Episode 14 - AR Ventures Accelerator Program (Part 4): Harnessing Yeast to Neutralize Bacterial Toxins

Episode 18 – [INVENTOR SPOTLIGHT] Dr. Kevin W. Sexton: Surgeon, Scientist, Innovator

In this episode of the BioVentures Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin W. Sexton (surgeon, scientist, and former BioVentures president) to explore his journey from clinical practice to successful health tech innovation. Dr. Sexton shares how early exposure to entrepreneurship and key mentorship moments led him to develop predictive healthcare software later acquired by a Fortune 500 company and reflects on the lessons learned from both successes and failures along the way. Our conversation dives into the realities of innovation in healthcare - from navigating complex adoption barriers and aligning stakeholders, to choosing between software and medical device solutions. Dr. Sexton emphasizes the importance of focusing on real problems, understanding customer needs, and creating true value in the market. He also discusses emerging trends in digital health, including the growing role of AI, faster development cycles, and the evolving landscape of software as a medical device. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on commercialization, startup strategy, and how innovation can become a meaningful part of an academic career.

Episode 17 - Behind the Build: Creating a Nerve Block Training Model

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Erica Malone and doctoral nursing student Blakely Coppock to discuss their innovative nerve block training model developed at UAMS. Designed to bridge the gap between low-fidelity simulators and real patient care, their 3D-printed, ultrasound compatible arm provides immediate visual feedback when a nerve block is performed correctly. They share the story behind the invention—from kitchen-table prototyping to patent protection—and explain how this low-cost, high fidelity model could transform anesthesia training and improve patient safety.

Episode 16 - Bridging the Innovation Gap: Academia and Industry Partnerships

In this episode of the BioVentures Podcast, we sit down with Michael Geranen, Technology Manager at BioVentures, to explore how industry partnerships help transform academic healthcare innovations into real-world patient solutions. The conversation covers the role of technology transfer offices, what industry partners look for in university inventions, common pitfalls to avoid, and how early disclosure, strong IP strategy, and unmet clinical need drive successful collaborations. Michael also shares insights on evolving partnership models, digital health, and why the future of personalized medicine makes academia–industry collaboration more critical than ever.

Episode 15 - AR Ventures Accelerator Program (Part 5): Advancing Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury

In this episode, we talk with Dr. John Arthur about his team’s development of a rapid urine test that can predict severe acute kidney injury much earlier than current methods. By identifying a more accurate biomarker, this technology could help doctors intervene sooner, guide dialysis decisions, and even make future drug trials more feasible.

Episode 14 - AR Ventures Accelerator Program (Part 4): Harnessing Yeast to Neutralize Bacterial Toxins

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Zach Waldrop about his Arkansas Health Ventures Accelerator (ARHVA) project developing genetically engineered probiotics to treat gastrointestinal diseases. His team modifies a safe yeast strain, Saccharomyces boulardii, to display antibodies that neutralize bacterial toxins, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics. Early lab tests show the engineered yeast can survive in colon-like conditions and bind harmful toxins. Waldrop envisions this as a platform technology adaptable to multiple gut infections, including E. coli, C. difficile, and cholera, with hopes of creating easy access and affordable treatment.