. 📚 What’s Next? 🚨 Well-controlled research studies are enrolling at multiple centers 🏥 to validate this revolutionary approach. 📊 These findings could redefine how we tackle aging and chronic diseases, paving the way for healthier, longer lives 🌱. 🔍 Stay tuned for upcoming publications 📄 showcasing the results of these groundbreaking studies. 🌍 Let’s embrace the future of longevity science, together! Thanks to Howard Leonhardt for the news which lead to this post . #Longevity 💡 #Innovation ⚡ #BioelectricStimulation 🧬 #Klotho 🕰️ #AgingScience 💪 #HealthTech 🌟 #LifeExtension 📚 #Research 🧪

12

1 Comment

The pandemic was a challenging period for all. But it also offered us opportunities! The concept of Jupiter is a great example. Jupiter Bioventures, a product of virtual brainstorming with friends (Ned David, Ned Sharpless and Steve Tregay) to enable Mayo Clinic’s insatiable desire to create the next generation of Cures, is now a powerhouse of drug development that has attracted value-aligned investors and academic partners to join forces in the best interest of patients everywhere…. Congratulations Jupiter team! May the patients win….. Norman Sharpless Nathaniel David Steve Tregay Nirdesh K Gupta, PhD Steven VanNurden Peter Noseworthy, MD Vijay Shah Heidi Dieter Andy Danielsen Mayo Clinic Ventures James Rogers Clark Otley Olayemi (Yemi) Sokumbi, M.D. Pankaj Jay Pasricha Waleed Brinjikji Janani Reisenauer Justin Butler Geoff Johnson, MD, PhD Melissa Noel, MBA, MSE, Johannes Fruehauf, Owen Garrick, MD, Jeanette Caban Cheryl Willman, M.D. #venture, #biopharma, #capital, #venturecapital #accelerator, #drug #drugdevelopment, #development, #technology, #commercialization, #technologytransfer, #research, #clinicaltrial, #patient, #cure, #transform, #venturestudio, #disease, #cancer

74

8 Comments

Despite challenges in the IPO market in 2021, the biotechnology sector is resilient and showing signs of recovery. Tempus led the way last week. Congratulations to all stakeholders at Tempus! This period of turbulence urges biotech firms to strategically focus on building strong data foundations, which will not only attract investments but also pave the way for sustainable growth and innovation. Embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation and skill development could redefine leadership in biotech, fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability crucial for sustained success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. #Biotech #Leadership

19

🌟 Entrepreneurial Academics - who, what, where, why? 🌟 Ever wonder who’s leading the charge in translating academic insights into biotech breakthroughs? Lauren Stanwicks and Pranita Atri, Ph.D. have just published on Nucleate's Signal platform an eye-opening report—one that resonates closely with AcademicLabs’ mission. It’s inspiring to see how her team and our data (and our Tim Molderez) came together to uncover these impactful academic innovators. Here’s what you’ll find: 1) Who They Are: Researchers pushing boundaries, not just in the lab but also in the market. 2) What Characterizes Them: Advisory roles to biotech startups, patenting activity, winning both research and small business innovation or tech transfer grants, running clinical studies,... 3) Where They Thrive: Leading universities and biotech hubs nurturing this unique breed of academic founders. 4) Why It Matters: Open-access platforms like ours make these innovators more visible, opening doors for fruitful collaborations. For example, here are the 17 academics in the US with most ongoing clinical trials with detailed scientific profiles: https://lnkd.in/e5YzUfey For me, this report captures something central to what we do at AcademicLabs: helping the biotech community find, understand, and connect with the people transforming ideas into solutions. Thanks, Lauren, for driving this collaboration forward, and to everyone at Nucleate for the opportunity to contribute! Dive into the article, and don’t miss a free week-long pass to AcademicLabs to see firsthand how we’re supporting these visionaries. 🔗 Here's the full article: https://lnkd.in/eGuG3R_c #EntrepreneurialAcademics #Innovation #Biotech #AcademicFounders #AcademicLabs #Nucleate #BiotechInnovation #TTO #Universities #Academia #Research #Science #Spinoffs #Startups

12

Please join this webinar on October 31 if you have interest in how to do metabolomics analysis accurately, quickly, and inexpensively using the data from your mass spec.

25

BIG NEWS FOR HORMONE HEALTH! Almost 2 years in the making, so proud of the Elix team for the completion of our second independent clinical trial focused on #PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Big shoutout to our medical advisors, our passionate team and most of all - our community members for your strength, resilience and belief in more sustainable approaches to our health and longevity. The clinical study assessed two of Elix's flagship products—Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony. These herbal supplements, rooted in 5,000 years of TCM research, target inflammation and hormone imbalances associated with PCOS. Results revealed that in a group of non-birth control users: * 89.3% of participants agreed that Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony have helped to regulate their cycle.
 * 85.7% of participants agreed that they had fewer premenstrual and menstrual cramps after taking Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony.
 * 71.4% of participants agreed that taking Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony had improved their hormonal acne/breakouts and that they experienced fewer mood swings.
 The trial, conducted over six months, involved 70 participants with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome aged 18-36, divided into two groups: those using hormonal birth control (BC) and those not using it (No BC). Each participant was also diagnosed with PCOS and experienced symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods or the absence of menstrual periods and/ or excessive facial or body hair, thinning hair, hair loss on the scalp, oily skin, and or acne. Additionally, the majority of participants in the Clinical Study experienced improvements in the following symptoms: * Cycle regulation
 * Bloating
 * Fatigue
 * Mood swings
 * Anxiety
 * Sleep quality
 * Premenstrual and menstrual cramps
 * Hormonal acne/breakouts
 * Brain fog
 * Mental clarity
 * Focus
 * Weight gain
 * Unwanted facial / body hair
 * Fluid retention
 * Overall PMS symptoms
 * Overall PCOS symptoms
 * Overall health and wellbeing https://lnkd.in/eUjV7DkZ

232

29 Comments

Diamonds are a founder’s best friend Kevin holds 1 in his right hand. You can‘t see it? Yes - that’s good: we are talking about „quantum diamonds“. It is the worlds 1st commercial quantum sensing tool. What are quantum diamonds good for? Kevins‘ & Flemings’ StartUp uses them to test microelectronics. The important chips which keep not only AI running. Their technology identifies chip defects by reading their magnetic field using cool quantum technology. And why is this guy with the espresso again in a photo? I am very excited about quantum technology. So we‘ve talked about the applications of QuantumDiamonds in Life Sciences. Our findings: like Schrödingers Cat hidden in a box ;-) I am very impressed how focused Kevin & Fleming are. They‘ve identified their best market opportunity and put all of their resources onto it. That is brave. That is good! Forget about Tiffany & Co - go for QuantumDiamonds. What do you think about quantum technology? #biotechnology #entrepreneurship #startup ————————— I am Philipp - founder, CEO & business angel. My bootstrapped company NanoTemper is a global leader for biophysical tools for biotech. Like my content? Click my name + follow + 🔔

143

25 Comments

Epoch 16: Engineering Your Body's Own Defense: How Cell Therapy Fights Autoimmunity 👉 CD19 CAR-T delivers cures in AutoImmune? 👉 B Cell depletion beyond CAR-T 👉 Future treatment algorithms https://lnkd.in/dEkBy2bY

1