Pharmaverse Podcast

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse!In this episode our host Michael Pietrack speaks with Isaac Veinbergs, co-founder and chief business officer of Libra Therapeutics. They discuss the company's focus on developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases through the mechanism of autophagy. Isaac shares insights from his career journey, including pivotal moments that shaped his path from academia to biotech. Listen to Veinbergs "We're working on therapeutics for neurological diseases." The conversation also delves into the current fundraising landscape in the pharmaceutical industry, investor hesitancy, and the importance of flexibility and humility in leadership. "If you do the right science, things will all work out fine." Tune in for a great conversation about leadership, neurodegenerative treatments, pivots in Pharma and more! Takeaways🧠 Libra Therapeutics focuses on therapeutics for neurological diseases.💡 Isaac's passion for biotech stems from personal family experiences with dementia.🔄 Transitioning from academia to biotech can be met with skepticism.🎯 Identifying and seizing opportunities is crucial for career advancement.📉 The current fundraising environment is challenging for many biotech companies.📊 Investor hesitancy is influenced by market conditions and lack of recent IPOs.📖 A compelling scientific story can attract investment, even for first-time founders.🗣️ Effective management requires clear communication and goal setting.🌊 Flexibility in leadership is essential to adapt to changing company needs.🙇 Humility is important when transitioning roles within a company.Chapters00:00Introduction to Libra Therapeutics and Its Mission02:58Career Development and Key Pivot Points06:04Transitioning from Science to Business Development09:10Fundraising Landscape in the Pharmaceutical Industry12:14Investor Hesitancy and Optimism14:59Leadership Insights and Flexibility18:07The Importance of Team Dynamics and Humility

Welcome back to another great episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast! This week our host Michael Pietrack interviews Jiten Pant, founder and CEO of NOBiotics, a company focused on the therapeutic properties of nitric oxide. Jiten shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in India to becoming a leader in the biotechnology field. Learn from story of NOBiotics and Jiten's childhood and journey as an immigrant Founder and CEO. "You can be a leader even without a title." He discusses the challenges and successes of his research, the importance of leadership mindset, and his views on diversity and inclusion.  He shares that "Success is not linear; it's a journey." Jiten also emphasizes the non-linear nature of success and the lessons learned from his upbringing, culminating in his book, 'A Fool Who Ate His Hunger.' Jiten says that "resilience is the key to success." and much more. Listen in and comment your thoughts! Takeaways🧪 NOBiotics is utilizing nitric oxide for therapeutic applications.🌟 Jiten's journey began with a desire to lead and innovate.📈 Success is not a linear path; it's filled with ups and downs.🌍 Diversity and inclusion are essential virtues in leadership.💭 Empowering beliefs can shape one's destiny.🎓 Education was a key factor in Jiten's success.💪 Resilience is crucial for overcoming challenges.🔥 Leadership is about enabling and inspiring others.🧠 Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in leadership.📚 Jiten's book explores the complexities of life and success.Chapters00:00Introduction to NoBiotics and Jiten's Journey07:16Exploring the Therapeutic Properties of Nitric Oxide09:48Milestones and Future Goals for NoBiotics13:46Leadership Philosophy and Mindset19:14Diversity and Inclusion: A Personal Perspective24:26Influences from Upbringing on Leadership Style30:51Understanding Success and Failure35:21The Book: A Fool Who Ate His Hunger

Welcome back to another great episode of the Pharmaverse podcast! This week our host Michael Pietrack interviews Michael Chancellor, MD, co-founder of Lipella Pharmaceuticals. They discuss Chancellor's unique journey from being a board-certified urologist without finishing his Bachelors degree, to a professor and finally to a successful biotech entrepreneur! Learn about the challenges of starting a company, and the innovative solutions being developed for hemorrhagic cystitis. “I had no idea how to do it, until I did it.” Chancellor shares valuable leadership insights gained over his 40-year career, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks. His positivity radiates as he talks about team trust, and burgeoning forward into new frontiers. He also offers advice for physicians considering a transition into the pharmaceutical industry. “There is not specific training for this entrepreneurship… you just got to do it with a good idea, and great people.” Tune in for another great episode! takeaways• 🧑‍⚕️ Leadership in pharma requires adaptability and innovation.• 👶 Starting a biotech company can happen at any age.• 💡 Identifying a real patient need can inspire new therapies.• ⚖️ Navigating the complexities of clinical trials is challenging but rewarding.• 📈 Going public can significantly increase a company's potential for success.• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Building a strong team is essential for overcoming challenges.• 🌟 Leading by example fosters a positive work environment.• 🗣️ Effective communication is key in both clinical and corporate settings.• 💪 Transitioning from medicine to pharma requires courage and support.• 📚 Success in biotech often comes from leveraging existing knowledge and resources.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Pharma03:12 From Medicine to Biotech Entrepreneurship05:51 Innovative Solutions for Hemorrhagic Cystitis08:53 Navigating the Challenges of Startups12:00 Going Public: The Journey of Lipella Pharmaceuticals14:57 Leadership Lessons from a 40-Year Career18:07 Advice for Physicians Transitioning to Pharma

This week our host Michael Pietrack interviews Josh Schwartz, MD MBA, Vice President of Medical Affairs North America at BeOne ( formerly BeiGene.)  They discuss the importance of leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on developing others, the journey from individual contributor to manager, and the qualities that make an effective leader. Schwartz shares insights on mentorship, the coaching tree concept, and the five Cs of leadership: caring, communication, culture, challenge, and career development. He emphasizes the significance of treating people well, being authentic, and continuously seeking feedback to grow as a leader. Tune in for a great episode on Leadership, Mentorship and career growth with a phenomenal Pharma leader. Takeaways 🔑👌Developing other people is crucial for leadership.📈The journey from individual contributor to manager can be rapid if the opportunity arises.👀Observing both good and bad leaders provides valuable lessons.💞Caring and communication are foundational to effective leadership.🤝Creating a supportive culture is essential for team success.📚 Career development should be a priority for leaders.👨‍🏫 Mentorship can significantly impact career growth.📑A good mentor is a mentor for life.🎉Hiring non-traditional leaders can bring fresh perspectives.💪Aspiring leaders should treat people well, be themselves, and work hard.Chapters00:00Introduction to Leadership in Pharma05:55Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Leadership11:58Developing Future Leaders: The Coaching Tree Concept17:03Mentorship: Building Connections for Growth23:09Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Welcome back for another great episode! In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, our host Michael Pietrack interviews Tonia Nesheiwat, VP of Medical Affairs at Caribou Biosciences. Covering everything from baseball teams, inspiring family journey to America, and of course the latest in the Pharmaverse. Together, they delve into Tonia's journey from her family's immigration story to her leadership style shaped by sports and family values. Tonia shares insights on the importance of mentorship, the challenges in medical affairs, and advice for aspiring leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. "I want to coach them through it." Tonia stresses the importance of working through issues, and keeping the eye on the ball. The conversation highlights the significance of hard work, the human element in leadership, and the need for continuous personal and professional growth. All the while, with a patients first mindset! Tune in for another great episode.Be sure to subscribe!Key Moments: 👨‍👩‍👦 Leadership traits are often instilled early in life.👩‍🏭 Family sacrifices can shape one's work ethic and values.⚾ Sports can provide foundational leadership skills.📈 Competition should be with oneself, not others.🤝Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.📲 Effective communication is key in medical affairs.💌 Embrace opportunities outside of your comfort zone.📚 Education is a lifelong journey.💉 The pharmaceutical industry is competitive but offers niches.💕Leaders should focus on the human element of their teams.Chapters00:00Introduction to Leadership in Pharma03:07The Influence of Family on Leadership06:02Sports as a Foundation for Leadership12:14Navigating Challenges in Medical Affairs20:45Advice for Aspiring Leaders24:52The Human Element in Leadership

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse Podcast! Today our host Michael Pietrack interviews Donnie Wooten Jr., the global head of strategic medical content and omni-channel at Organon. They discuss the importance of MSLs in the pharmaceutical industry, career progression, embracing change, and the concept of omni-channel marketing. Donnie gives candid advice to those starting out "Knock out your day job first." Donnie shares insights on leadership, building trust, stressing that "Communication is a two way street," and how important it is to listen. We jump into the future of omni-channel strategies, emphasizing the need for effective communication and networking in the medical affairs space. Tune in for great insights on the Pharaverse, this one is a great episode, buckle up! Takeaways🩺MSLs play a crucial role in impacting patient care.📗It's essential to excel in your current role before seeking promotions.🤝Networking is vital for career advancement in medical affairs.🛣 Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth.👩‍💻Omni-channel marketing means being present across all communication pathways.☝The future of omni-channel will focus on personalized content delivery.📚Trust in leadership is built through credibility and reliability.📲Effective communication fosters a safe environment for teams.👂Listening to team members is key to building trust.🗺Network mapping can help visualize and strengthen professional relationships.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Pharmaverse Podcast02:46Career Progression and MSL Insights05:34Embracing Change in the Pharmaceutical Industry07:39Understanding Omni-Channel Marketing14:12The Future of Omni-Channel Strategies20:35Leadership Communication and Network Mapping24:41Building Trust in Leadership28:59Lessons Learned in Leadership

🚀 Episode 3: The Landscape of the Pharma Industry with Nav Singh | Pharmaverse Podcast 🎙️🔬 How is AI transforming pharma? Why are R&D costs skyrocketing? What makes a true leader in the industry?In this episode, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Nav Singh, Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey, to explore the challenges, innovations, and future of the pharmaceutical industry. From rising R&D costs to the impact of AI and disruptive technologies, Nav shares deep insights on patient-centric solutions, leadership in crisis, and his new venture—2123 IX.📌 Key Takeaways:✔️ Pharma R&D costs are rising—what’s the solution?✔️ AI is reshaping drug discovery & operations.✔️ Leadership shines in times of crisis.✔️ The future of pharma: biotech, AI, and personalized medicine.✔️ 2123 IX—Innovating with a long-term vision.📢 Don’t miss this powerful discussion! Subscribe now & stay ahead in the Pharmaverse!🔔 Listen now:    • 🚀 Episode 3: The Landscape of the Pha...  💬 Share your thoughts in the comments!

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse Podcast! In episode 2 of Season 2, our host Michael Pietrack interviews Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR, discussing the significance of Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) in the pharmaceutical industry. There is a LOT to learn here, so buckle up for a great episode! They explore ISPOR's role in influencing health policy, the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the balance between drug affordability and innovation. Abbott emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare and the evolving landscape of reimbursement strategies, including the impact of AI. The conversation also touches on ISPOR's future vision and leadership insights for driving change within organizations. What makes a truly effective leader? Rob shares that trust and authenticity are the non negotiable elements of a true leader. Tune in to this phenomenal episode, and be sure to share your comments below! Takeaways:🤵ISPOR is the leading professional society for HEOR.💲HEOR provides critical evidence for market access and pricing.🔬Government agencies need accessible scientific evidence for policy decisions.📈The Inflation Reduction Act marks a significant shift in drug pricing.Balancing affordability and innovation is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry.💳Outcomes-based contracts are gaining traction in reimbursement strategies.🩺AI can enhance data analysis and patient outcomes in healthcare.👨‍⚕️ISPOR aims to transform healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.▶The pharmaceutical industry will see new players and continued innovation.🤝Trust and authenticity are key to effective leadership.Chapters:00:00Introduction to ISPOR and HEOR07:31Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act13:12Innovative Reimbursement Strategies20:50The Future of Pharma25:52Leadership Insights for Change

We are thrilled to be bringing you our very first episode of season 2!! Thank you to all our longtime subscribers, and everyone who has been following along as we have grown this podcast!In today’s episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Dave Latshaw PHD, MBA, the brilliant CEO and co-founder of BioPhy, about the transformative role of AI in drug discovery and development. They discuss the differences between predictive and generative AI, the impact of AI on jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, and the future applications of AI in drug development. Michael asks Dave the question on everyone’s mind, "Is AI going to eliminate a lot of jobs?" While Dave mentioned that many will loose jobs, he believes the Pharma sector will not experience this on a large scale, and that those that learn to utilize AI as an intern or sorts, will find a lot of success. “Think of AI as an intern.” Latshaw shares insights from his career journey, including his transition at Johnson & Johnson to deciding to go out on his own and found BioPhy, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the pharma sector. There is SO much to learn in this episode, please comment below and share your thoughts with us! Key Moments:💻 AI is a powerful tool in drug discovery and development.👩‍💻👨‍💻Generative AI and predictive AI are fundamentally similar.📝AI will not eliminate jobs in the pharmaceutical industry.⚙ The complexity of human health requires human oversight in AI applications.💉AI can help identify new uses for existing drugs.🤵Regulatory bodies will play a crucial role in AI integration.🏥 AI's impact on productivity in drug development is significant.🤝 Companies are more likely to partner for AI solutions than build in-house.Understanding the specific problems AI can solve is key to its adoption.❓The journey from corporate to startup can lead to greater impact.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Drug Discovery02:54 Understanding AI: Predictive vs Generative05:56 AI's Impact on Jobs in Pharma08:58 Current and Future Applications of AI in Pharma12:03 The Role of Regulators in AI Integration15:15 Identifying Opportunities in Shelved Drugs17:48 Differentiating AI Solutions in Pharma21:00 Dave Latshaw's Journey from J&J to BioFi24:09 Navigating Challenges in the Pharma Industry

Welcome back to the incredible Pharmaverse podcast where we sit down with the brightest stars in Pharma. In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Pritesh Gandhi, CEO of TellBio, discussing his journey in the pharmaceutical industry, the challenges currently facing the sector, and the importance of communication and leadership. Pritesh shares insights on the impact of COVID-19 on clinical trials, the future of pharma amidst economic pressures, and the role of AI in diagnostics and therapeutics. He emphasizes the need for innovation and effective communication as key components of successful leadership. “Every day is different as a CEO” Pritesh stresses the importance of communication with all stakeholders, how to manage effectively, and how we can get Pharma out of its current funk. Learn about advice for up and coming leaders and more! Tune in, and be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Pharma content just like this. Key Moments:🔑🥇 Pritesh Gandhi shares his unexpected journey to becoming a CEO of TellBio.🤠 The role of a CEO involves wearing multiple hats and facing diverse challenges.📈 Current economic factors like inflation are impacting pharma investments.🤧 COVID-19 created significant challenges for clinical trials and innovation.💲The IRA is influencing long-term budgeting and access to therapies.🅰ℹ AI has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and personalized medicine.💉The diagnostic sector faces substantial headwinds, particularly in oncology.📱 Effective leadership hinges on consistent and clear communication.🌀Aspiring leaders should advocate for themselves and seek feedback.🤝Understanding the difference between managing and leading is crucial for new managers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pritesh Gandhi and TellBio01:30 The Role of a CEO in Pharma04:07 Current Challenges in the Pharmaceutical Industry08:13 Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Trials10:18 Long-term Budgeting and the IRA11:34 Future Challenges for Pharma13:11The Role of AI in Diagnostics and Therapeutics17:17Headwinds in the Diagnostic Sector20:09 Key Qualities of Effective Leadership26:10 Advice for Aspiring Leaders28:24 Managing vs. Leading: Insights for New Managers