Welcome to the official Labiotech.eu podcast - Beyond Biotech! Each week, we talk about what's happening in the world of biotech, with news and interviews with experts from companies around the world. Join us as we cover the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations shaping the life sciences industry.A new podcast episode is available every Friday. The host is Dylan Kissane.
This nonprofit is building the ecosystem to cure epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, is one of those diseases that stops you in your tracks the moment you understand it. Skin so fragile that the gentlest touch can cause blisters and open wounds. No cure. And for most of its history, very little serious drug development attention. That's where today's guest comes in. Martin Steiner is Managing Director of DEBRA Research, a non-profit organization with a single-minded mission: to make EB curable. But DEBRA Research isn't a lab. It doesn't run clinical trials or make drugs. What it does is something arguably harder: it builds the ecosystem that makes drug development possible. Funding research, investing in biotech companies, building shared infrastructure, and connecting the right people at the right time. And the results are starting to show. They have a growing portfolio of investments, dedicated clinical trial infrastructure, and a seat at the table in deals that are moving the needle for patients who have waited long enough. · 01:46 Meet Martin Steiner · 03:32 What is DEBRA Research · 04:55 What it means to live with EB · 07:43 DEBRA Research's role in the drug development ecosystem · 12:03 Why DEBRA Research invests in infrastructure · 20:26 Why DEBRA Research makes equity investments in biotech · 24:50 The Replay and LEO Pharma deal: how it came together · 30:33 Obstacles to enabling collaboration in rare disease · 34:50 Gene therapy and read-through molecules as therapeutic approaches · 37:36 Is the DEBRA Research model replicable for other rare diseases Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Gene therapy for skin diseases: A field still finding its footing Six exosome therapy companies driving development in the field Extracellular vesicles: a growing pipeline still searching for validation
How BIO-Europe is expanding beyond dealmaking in 2026
The life sciences industry has always had one great meeting place, a few days in November where the deals get done, the partnerships form, and the direction of the industry quietly shifts. For more than three decades, that place has been BIO-Europe . But this year, something is changing. BIO-Europe has always been the destination for BD professionals and dealmakers. In 2026, it's expanding — broadening its scope to become what the organisers are calling the epicenter of biotech, with new content tracks covering regulatory strategy, clinical development, and manufacturing, new registration options, and a deliberate push to bring the entire biopharma C-suite into the BIO-Europe room. · 01:39 BIO-Europe's 32nd edition: what has kept it relevant · 05:28 The "epicenter of biotech" · 11:06 From three content tracks to seven · 13:31 Three new tracks: regulatory, clinical, and biomanufacturing · 15:45 The new content-only registration pass · 18:12 Why Cologne and what the city offers the event · 19:48 The social program at BIO-Europe · 24:54 Where to register and find more information This episode is presented with the support of the EBD Group . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: How to succeed at BIO-Europe: DISCO Pharma takes us behind the scenes Meet Fusix Biotech: 2025 BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight champion revolutionizing oncology Lisbon is calling: the BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight returns in March 2026
Turning cancer cell dependencies into targeted therapies
Today I’m delighted to welcome Andy Parker, CEO of Step Pharma . With over 25 years of experience across AstraZeneca, Shire, Zealand Pharma, and venture capital, Andy has led Step Pharma since 2019. The company is pioneering a targeted approach to cancer and blood disorders by inhibiting the enzyme CTPS1. Their lead candidate, dencatistat, blocks this pathway that certain cancer cells and activated immune cells rely on, while sparing healthy cells that use the related CTPS2 enzyme. In this episode, we’ll dive into the science behind this mechanism, explore Step Pharma’s expanding pipeline from lymphomas and solid tumours to essential thrombocythaemia, and discuss their recent €38 million Series C financing. We’ll also look ahead to the future of precision oncology. 01:17 Meet Andy Parker 06:12 The biotech ecosystem around Geneva 07:51 The CTPS1 enzyme and why cancer cells depend on it 14:08 Pipeline-in-a-product strategy across three indications 20:14 The series C: €38 million raise 25:41 Partnering with big pharma: possibilities and limits 28:11 The future of precision oncology and metabolic targeting Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Step Pharma and Concr to partner on cancer treatment Step Pharma moves into oncology clinical trials Step Pharma announces promising pre-clinical cancer data
The first PROTAC is here. What comes next in protein degradation?
Today I'm sitting down with Randy Teel, Ph.D., President and CEO of Arvinas, a clinical-stage biotech based in New Haven, Connecticut, that is doing something genuinely new in medicine. Arvinas is pioneering a technology called PROTAC protein degradation. It's a platform that doesn't just block disease-causing proteins, but eliminates them entirely using the body's own disposal system to do it. It's a fundamental shift in how we think about drug design, and it's now reached a historic milestone: the first PROTAC ever to succeed in a Phase 3 clinical trial, with a regulatory filing now in front of the FDA. 01:19 Meet Randy Teel 03:41 Stepping into the CEO role in February 2026 13:17 What is a PROTAC and how it works 17:37 Vepdegestrant and the first PROTAC approval 23:43 Balancing partnerships versus keeping control of assets 31:57 Key milestones to watch in the next 12–18 months Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: From undruggable to oral therapy: The rise of STAT6 degraders Big Pharma Strikes Megadeals In Targeted Protein Degradation This Biotech Destroys Cancer Proteins by Introducing Them to ‘Executioner’ Proteins
De-risking neurology drug development with better mouse models
Today we welcome Brandy Wilkinson, CEO of GemPharmatech , and Rikki Feng, the company’s Neuroscience Pipeline Leader. Our discussion focuses on a persistent challenge in drug development: neurology’s stubbornly high clinical failure rates. GemPharmatech is tackling this head-on with proprietary models for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and blood-brain barrier transport that better mirror human disease biology. We explore why mouse models matter more in neurology than in other fields, the design principles behind these next-generation tools, and how smarter preclinical partnerships can help therapeutic developers de-risk programs earlier. 00:00 Welcome Brandy Wilkinson and Rikki Feng 03:17 GemPharmatech's mission 06:26 Why mouse models matter in neurology 11:11 Common translation gaps in neurology 18:09 Designing proprietary neurological disease models 25:45 Building stronger CRO strategic partnerships 33:58 An optimistic future of neuroscience research This episode was produced with the support of GemPharmatech . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Neurological diseases R&D trends and breakthrough innovations Brain Awareness Week: could ongoing R&D spur neuroscience breakthroughs? 11 neuroscience biotech companies you should know about
BIO International Convention 2026: practical advice from former Evotec CEO Werner Lanthaler
This week we preview the BIO International Convention, starting next week in San Diego. This is the key partnering event of the year where biotechs connect with pharmaceutical companies and investors in partnering meetings, all to advance and fund innovative therapies. My guest is Werner Lanthaler, Founder and CEO of WLAN Holding. Werner spent 15 years as CEO of Evotec SE, scaling the company from 200 employees and €40 million revenue to over 5,000 staff and €800 million. He previously served as CFO of Intercell AG, overseeing its IPO and vaccine launch and today he leads investments and advisory in high-tech life sciences. Werner explains why partnering events like BIO are critical to advancing science in biopharma. He shares practical advice on how biotechs can prepare before the event, succeed on site, and follow up to turn meetings into partnerships. He offers clear, actionable strategies to optimize your BIO experience. 01:36 Meet Werner Lanthaler 06:48 The power of partnering 08:55 Uncovering unexpected value 13:43 Irreplaceable in-person trust 17:06 Smart pre-event planning 21:00 Strategic targeting 24:02 Relationship-first meetings 30:18 The importance of prompt, persistent follow-up Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Special Episode: The 2025 BIO International Convention The ABC of biotech partnerships How to optimize your biotech company for partnering, licensing, and business success
Advancing corticosteroids and hormonal therapies for supply and scale
Today we’re diving into the world of corticosteroids and hormonal therapies — essential APIs that treat everything from asthma and autoimmune diseases to diabetes and endocrine disorders. These molecules may be decades old, but their manufacturing remains highly complex and critical to patients worldwide. Our guest is Olivier Roux, a Senior Director at Curia. He shares how Curia partners with both startups and big pharma to simplify steroid API challenges, solve supply issues, and prepare for next-generation innovations. If you want to understand what it really takes to bring these life-changing therapies to patients, stay tuned — this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 01:39 Meet Olivier Roux 02:20 What corticosteroids and hormonal therapies are 04:40 Evolution of steroidal hormonal therapies 05:50 Common uses of corticosteroids today 07:40 Key drivers of market growth 10:06 Curia’s agile outsourcing solutions for steroids 16:05 Importance of particle size control for steroids 17:18 Aseptic processing and high potency handling This episode was produced with the support of Curia . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Eight rare autoimmune diseases biotechs are fighting to treat A clearer path to relief: sinusitis treatments on the way Asthma study suggests lung scarring may be reversible
Episode 200 Special: Joachim Eeckhout on building Labiotech and the future of biotech media
Welcome to episode 200! Today I’m delighted to welcome back a very special guest: Joachim Eeckhout, the co-founder of Labiotech, co-owner of Knowbio, and founder of The Science Marketer. Joachim tells the Labiotech story, one of vision, persistence, and a deep belief that the European life-sciences sector deserved better storytelling. We go back to the very beginning with someone who was there: the frustrations, a bike tour of France that became legendary, the leap to Berlin, the fundraising rounds, the acquisition, and the launch of this very podcast. We’ll also hear where Joachim is today with his new ventures, his candid take on the current biotech media landscape in Europe, and what he sees coming next for science communication and media in our industry. 01:30: Meet Joachim Eeckhout 02:19: Early attraction to media creation 04:32: Founding story of Labiotech platform 06:35: Bike tour visiting biotech CEOs 11:21: Identifying larger European market opportunity 19:55: Raising seed funding for growth 24:20: Acquisition by Inpart in 2021 30:48: Current work with Knowbio 38:57: Future plans for Knowbio and biotech media Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Connecting the R&D ecosystem: 150 days into the integration of Inova, IN-PART and Labiotech We raised our second financing round to become the largest biotech media 🚀 How you can get involved in helping the industry–academia community solve global challenges
World MS Day Special: Immunic reveals new hope for progressive MS
Today we welcome Dr. Daniel Vitt, CEO of Immunic Therapeutics . With World MS Day being tomorrow, the 30th of May, this is the perfect moment to focus on multiple sclerosis — a disease that affects nearly three million people worldwide and still leaves many patients searching for better options. In today’s episode Daniel shares his own journey into biotechnology, walk us through what life with MS really looks like for patients, and explain the science behind Immunic’s most advanced program, IMU-838. We discuss what makes Immunic’s oral therapy different from today’s treatments, uncover the latest data from the CALLIPER and ENSURE trials, and talk about what the future of MS care could look like. 01:22 Meet Daniel Vitt 04:54 Understanding multiple sclerosis 07:53 Evolution of the MS treatment landscape 12:08 Immunic’s lead MS therapy explained 22:57 World MS Day and what's next for Immunic Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: 11 neuroscience biotech companies you should know about The emergence of BTK inhibitors in multiple sclerosis treatment: Companies close in on approval Six biotech companies advancing multiple sclerosis therapies
The problem at the heart of drug discovery: Lexogen & Ochre Bio on the power of AI on human data
Today I am welcoming two guests: Quin Wills , CEO of Ochre Bio , a biotech developing RNA therapies for chronic liver disease using AI models, and Stéphane Barges , CEO of Lexogen , an RNA transcriptomics company and NGS service provider. It’s a deep dive into cutting edge transcriptomics, human-first data, and artificial intelligence. 00:55 : The challenges of liver disease 04:44 : How Lexogen supports NGS drug discovery 07:29 : Major transcriptomics developments 10:05 : Designing high quality AI data 15:47 : How the Ochre-Lexogen partnership began 17:17 : Why a specialist partner is essential for scale 18:21 : Lexogen delivers on the massive sequencing project 21:50 : Why high quality data is crucial 27:02 : Lexogen's role in AI discovery 34:51 : Future plans and directions This episode was produced with the support of Lexogen . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Deep phenotyping brings accuracy to precision medicine Spatial Transcriptomics: A window into disease Spatial Transcriptomics Landscape Shifts With Two Major Acquisitions
Freeze variability, not progress: strengthen your cell therapy supply chain from the start
Today, we're digging into a topic that's getting a lot more attention lately, how early decisions in cell therapy end up shaping or complicating everything that comes later. Our episode today is Freeze Variability, Not Progress, How to Strengthen Your Cell Therapy Supply Chain from the Start , and we're going to challenge a few long-held beliefs about how starting material should be handled. My guest today is Dominic Clarke, Vice President of Technical Operations for IntegriCell at Cryoport Systems . Dominic has spent years in the trenches building and scaling cell therapy processes from early development through commercialization. So, he's seen where things break and what actually works. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dominic Clark. 01:07 Meet Dominic Clarke and Cryoport Systems 06:24 Fresh cells versus frozen cells 08:21 Why teams switch to cryopreservation late 12:37 The challenge of variability 16:47 IntegriCell when you already have a process in place 22:17 An argument for cryopreservation based on data 25:56 The future of IntegriCell and Cryoport Systems This episode is brought to you with the support of Cryoport Systems . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: IntegriCell® Cryopreservation Cryoport Systems on the state of the ATMP market and the importance of supply chain resilience Cracking the code: Delivering biotherapeutics successfully across EMEA
Making labs smarter for scientific breakthroughs
Today, we dive into the future of lab management with Ryan Cawood, CEO and co-founder of Lab Thread . Ryan's journey spans groundbreaking work in virotherapy and gene delivery during his D.Phil at Oxford, to founding OXGENE, a cell and gene therapy innovator acquired by WuXi Advanced Therapies in 2021. We'll explore the frustrations of fragmented lab tools that inspired Lab Thread's integrated digital solution—combining ELN, LIMS, molecular biology, and collaboration in one seamless platform. We’ll uncover how it boosts reproducibility, ensures compliance, and frees scientists for innovation, with accessible pricing for academics and biotechs. I hope you enjoy Ryan’s insights on evolving digital workflows and accelerating breakthroughs in the lab. 01:51: Meet Ryan Cawood 02:31: Frustrations with early digital tools. 03:19: Daily lab organization challenges. 06:50: Time lost to admin tasks. 11:09: Genesis of the Lab Thread concept. 13:53: Integrated workflow functionality explained. 17:23: Enhancing experiment reproducibility methods. 20:37: Achieving compliance standards easily. 26:10: The future of digital lab management. 28:33: Accelerating scientific breakthroughs. This episode is brought to you with the support of Lab Thread . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Lab Thread - Your Lab, Connected Hiding in plain sight: how to solve bioscience’s software problem Lab chaos and digital dreams
How Epicrispr is leveraging CRISPR without cutting DNA
This week we dive into the Beyond Biotech archive to bring you a discussion with Dr Stanley Qi, the founder of Epicrispr. Epicrispr is an epigenetic editing company, leveraging the power of CRISPR without cutting DNA. The company’s proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) includes the smallest Cas protein known to work in human cells, enabling in vivo or ex vivo delivery via a single viral vector. In this episode we discuss epigenetic editing, why it’s reversible, and how it can treat FSHD and other conditions. 01:43 Meet Stanley Qi 03:32 Founding Epicrispr 05:53 CRISPR interference and epigenome explained 10:04 Overview of GEMS gene modulation system 11:28 Reversibility and safety of epigenetic edits 18:42 Strategy for tackling multiple disease conditions 23:27 Clinical trial plans for EPI-321 candidate 30:06 Looking forward This episode is brought to you with the support of MedChemExpress . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Could CRISPR really cure these diseases? 10 gene therapy companies you should know about CRISPR technology’s next wave: Ten companies to watch
Diagonal Therapeutics’ innovative clustering antibodies for vascular diseases
Today we’re joined by Patrick Andre, Chief Scientific Officer at Diagonal Therapeutics. A trained vascular biologist, Patrick’s career spans groundbreaking work at Pfizer, Acceleron, Pliant Therapeutics, and earlier companies, where he focused on TGF-β superfamily signaling and receptor pathways that keep blood vessels healthy. Now at Diagonal, he’s leading a bold mission: developing clustering antibodies that correct the root cause of serious genetic vasculopathies, rather than just managing symptoms. In this episode, Patrick walks us through his personal journey into science, the company’s DIAGONAL platform, and their lead program DIAG723, which recently received Orphan Drug Designation for the rare disease HHT, and is advancing toward the clinic. We also discuss Diagonal’s oversubscribed $125 million Series B financing that closed in January 2026, and what clustering antibodies could mean for patients with HHT, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and beyond. 01:33 Meet Patrick Andre 08:01 Diagonal’s mission 11:39 What are clustering antibodies 16:05 Receptor clustering benefits for HHT and PAH 20:24 Preclinical data on preventing and reversing HHT pathology 22:39 The impact of the $125 Million Series B financing round Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Vaderis emerges from stealth to start HHT trial Pulmonary hypertension after Winrevair: where GSK’s $950M bet fits New treatment for pulmonary hypertension: what biotech holds in store?
Argobio: the venture model building Europe’s next biotech champions
Our guest today is Thierry Laugel, Managing Partner of Kurma & Chairman of Argobio. With a PharmD, PhD in pharmacology, and an INSEAD MBA, Thierry has spent more than two decades bridging cutting-edge science and commercial success—first in pharma R&D, then as co-founder of Kurma Partners, and now leading Argobio’s unique venture-builder model. Since raising €50 million in 2021, Argobio has co-founded and accelerated several companies from top European academic labs. Three of them—Enodia, Laigo Bio, and Elkedonia—have already closed seed rounds totaling more than €43 million, advancing novel platforms in targeted protein degradation, precision membrane protein degraders, and non-hallucinogenic neuroplasticity enhancers for depression. Thierry shares how Argobio reduces execution risk, embeds operational expertise, and turns promising science into investable companies that can compete worldwide. 04:02 Blending pharmacology expertise with business 07:50 Vision behind starting Kurma Partners 12:53 Launching Argobio to address gaps in European biotech 17:40 What makes the Argobio operational venture builder model unique 25:02 Criteria for selecting academic scientific breakthroughs 27:34 Changing dynamics of commercializing European research 35:30 Europe vs US biotech investment climates 37:47 Role of venture studios in Europe’s biotech future Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: M Ventures: pharma CVC and biotech innovation in 2026 Inside Flagship Pioneering's strategy: How this VC turns ideas into biotech giants Venture capital co-creation: The next big thing in biotech investment?
Multi-agent AI delivers reliable and scalable insights for single-cell omics
Today, we're exploring the transformative potential of AI in biopharma—separating hype from reality, and zooming in on the complexities of single-cell omics data. Our guest is Parashar Dhapola, co-founder and CEO of Nygen Analytics , a Lund-based startup spun out from Sweden's vibrant single-cell genomics ecosystem. With a PhD in computational genomics from Lund University, Parashar has pioneered efficient algorithms for analyzing millions of cells, turning raw data into actionable insights for drug discovery. Join us as we discuss where AI truly delivers in biopharma, the persistent gaps in exploratory data analytics, and the critical bottlenecks in single-cell annotation. In a world abounding in AI hype, Parashar helps us cut through the noise and point out paths to data driven success. 01:00 Meet Parashar Dhapola 05:45 AI in biopharma 09:29 AI automation vs. new capabilities 11:28 What makes single-cell omics data different 18:46 Risks of incorrect cell annotation 34:37 Future of single-cell analytics This episode is produced with the support of Nygen Analytics . Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: CyteType - AI powered cell type annotation Behind the Cure51 deal: Is NVIDIA becoming biotech’s AI infrastructure? The past, present, and future of genome sequencing
Nionyx Bio's kidney gene therapy wins the 2026 BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight
This week we welcome Magdalena Tyrpien, CEO, Co-Founder and President of Nionyx Bio , just days after the company took first place in the BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight competition in Lisbon. With a background that includes leading Forge Biologics through its $620 million acquisition, Magdalena is now steering Nionyx toward a bold new chapter in gene therapy for kidney disease. In this episode we explore her journey into biotech, the science behind Nionyx’s proprietary AAV capsid platform and Kidney Atlas, what it took to win the Startup Spotlight, and what the victory means for the young company’s future. · 01:25 – Meet Magdalena Tyrpien · 07:10 – The Nionyx mission · 15:29 – The 2026 BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight · 22:23 – Looking forward and future milestones Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Lisbon is calling: the BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight returns in March 2026 BIO-Europe Spring 2026: partnership event brings funding hope to biotechs BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiences
HaemaLogiX - precision immunotherapy for multiple myeloma
Today, we welcome Dr Rosanne Dunn, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of HaemaLogiX , an Australian clinical-stage biotech company that's developing next-generation immunotherapies for multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. HaemaLogiX is taking a precision approach by targeting novel antigens that are expressed exclusively on malignant plasma cells, sparing healthy ones. Recent peer-reviewed research has validated KMA and LMA as high-value targets, reinforcing the company's unique positioning in the field. Rosanne shares her journey from antibody engineering to building HaemaLogiX, the science behind their differentiated targets, the latest clinical and preclinical progress, and her perspectives on the future of immunotherapy for blood cancers as the company gears up for key milestones, including a planned IPO later this year. 01:15 Meet Rosanne Dunn 07:52 HaemalogiX's mission and novel antigens 09:53 Overview of multiple myeloma and its symptoms 12:19 Targeting malignant plasma cells while sparing normal ones 19:25 Recent Peer-Reviewed Research 26:08 Synergy with IMiDs like Revlimid 29:08 Potential patient impact and quality of life 35:05 Planned IPO in 2026 and funding needs Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: 5 cancers that immunotherapy can cure BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiences How are R&D Tax Incentives shaping Australia’s biotech future?
How Leyden Labs is revolutionizing flu protection with its intranasal antibody spray
Today we welcome Koenraad Wiedhaup, Co-Founder and CEO of Leyden Labs , and Clarissa Koch, the company's Chief Scientific Officer. Leyden Labs is pioneering a revolutionary non-vaccine approach to combat respiratory viruses like influenza and coronaviruses. Recently, they published groundbreaking data in Science Translational Medicine , demonstrating that their intranasal antibody spray is safe, well-tolerated, and delivers sustained protection right at the virus's entry point: the nose. This innovation addresses the shortcomings of traditional flu vaccines, which average just 13% effectiveness against infection and provide even less for vulnerable groups like the elderly and immunocompromised. We'll dive into the science, the company's journey since its 2020 founding, and their recent €50 million European funding boost amid U.S. biotech challenges. 01:33: Meet Koenraad Wiedhaup 03:13: Meet Clarissa Koch 04:16: Leyden Labs' origin story 06:21: Mucosal protection platform explained 08:57: Complementing existing vaccines 11:47: Science of mucosal immunity 13:24: PanFlu lead candidate overview 16:42: Key findings from recent publication 22:02: Funding and future preparedness Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: Seven biotech companies to know in the Netherlands The Netherlands’ biotech scene: The country sets its sights on becoming a global leader by 2040 Influenza solution deals pile up as pandemic preparedness increases
How to optimize your biotech company for partnering, licensing, and business success
Today, we welcome Janita Good, a Partner at Fieldfisher with nearly two decades of experience advising top organizations in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. With a D.Phil. in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, Janita brings a unique blend of scientific insight and legal expertise to her work on venture investments, joint ventures, partnerships, and M&A deals. She's advised on landmark transactions, including funding rounds for Phynova and MedAnnex, and collaborations like Intelligent Ultrasound's AI imaging partnerships. In this episode, Janita shares practical guidance for biotech leaders on timing partnerships with larger pharma companies, planning for commercialization from the start, balancing optimistic fundraising with realistic deal projections, and avoiding common legal pitfalls in M&A. We'll also look ahead to emerging trends in the sector and talk through the best way to structure a company for tax effective partnering and licensing. 01:29: Meet Janita Good 04:42: Fieldfisher's life sciences focus 07:20: Fieldfisher’s differentiated approach 09:41: Timing early partnering discussions 17:26: Structuring for efficient deals 21:36: Planning commercialization from start 25:22: Key early legal considerations 30:00: Balancing fundraising and realism 36:25: Optimism in the biotech industry Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter To dive deeper into the topic: How biotech startups become unicorns The ABC of biotech startup funding Biotech’s legal storm: Why securities class action lawsuits are surging
