Beyond Biotech - the podcast from Labiotech

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 [https://www.nygen.io], 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 [https://www.nygen.io]. Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! [https://www.labiotech.eu/advertise/?utm_campaign=lead_generation&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast]  Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter [https://www.labiotech.eu/newsletter/?utm_campaign=newsletter_promotion&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast] To dive deeper into the topic:  * CyteType - AI powered cell type annotation [https://www.nygen.io/products/cytetype] * Behind the Cure51 deal: Is NVIDIA becoming biotech’s AI infrastructure? [https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/cure51-nvidia-deal-biotech/] * The past, present, and future of genome sequencing [https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/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 [https://nionyxbio.com], just days after the company took first place in the BIO-Europe Spring Startup Spotlight [https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-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! [https://www.labiotech.eu/advertise/?utm_campaign=lead_generation&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast]  Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter [https://www.labiotech.eu/newsletter/?utm_campaign=newsletter_promotion&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast] To dive deeper into the topic:  * Lisbon is calling: the BIO-Europe Startup Spotlight returns in March 2026 [https://www.labiotech.eu/partner/bio-europe-startup-spotlight-lisbon-2026/] * BIO-Europe Spring 2026: partnership event brings funding hope to biotechs [https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/bio-europe-spring-2026/] * BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiences [https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/bio-europe-partnering-australian-biotech-lessons/]

HaemaLogiX - precision immunotherapy for multiple myeloma

Today, we welcome Dr Rosanne Dunn, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of HaemaLogiX [https://haemalogix.com], 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! [https://www.labiotech.eu/advertise/?utm_campaign=lead_generation&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast]  Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter [https://www.labiotech.eu/newsletter/?utm_campaign=newsletter_promotion&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast] To dive deeper into the topic:  * 5 cancers that immunotherapy can cure [https://www.labiotech.eu/best-biotech/cancers-immunotherapy-cure/] * BIO-Europe partnering: Australian biotech companies share their experiences [https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/bio-europe-partnering-australian-biotech-lessons/] * How are R&D Tax Incentives shaping Australia’s biotech future? [https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/rd-tax-incentive-biotech-boost-australia/]

How Leyden Labs is revolutionizing flu protection with its intranasal antibody spray

Today we welcome Koenraad Wiedhaup, Co-Founder and CEO of Leyden Labs [https://leydenlabs.com], 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 [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adz1580], 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! [https://www.labiotech.eu/advertise/?utm_campaign=lead_generation&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast]  Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter [https://www.labiotech.eu/newsletter/?utm_campaign=newsletter_promotion&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast] To dive deeper into the topic:  * Seven biotech companies to know in the Netherlands [https://www.labiotech.eu/best-biotech/biotech-companies-the-netherlands/] * The Netherlands’ biotech scene: The country sets its sights on becoming a global leader by 2040  [https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/the-netherlands-biotech-hub/] * Influenza solution deals pile up as pandemic preparedness increases [https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/influenza-deals-surge/]

How to optimize your biotech company for partnering, licensing, and business success

Today, we welcome Janita Good, a Partner at Fieldfisher [https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/sectors/life-sciences] 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! [https://www.labiotech.eu/advertise/?utm_campaign=lead_generation&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast]  Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter [https://www.labiotech.eu/newsletter/?utm_campaign=newsletter_promotion&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_source=podcast] To dive deeper into the topic:  * How biotech startups become unicorns [https://www.labiotech.eu/expert-advice/how-to-become-a-biotech-unicorn/] * The ABC of biotech startup funding [https://www.labiotech.eu/expert-advice/biotech-startup-funding/] * Biotech’s legal storm: Why securities class action lawsuits are surging [https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/biotech-lawsuits/]