The podcast exploring biotech innovators & savvy investors:
Stories, Insights & Opportunities...
Raising Biotech is a narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that goes beyond the headlines to explore how biotech companies are really built -- from bold ideas and impressive fundraises to science that could reshape healthcare.
Surani speaks with founders, CEOs, investors and experts to uncover origin stories, company missions and the challenges of bringing ambitious discoveries to market.
This podcast should spark interest with those in the biotech industry, medical community and curious minds alike.
S3, E1: How Xaira Therapeutics went from incubation to a billion dollar launch - with Vik Bajaj, CEO Foresite Labs
In this episode, we go inside the creation of Xaira Therapeutics — the biotech startup that raised over a billion dollars at launch without a product or clinical data. Speaking with Vik Bajaj, CEO and...
It's been a while! Season 3 update from Surani
In this bonus episode, Surani shares an honest update on what’s been happening behind the scenes at Raising Biotech, why Season 3 took longer than planned, and what to expect going forward. From refle...
S2, E6: iOmx and shaking up the immuno-oncology field with CEO Apollon Papadimitriou, Professor Phillip Beckhove (RCI) and Jared Holz (Mizuho)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani finally delves into the scary zone of cancer with German biotech iOmx. The company has raised a total of EUR 115 million (Series A and B) since its inception...
S2, E5: Cerevance and a new approach to Parkinson's disease with CEO Craig Thompson and CNS expert Prof Karl Kieburtz (URMC, Clintrex)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into the world of CNS and Parkinson's disease with Cerevance. CEO Craig Thompson joins the podcast to speak about Cerevance's unique mission and use o...
S2, E4: Sparrow Pharmaceuticals and tackling the ravaging effects of steroids with founder David Katz and experts Dr Peter Merkel (UPenn), Dr Leon Henderson-MacLennan (InThought)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani learns that it's never too late to launch a biotech as Sparrow Pharmaceuticals was born when its founder, Dr David Katz, was ready to retire. During his long...
S2, E3: Ray Therapeutics leveraging optogenetics to tackle vision loss with CEO Paul Bresge and Dr José-Alain Sahel (University of Pittsburgh)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the fascinating world of vision restoration and optogenetics with Ray Therapeutics. The company raised an oversubscribed $100m Series A in May 2023,...
S2, E2: Fauna Bio tapping animal evolution and AI for drug development with CEO Ashley Zehnder and Prof Elinor Karlsson, Broad Institute (MIT/Harvard)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the truly unique story of Fauna Bio -- a female trio founding team that is studying evolution and the intersection of animal and human genomics to u...
S2, E1: Mana.bio and programmable lipid nanoparticles with CEO Yogev Debbi and RNA expert Dr Barry Ticho
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the multi-layered start-up story of Israeli lipid nanoparticle biotech Mana.bio. This is a tech meets biotech story, where AI and machine learning i...
S1, E6: Alltrna and tRNA therapeutics for rare genetic diseases with CEO Michelle Werner and rare diseases expert Dr David Weinstein
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani explores the untapped world of tRNA therapeutics with Flagship Pioneering-founded company Alltrna. The company raised $109 million in a series B in August 20...
S1, E5: Arialys and a neuropsychiatry drug revival with CEO Jay Lichter and experts Marty Jefson (Pinteon) and Dr Leon Henderson-MacLennan (InThought)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into Arialys and its mission to revive an autoimmune encephalitis drug from the grave after big pharma no longer wanted it. The company founders are a...
S1, E4: Synchron and breakthrough brain implants with CEO Dr Tom Oxley, CCO Kurt Haggstrom and experts Dr Elad Levy (UB), Dr David Putrino (Mount Sinai)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani delves into Synchron and its mission to develop a potential first-in-class implantable brain computer interface (BCI) that allows people with motor impairmen...
S1, E3: eGenesis and xenotransplantation with CEO Mike Curtis and Dr Adam Griesemer, NYU
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani Fernando speaks with eGenesis CEO Mike Curtis on its mission to create pig donor organs for humans waiting for a transplant. The company has raised $263 mill...
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President, Little Dog Communications
Raising Biotech is a must-listen for anyone interested in the biotech industry, whether you're an expert or just curious about the science behind the scenes. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge innovations to the challenges of running biotech startups, all presented in a way that's both informa...
Read MoreCEO, Psynthesys
Surani has created something really special with Raising Biotech. The podcast is smartly positioned and she somehow consistently inspires her guests to utter wisdoms relevant to top performing leaders in biotech. I urge you to listen in if you're about the business of building a successful biotech.
Well respected by industry and investors
Incredibly well researched and comprehensive deep dive into the thinking behind some of the most cutting edge healthcare developments. Immersive and engaging each episode transported me into another fascinating aspect of this exciting sector. A rollercoaster ride into the high risk high reward world of biotech. Be war...
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