Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine

Sneak Peek: Targeting mRNA with Small Molecules: David Weitz, Syrna Therapeutics

What if we could stop disease-causing proteins before they're even made—using small molecules to target their mRNA? David Weitz, CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, is pioneering exactly that: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that silence proteins at the source. 🎙️ Full episode drops 7 January 2026 In the complete interview, we dive into: • Why mRNA is an untapped drug target • 3D structure-guided discovery and covalent inhibitors • Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration • Building Syrna and coming out of stealth Subscribe so you don't miss it. #SneakPeek #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #Biotech

Targeting mRNA with Small Molecules: David Weitz, Syrna Therapeutics

What if we could silence disease-causing proteins not by targeting the protein itself, but by preventing its mRNA from ever being translated—using small-molecule drugs? In this episode, David Weitz, Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, shares how his company is pioneering a revolutionary approach: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that block disease-causing proteins before they're even made. What we discuss: • Why mRNA represents an untapped class of small-molecule drug targets • How covalent translation inhibitors work to silence protein expression • 3D structure-guided drug discovery: revealing druggable domains in mRNA • Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration • The universal mechanism that can be applied to any mRNA with a druggable structured domain • Coming out of stealth: building Syrna and attracting top-tier investors • Personal reflections on pioneering a fundamentally new drug discovery approach This isn't traditional RNA therapeutics. This is small-molecule drug discovery targeting mRNA—a completely new frontier in precision medicine. About the Guest: David Weitz is Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA targets using covalent translation inhibitors. About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences. 🔗 Connect: • Syrna Therapeutics: [https://www.syrnatx.com/] • David Weitz: [https://linkedin.com/in/david-weitz-25ba] • Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett] 📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com] #Biotech #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #SmallMolecule #Immunology #Neurodegeneration #PrecisionMedicine #Innovation #RNATherapeutics

Predicting Patient Response Before Trials Start: Pilgrim Jackson, Yatiri Bio

What if you could know before a clinical trial which patients will respond? Not after Phase 2 fails. Not after spending $50M. Before you even start. In this episode, Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, shares how his company is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far. What we discuss: • How proteomic signatures differentiate responders from non-responders in AML and ovarian cancer • Why this could reduce Phase 2 trial enrollment from 100 patients to 40—cutting costs in half • De-risking clinical trial design and addressing patient heterogeneity • Regulatory considerations for biomarker-driven and stratified trials • The future of precision oncology and patient-centric trial design This isn't incremental improvement. This is a completely different way to run trials. About the Guest: Pilgrim Jackson is CEO of Yatiri Bio, a biotechnology company decoding proteins to predict treatment response in oncology. About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences. 🔗 Connect: • Yatiri Bio: [https://yatiribio.com] • Pilgrim Jackson:[https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilgrimjackson] • Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett] 📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com] #Biotech #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics #Oncology #AML #DrugDevelopment

Sneek Peak: Pilgrim Jackson on Yatiri Bio and decoding proteins to predict treatment response

What if you could know before enrolling a single patient which ones will actually respond to treatment? Pilgrim Jackson, CEO of Yatiri Bio, is using proteomics to predict treatment response in AML and ovarian cancer with 100% accuracy so far—potentially cutting Phase 2 trials from 100 patients to just 40. 🎙️ Full episode drops December 18 In the complete interview, we dive into: • Proteomic signatures that differentiate responders from non-responders • De-risking clinical trials and addressing patient heterogeneity • Regulatory strategy for biomarker-driven trials • The future of precision oncology Subscribe so you don't miss it. #SneakPeek #ClinicalTrials #PrecisionMedicine #Proteomics

Cytisinicline and the Future of Nicotine Dependence: Rick Stewart, Achieve Life Sciences

What if we could help millions quit smoking with a naturally derived compound that's been used for decades—but never brought to the U.S. market until now? In this episode, Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, shares how cytisinicline is redefining smoking cessation after receiving FDA acceptance for its New Drug Application (NDA)—a major milestone in the fight against nicotine dependence. What we discuss: • FDA acceptance for the cytisinicline New Drug Application (NDA) and what comes next • Why cytisinicline represents a breakthrough in smoking cessation • Commercial readiness and go-to-market strategy • Financial strategy and capital efficiency in late-stage biotech • Market impact and public health implications of a new smoking cessation therapy • Investor relations and communicating clinical value to stakeholders • Personal reflections on leadership and building Achieve Life Sciences This isn't just another smoking cessation drug. This is a naturally derived therapeutic with the potential to transform public health and save lives at scale. About the Guest: Rick Stewart is CEO of Achieve Life Sciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence. About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences. 🔗 Connect: • Achieve Life Sciences: [https://achievelifesciences.com] • Rick Stewart: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-stewart-9597654] • Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett] 📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com] #Biotech #SmokingCessation #Cytisinicline #PublicHealth #DrugDevelopment #FDA #NDA #ClinicalTrials