I AM BIO
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsPowerful stories of biotechnology breakthroughs, the people they help, and the global problems they solve.
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Episodes
Biotech for our Pets
March 26, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBMore than half of U.S. households include pets, but there has been a lack of medical treatments developed specifically for small animals. Biotech companies are working to change that with new treatment options that both borrow from and, potentially, advance human health discoveries. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/
What We Know About the Microbiome
March 12, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBThe gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a crucial role in our health. However, there is still much to learn about this complex ecosystem. On this episode we talk with experts who tell us where the science is—how much we know, and how much we don’t. Two companies, Bloom Science and Seres Therapeutics, are leveraging the microbiome to develop new therapeutics. The potential of the microbiome is vast, and further research and technological advancem...
Is CRISPR the New Sickle Cell Savior?
February 27, 2024 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB2023 ended with an exciting biotech breakthrough for sickle cell patients. A gene-editing therapy using the revolutionary CRISPR technology provides new hope and options for the nearly 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease. In this episode, we talk with the company behind one of the life-changing therapies, CASGEVY, and speak with two advocates for sickle cell patients. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/
“On My Own”—Desperate to Stop a Resistant Bacterial Infection (REDUX)
February 06, 2024 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBBradley Burnam woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and found one ear twice it’s normal size and his face swollen and discolored. He would spend the next several years in and out of the hospital fighting a relentless infection that would not respond to available treatments. The experience took him from patient to mad scientist, to biotech company founder. In this episode, Bradley takes us through his desperate journey to find a cure. We also talk with the leader of an organization helpi...
The Synbio Revolution is Here (REDUX)
January 23, 2024 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBInnovative companies are using synthetic biology to engineer organisms and create new materials that could transform every sector of our economy, from health care to food and energy production. Those companies say we’ve entered a synbio revolution, and it holds potential to improve the health of people and our planet. In this episode, we talk with three synbio experts about how this convergence of genetic engineering, computer science and other scientific disciplines is making our world more...
How Biotechs Survive the Valley of Death (REDUX)
January 10, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBFor biotech companies, the valley of death describes the difficult path from initial discovery to FDA approval and commercialization. It's a treacherous journey—one that even promising innovations often don't complete. Adequate funding, regulatory hurdles and the immense complexity of the biotech landscape are among the never-ending challenges faced by early stage biotechs. In this episode we talk with two biotech executives about what it’s like to struggle and survive in this rough-and-tumb...
Biotech Women Striking at the Glass Ceiling (REDUX)
December 26, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBThe biotech industry offers unique opportunities for women to advance as executives and entrepreneurs. There are headwinds, however, including unequal access to venture capital. In this episode, we talk with three executives who are part of a wave of women-led companies in biotech. Our guests speak to why women’s leadership matters and the barriers that remain to breaking the glass ceiling. They also tell us about a new networking initiative—the biotech sisterhood—to catalyze women’s success...
We Need Bees. Bees Need Biotech. (REDUX)
December 12, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBBees and other pollinators are critical to our survival, with one out of every three bites of food we eat depending on pollination to produce. That’s why reports of a decline in bee populations and rising threats from pests, viruses and environmental pressures, including climate change, are alarming. In this episode we talk with an expert on bees and other pollinators about how bees are doing and why it’s important to save them. We also talk with two biotech leaders whose companies are work...
The Horseshoe Crab Saved Us. Can We Save the Horseshoe Crab? (REDUX)
November 28, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBThe horseshoe crab has endured for over 450 million years. It has survived several mass extinctions including the one that killed off the dinosaurs. One reason for their incredible resiliency is their ability to fend off bacterial infection. Their blood contains cells that clot around invading bacteria, thereby protecting them from the attacking toxins. In this episode we talk with three experts about how this animal’s unique blue blood has become essential to modern medicine. We also talk ...
“On My Own”—Desperate to Stop a Resistant Bacterial Infection
November 14, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBBradley Burnam woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and found one ear twice it’s normal size and his face swollen and discolored. He would spend the next several years in and out of the hospital fighting a relentless infection that would not respond to available treatments. The experience took him from patient to "mad scientist" to biotech company founder. In this episode, Bradley takes us through his desperate journey to find a cure. We also talk with the leader of an organization help...
The Synbio Revolution is Here
October 31, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBFollow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/ Innovative companies are using synthetic biology to engineer organisms and create new materials that could transform every sector of our economy, from health care to food and energy production. Those companies say we’ve entered a synbio revolution, and it holds potential to improve the health of people and our planet. In this episode, we talk with three synbio experts about how this convergence of genetic e...
How Biotechs Survive the Valley of Death
October 17, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBFollow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/ For biotech companies, the valley of death describes the difficult path from initial discovery to FDA approval and commercialization. It's a treacherous journey—one that even promising innovations often don't complete. Adequate funding, regulatory hurdles and the immense complexity of the biotech landscape are among the never-ending challenges faced by early stage biotechs. In this episode we talk with two ...
Biotech Women Striking at the Glass Ceiling
October 03, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBFollow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/ The biotech industry offers unique opportunities for women to advance as executives and entrepreneurs. There are headwinds, however, including unequal access to venture capital. In this episode, we talk with three executives who are part of a wave of women-led companies in biotech. Our guests speak to why women’s leadership matters and the barriers that remain to breaking the glass ceiling. They also tell u...
We Need Bees. Bees Need Biotech.
September 19, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBFollow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/ Bees and other pollinators are critical to our survival, with one out of every three bites of food we eat depending on pollination to produce. That’s why reports of a decline in bee populations and rising threats from pests, viruses and environmental pressures, including climate change, are alarming. In this episode we talk with an expert on bees and other pollinators about how bees are doing and why it’s ...
The Horseshoe Crab Saved Us. Can We Save the Horseshoe Crab?
September 05, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBFollow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/ The horseshoe crab has endured for over 450 million years. It has survived several mass extinctions including the one that killed off the dinosaurs. One reason for their incredible resiliency is their ability to fend off bacterial infection. Their blood contains cells that clot around invading bacteria, thereby protecting them from the attacking toxins. In this episode we talk with three experts about how ...
Stand Up for Science—The Fight Against Misinformation (Redux)
August 15, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBWading through the torrent of information available online is challenging for everyone. It can be hard to know what and whom to believe. We talk with the FDA Commissioner and other leaders on the frontlines of health and science about how to be more aware of false and misleading information, and its risks to our wellbeing and future innovation. And we discuss ways to stand up for science and stop the spread of misinformation.
Is Space the Next Frontier for Biotech? (Redux)
August 01, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThe International Space Station has been orbiting in lower earth since 1998 and has been continually inhabited since November 2000. The ISS was originally conceived as a staging base for future missions into deep space. As it turns out, lower earth orbit is an ideal setting for scientific research, from physics and meteorology to astronomy and the life sciences. In this episode we talk with three scientists whose projects are using lower earth orbit to deepen our knowledge of biotechnology a...
The New Age of CRISPR (Redux)
July 18, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBCRISPR has emerged as a powerful tool for altering DNA sequences with incredible precision, opening up new avenues of research into the treatment of disease. In this episode, we explore the science behind CRISPR, as well as its potential. From curing genetic disorders to creating new crop varieties, the possibilities seem endless. Our four guests today are scientists working to push these gene editing tools to the next frontier.
Accelerating Hope: The Pathway for Cures (Redux)
July 04, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBWhen people were dying from AIDS in the 1980s and 90s, Congress found a way to expedite the drug approval process and saved countless lives. Established in 1992, the Accelerated Approval Program allows the FDA to speed approval of drugs for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. In this episode we talk with the father of children with a rare disease, a company CEO working to treat rare diseases and two policy experts on Accelerated Approval.
Why AI and Biotech are BFFs (Redux)
June 20, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBThe convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology has emerged as one of the most exciting and transformative areas of science. Researchers are developing new tools and technology that could bring about breakthroughs to revolutionize the fields of medicine and health care. In this episode, we talk with scientists who are using AI to unlock new possibilities in the search for novel drugs, cures, and treatments.
Cracking the Code on Pain Relief (Redux)
June 06, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBImagine living with excruciating pain that prevents you from walking or doing the things most of us take for granted. We all experience pain, and 50 million people cope with chronic, debilitating pain. The market for pain therapies is estimated at $74 billion. And yet, investment in new pain and addiction treatments is falling short of what is needed, according to a new BIO report, which shows a 44% decrease in clinical drug programs for pain over the past five years. Our guests on this epis...
Why are Katie Couric and 15K People Headed to Boston?
May 23, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBDuring the last several decades Boston has become a biotech Mecca, with its Kendall Square attracting more than 120 biotech companies, both large and small. It is called the most innovative square mile on the planet. This June BIO will bring over 15,000 biotech leaders to Boston for its 2023 BIO International Convention. Speakers including award-winning journalist and health advocate, Katie Couric, will talk about how they will “Stand up for Science”—the Convention’s theme. MassBIO CEO, Ken...
Stand Up for Science—The Fight Against Misinformation
May 09, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBWading through the torrent of information available online is challenging for everyone. It can be hard to know what and whom to believe. We talk with the FDA Commissioner and other leaders on the frontlines of health and science about how to be more aware of false and misleading information, and its risks to our wellbeing and future innovation. And we discuss ways to stand up for science and stop the spread of misinformation.
Is Space the Next Frontier for Biotech?
April 25, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThe International Space Station has been orbiting in lower earth since 1998 and has been continually inhabited since November 2000. The ISS was originally conceived as a staging base for future missions into deep space. As it turns out, lower earth orbit is an ideal setting for scientific research, from physics and meteorology to astronomy and the life sciences. In this episode we talk with three scientists whose projects are using lower earth orbit to deepen our knowledge of biotechnology a...
The New Age of CRISPR
April 11, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBCRISPR has emerged as a powerful tool for altering DNA sequences with incredible precision, opening up new avenues of research into the treatment of disease. In this episode, we explore the science behind CRISPR, as well as its potential. From curing genetic disorders to creating new crop varieties, the possibilities seem endless. Our four guests today are scientists working to push these gene editing tools to the next frontier.
Accelerating Hope: The Pathway for Cures
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBWhen people were dying from AIDS in the 1980s and 90s, Congress found a way to expedite the drug approval process and saved countless lives. Established in 1992, the Accelerated Approval Program allows the FDA to speed approval of drugs for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. In this episode we talk with the father of children with a rare disease, a company CEO working to treat rare diseases and two policy experts on Accelerated Approval.
Why AI and Biotech are BFFs
March 14, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBThe convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology has emerged as one of the most exciting and transformative areas of science. Researchers are developing new tools and technology that could bring about breakthroughs to revolutionize the fields of medicine and health care. In this episode, we talk with scientists who are using AI to unlock new possibilities in the search for novel drugs, cures, and treatments.
Cracking the Code on Pain Relief
February 28, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBImagine living with excruciating pain that prevents you from walking or doing the things most of us take for granted. We all experience pain, and 50 million people cope with chronic, debilitating pain. The market for pain therapies is estimated at $74 billion. And yet, investment in new pain and addiction treatments is falling short of what is needed, according to a new BIO report, which shows a 44% decrease in clinical drug programs for pain over the past five years. Our guests on this epis...
Psychedelics – Not Just For Hippies Anymore (Redux)
February 14, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBNot that long ago psychedelics were considered dangerous, and only enjoyed recreationally by a fringe element of society. Today, researchers are looking at drugs like psilocybin to develop treatments for depression, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety. This episode features guests steeped in the world of psychedelics who are finding new ways to treat mental health. Guests: Dr. Frank Wiegand, Chief Medical Officer, Beckley Psytech Kurt Rasmussen, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Delix Therapeuti...
Green Fuels Have Taken Off (Redux)
January 31, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBLast December, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago to Washington DC was the first ever passenger flight powered with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The achievement demonstrated the potential for the aviation sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Our guests in this episode each played a key role in in helping the airline reach this exciting milestone.
Antimicrobial Resistance: The Silent Pandemic (Redux)
January 10, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBWe are on the precipice of a looming crisis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the evolution of deadly pathogens like bacteria and fungi to resist all current antimicrobial medicines. In this episode, we talk about how the dwindling supply of new antibiotics is fueling this silent pandemic, and why we need a continued pipeline of new antibiotics to avoid this crisis. Guests: Ankit Mahadevia, Spero Therapeutics Henry Skinner, AMR Action Fund Mary Dwight, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
New Season of I am BIO; plus Hope for Alzheimer's (Redux)
December 20, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBI am BIO will begin a new season of exciting topics on Feb 28. During our hiatus, we are bringing back some of our most popular episodes beginning with “Hope for Alzheimer's.” Alzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis and tragically there is no cure. But every day, researchers, scientists and the medical community are working to change that. In this episode, we speak with three guests who are fighting to bend the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and, in doing so, offering hope for t...
Let’s Get Uncomfortable: Talking About Women’s Health
November 29, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBTalking about women’s health has been a taboo subject for some time, contributing to a lack of innovation in the sector. Still today, many are uncomfortable discussing the topic. Consequently, only 2% of medical products in the pipeline are for women’s health and only 2% of all venture capital dollars go into developing these products. In this episode, we talk with two women in biotech who are trying to change that narrative and infuse more investment in innovations that meet the needs of ha...
Microbes, Bioplastics … and Art: Solutions to Plastic Pollution
November 15, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBPlastic is polluting our waterways and oceans, but biotechnology may deliver solutions. Plant-based bioplastics that can break down in months are one solution. Another is mighty microbes bioengineered to speed up consumption of plastic. This episode spotlights scientists, companies and even a filmmaker and artist who are working in different ways to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste. Guests: Scott Tuten, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, Danimer Scientific Andrew Held...
Psychedelics – Not Just For Hippies Anymore
November 01, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBNot that long ago psychedelics were considered dangerous, and only enjoyed recreationally by a fringe element of society. Today, researchers are looking at drugs like psilocybin to develop treatments for depression, PTSD, addiction, and anxiety. This episode features guests steeped in the world of psychedelics who are finding new ways to treat mental health. Guests: Dr. Frank Wiegand, Chief Medical Officer, Beckley Psytech Kurt Rasmussen, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Delix Therapeuti...
The Surprising Role of Patient Advocates in Drug Development
October 18, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBPatient Advocates do more than raise money—they are active participants in the drug development process. While the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge garnered global attention, lesser-known patient advocates also flex their expertise to drive new treatments and cures. In this episode, we talk with two moms, one who is a patient herself, about their work as partners in research and development, helping bring treatments for two rare diseases to the market. Susan Ruediger, Founder and Chief Mission Of...
Lessons from Monkeypox: Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?
October 04, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBMonkeypox hit our shores in May of this year. How did our public health agencies and infrastructure perform? What went right, what went wrong, and what needs to improve? We talked with three experts in public health and biodefense about the threats on their radar screens and how the U.S. can better prepare for the next inevitable outbreak or pandemic. Guests: Dr. Asha George, Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Dr. Lynn Goldman, Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washi...
Data Storage Crisis: DNA to the Rescue
September 20, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBYou might be surprised to learn that data storage currently requires huge amounts of land and energy, and we're running out of both. In this episode, we speak with a small group of researchers who are working to revolutionize the way we store the massive amounts of data we produce every day. Their solution: use DNA. Speakers: Emily Leproust, Twist Bioscience Jeff Nivala, University of Washington Kyle Tomek, DNAli Technologies
Investment Climate For Biotech
May 31, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBCurrent market trends have put investors in a “flight-to-safety” mentality, especially when it comes to biotech companies. What does this mean for getting biotech innovations to the marketplace? This episode explores the daunting challenge of raising capital in a bear market. Speakers: Bill Newell, Sutro Biopharma Dr. Lisa Drakeman, Biotech Entrepreneur Sougato Das, PRISM.science
Investors Become Goldilocks in a Bear Market
May 31, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBCurrent market trends have put investors in a “flight-to-safety” mentality, especially when it comes to biotech companies. What does this mean for getting biotech innovations to the marketplace? This episode explores the daunting challenge of raising capital in a bear market. Speakers: Bill Newell, Sutro Biopharma Dr. Lisa Drakeman, Biotech Entrepreneur Sougato Das, PRISM.science
Drug Prices: A Dysfunctional Market Limits Patient Access
May 17, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBA convoluted, confusing, and opaque system for pricing drugs has evolved that distorts the market and often limits patient access to the drugs they need to survive. In this episode, three experts explain how the system works—or doesn’t’—and the consequences of a dysfunctional pricing system. Guests: Dan Durham, Senior Health Policy Advisor, Biotechnology Innovation Organization Anna Hyde, Vice President, Advocacy and Access, Arthritis Foundation Dr. Vinay Rathi, Resident Physician, Otola...
Hope for Alzheimer's
May 03, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBAlzheimer’s disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis and tragically there is no cure. But every day, researchers, scientists and the medical community are working to change that. In this episode, we speak with three guests who are fighting to bend the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease and, in doing so, offering hope for the millions suffering from this devastating illness.
Green Fuels Have Taken Off
April 19, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MBLast December, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago to Washington DC was the first ever passenger flight powered with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The achievement demonstrated the potential for the aviation sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Our guests in this episode each played a key role in in helping the airline reach this exciting milestone.
Science Helped Save the World from COVID. What will Vaccine Technology do Next?
April 05, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB2021 was the unofficial year of mRNA—and deservedly so. But the science behind the technology is not always easy to understand. In this episode, we will dive into the miracle technology that saved countless lives and talk about what it holds for the future. We also speak to a biotech company about its non-mRNA vaccine technology for COVID and why the healthcare ecosystem will always need multiple options.
Water Stress: Can We Avert a Looming Crisis?
March 22, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBMore than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is water, and yet water that is safe enough for human consumption remains a finite resource. In this episode we speak to experts about the biggest threats to water—contamination, overuse, and plastic. We also learn how innovative new tools can ensure there is enough water to hydrate us, our plants, and our animals. Guests Ameen Razavi, Microvi Biotech Joel Cuello, The University of Arizona Scott Tuten, Danimer Scientific
Antimicrobial Resistance: The Silent Pandemic
November 23, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBWe are on the precipice of a looming crisis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the evolution of deadly pathogens like bacteria and fungi to resist all current antimicrobial medicines. In this episode, we talk about how the dwindling supply of new antibiotics is fueling this silent pandemic, and why we need a continued pipeline of new antibiotics to avoid this crisis. Guests: Ankit Mahadevia, Spero Therapeutics Henry Skinner, AMR Action Fund Mary Dwight, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Pressure on STEM from Covid and Inequity
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBNot only do we need STEM students, but we also need them from every corner of the population, because innovation thrives through diverse perspectives; through the people who bring both their talents and backgrounds to the work. In this episode, we dig into the importance of kids learning about STEM early in their educations, the impact of the pandemic on students and teachers, and what the future of STEM education looks like. Guests: Barak Balva, Sanofi Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls Code...
"Nothing to Lose": Patients Fight to Be Heard
October 26, 2021 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBToday we have two powerful stories. Each one is as different as the disease that it’s about. Yet there is a common thread: patients want and need to be heard. You will hear from a mom who will do whatever it takes to save her son’s life. And you will learn about a young woman who is fighting for herself and her underserved patient community. Guests: Amber Freed, SLC6A1 Connect Melodie Blackwell, COCCI
Escaping the Food Allergy Prison
October 12, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBEvery three minutes in the United States, an allergic reaction to foods sends someone to the emergency room. Today, we explore what life is like when you must avoid certain foods. But we also learn that there is hope for an escape from the food prison. Researchers like Clemson University's Sachin Rustgi are using cutting-edge genetic engineering tools to make foods safer for those living with allergies and food sensitivities. Guests: Sachin Rustgi, Clemson University Lisa Gable, FARE...
How Drug Price Controls End Up Hurting Patients
September 28, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBThey are not the household names, but the medications they are researching and developing could be the lifeline patients are waiting for. Today we explore how drug price controls—now making their way through Congress—could have unintended consequences for the small biotechs that are the engine of the drug development ecosystem. And even worse, for the patients who need them most. Guests: Ahmed Mousa, Pieris Pharmaceuticals Daphne Zohar, PureTech Health Peter Kolchinsky, RA Capital...