Episode 198 - Andrew Obenshain - CEO Inventiva

Episode 198 - Andrew Obenshain - CEO Inventiva

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Andrew Obenshain, CEO of Inventiva. Andrew brings more than 20 years of experience across global drug development, regulatory strategy, and commercialization. Before joining Inventiva, he led bluebird bio through its transformation into a global commercial-stage gene therapy company and previously held senior leadership roles at Shire and Genzyme. Inventiva is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs, with its lead program focused on MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). In this conversation, we discuss Andrew's journey through global biotech leadership, why he chose to lead a French biotech company, the challenges of running a late-stage clinical business, and what makes Inventiva's approach so exciting. We also explore the strengths of the European biotech ecosystem, the milestones ahead for Inventiva, and the leadership lessons Andrew has learned throughout his career.

Episode 197 - Eduardo Bravo - CEO of Citryll

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Eduardo, CEO of Citryll Therapeutics. Eduardo has built his career at the intersection of science, innovation, and business, leading the development of transformative therapies designed to address serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With extensive experience in the biotechnology industry, Eduardo has played a key role in guiding companies from scientific discovery through clinical development and strategic growth. As CEO of Citryll Therapeutics, he is leading a team focused on pioneering treatments that target novel mechanisms of disease, with the ambition of improving outcomes for patients who currently have limited therapeutic options. In today's conversation, we'll explore Eduardo's career journey, what inspired him to pursue leadership in biotech, the science behind Citryll's approach, and the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing breakthrough therapies from the lab to the clinic

Episode 196 - Michael Rome - Managing Director at Foresite Capital

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast by Avetix, Ben is joined by Michael Rome, Managing Director at Foresite Capital. Michael brings a unique perspective across biotech investing, company formation, therapeutics strategy, and public markets. The conversation explores how great biotech companies are built, what separates strong science from a fundable opportunity, and how investors think about timing, team, differentiation, and value creation. We also discuss the current biotech market, the evolving relationship between capital and innovation, and what founders need to understand when building companies in today’s environment. A wide-ranging conversation on biotech investing, company creation, and the future of therapeutics.

Episode 195 - Luke Henry - CBO/COO at Quell Therapeutics

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Luke Henry, Chief Business Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Quell Therapeutics, a company at the forefront of engineering the next generation of regulatory T cell, or Treg, therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Quell is pioneering a new approach to treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as improving outcomes in organ transplantation. Rather than suppressing the entire immune system, the company's engineered Treg therapies are designed to restore immune tolerance by precisely targeting the underlying immune dysfunction. Its platform combines advanced cell engineering, proprietary technologies to enhance Treg stability and function, and integrated manufacturing capabilities to develop potentially transformative, one-time treatments for diseases that today require lifelong immunosuppression. Luke has played a central role in Quell's journey since joining shortly after the company was founded in 2019. As Chief Business Officer and Chief Operating Officer, he oversees corporate strategy, business development, operations, and portfolio management, helping guide the company through rapid growth, major financings, strategic partnerships, and the advancement of its clinical pipeline. Before Quell, Luke was Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy at Neon Therapeutics, where he helped shape the company's neoantigen T cell therapy strategy, led business development initiatives, and supported multiple financings, including the company's IPO. Earlier in his career, he was a Principal at Boston Consulting Group, advising leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on R&D strategy and immuno-oncology portfolios. He also brings a strong scientific foundation, holding an MSci in Natural Sciences with a focus on Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Oncology from the Institute of Cancer Research, University of London. Today, we'll explore the promise of engineered Treg therapies, the challenges of building a pioneering cell therapy company, the evolving investment and partnership landscape in biotech, and what it takes to translate breakthrough science into medicines that could fundamentally change how immune-mediated diseases are treated.

Episode 194 - Rick Batycky - CEO at Nocion Therapeutics

Rick Batycky, CEO of Nocion Therapeutics, joins The BioHub Podcast by Avetix to discuss the company’s work in chronic cough and neurogenic inflammation. Rick talks about the scale of the unmet need in chronic cough, why the condition remains so difficult to treat, and how Nocion is approaching the biology differently. He also shares insight into the company’s lead programme, its upcoming pivotal-stage development, and what successful execution could mean for patients who currently have limited treatment options. The conversation also explores Rick’s perspective on building a focused biotech, operating as a lean virtual organisation, working with regulators, and leading a team through late-stage clinical development.