These interviews will offer the community valuable insights into the considerations and experiences surrounding academic tech transfer, early-stage IO biotech launches and investor decisioning.
Led by co-chairs, Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD, and Johanna Grossman, PhD, the series will feature engaging discussions with experts in the field.
The first interview, scheduled for publication in March 2025, will explore the transition of academically developed IO technologies and intellectual property into a biotech company. Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD – Replimune will lead a conversation with Samir N. Khleif, MD – Georgetown University Medical Center and Bruce Levine, PhD – University of Pennsylvania focusing on when a dataset is ready for development, the differences between sponsor-initiated trials and Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs), and strategies for connecting with investors.
In the second interview, set for June 2025, biotech founders will share their experiences in building their companies, raising funds, and crafting a business plan. Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD – Replimune will facilitate a discussion with Robert Coffin, PhD – Replimune and Rachel Humphrey, MD – Normunity, Inc. on these topics.
The final interview, slated for September 2025, will feature early-stage investors who will discuss their approach to evaluating new opportunities, their involvement in company growth, and their due diligence processes. Dr. Johanna Grossman – the New York Stock Exchange - will lead this engaging conversation with Dr. Artavazd (Arti) Arumov, PhD – Qiming Venture Partners USA and Nandita Shangari, PhD – RA Capital Management.