Lab Rats to Unicorns

John Flavin

Lab Rats to Unicorns is a podcast that aims to demystify the process of creating a great company in life sciences. Under the guidance of our host, John Flavin, you will hear personal stories of creation, be able to understand how great companies are created, and get insights into the many ways that you as an individual can engage in the creation of tomorrow’s life science companies. From the lab rat, signifying the process of invention and discovery, to the unicorn, signifying market success, there are a thousand players and ways in which people can contribute to the creation of great companies. read less
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Episodes

Julie Gilmore _ e.046
Nov 22 2023
Julie Gilmore _ e.046
On this episode of "Lab Rats to Unicorns," we sit down with Julie Gilmore, Ph.D., Lilly’s vanguard in bridging the worlds of big pharma, startups, and academia. With over two decades at Lilly, Julie unpacks the role big pharma plays in scientific innovation and the multifaceted career paths and opportunities within it. We'll delve into her experiences in portfolio management, explore the nuances of life science communications, and dissect Lilly’s synergistic relationship with burgeoning startups and universities. Julie also shares her personal narrative of growth and leadership, her mentoring philosophies, and her acumen in spotting potential in the startup arena. Join us for a deep dive into the ecosystem of pharmaceuticals and the minds shaping its future. Julie Gilmore, Ph.D., is the Vice President and Global Head for Gateway Labs by Lilly, where she has cultivated a distinguished 20-plus-year tenure. Her journey with Lilly has seen her ascend through various leadership and scientific roles, demonstrating her versatility and expertise across research and drug development. Notable positions include her tenure as Head of Information Sciences and Clinical Operations for Lilly Europe, Global Head of Scientific Communications, and Global Head of Portfolio Management for the Neurodegeneration and Pain Early Phase Portfolio. Julie's influence extends beyond her corporate achievements; she serves on the Board of Governors for Biocom California and the Board of Directors for Mozart Therapeutics and DTx Pharma. A mentor at heart, Julie dedicates herself to guiding the next generation of scientific leaders through her involvement in several university graduate programs. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with a doctorate in Membrane Biophysics from Purdue University and a postdoctoral fellowship in Drug Transport from Indiana University School of Medicine.
Rahul Dhanda _e.039
Aug 9 2023
Rahul Dhanda _e.039
e.039 was recorded in front of a whole audience of ppl in dorchester because that seemed like a pretty fun idea. in this episode, Rahul Dhanda (founder, ceo & prez of Syntis Bio) gives us the story of his career; teaches us a few lessons on #biotech research, startup creation & culture development; and he breaks DOWN the trap and residual harm of siloes in innovation. Rahul Dhanda is co-founder, CEO and director of Syntis Bio - a team we love and cherish. previously, Rahul co-founded Sherlock Biosciences, where he was CEO, president and director, and built a diverse team that launched the first CRISPR product authorized by the FDA. an advocate of equity in society and STEM, Rahul founded The 221b Foundation, a non-profit providing CRISPR intellectual property in exchange for profit sharing to promote gender and racial equity in STEM. named to boston’s Power50 list by the Boston Business Journal, Rahul also led Sherlock to recognition as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company, a Red Herring Top 100 Company, Fierce15 MedTech, Tech Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, and Top 50 Innovative Company by BostonInno. not everyone gets named to even one list in their life...so thts pretty wild.Rahul holds an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, a B.A. from Wesleyan University, and authored the first book addressing the crossroads between industry and bioethics, entitled Guiding Icarus: Merging Bioethics with Corporate Interests. ok thts all u should need, now get outta here...go listen !!
Rick Silverman . Hande Ozdinler _ e.034
May 10 2023
Rick Silverman . Hande Ozdinler _ e.034
We had the great privilege of being joined by two exceptional guests from Northwestern University for this live episode! And to make it even better, Kevin O’Connor joined the conversation as a co-host! First, let us introduce Dr. Richard B. Silverman, an esteemed medicinal chemist and dedicated educator, who holds the title of Patrick G. Ryan/Aon Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Silverman's research focuses on the design and development of pharmaceuticals, and he is notably the creator of the blockbuster drug pregabalin, sold under the brand name Lyrica. He is also the founder of Akava Therapeutics, Inc. –– a company committed to bringing innovative treatments to patients.Our second guest is the trailblazing neuroscientist, Dr. Hande Ozdinler, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University. Dr. Ozdinler is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases, with her research centered on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying motor neuron diseases such as ALS. She is also a passionate advocate for raising awareness and funds for ALS research.In this episode, we're thrilled to explore the inspiring journeys, tireless efforts, and profound impact of both Dr. Silverman and Dr. Ozdinler in their respective fields. We will be particularly looking at Akava Therapeutics, diving into Dr. Silverman’s inspiration behind it, and learning what it takes for an idea to change lives.