The BioHub - by Avetix

Max Brennan - Biotech HeadHunter
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Welcome to The BioHub, where the doors to the world of biotechnology swing wide open. Join your host, Max Brennan, a seasoned biotech recruiter, as he engages in thought-provoking conversations with the brightest minds in biotech. This podcast is your backstage pass to the insights, strategies, and stories that fuel success in the dynamic and ever-evolving biotech landscape. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that's shaping the future of biotechnology. Get ready for an immersive experience into the world of biotech with The BioHub.

  1. 1d ago

    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.

    39 min

  2. 5d ago

    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.

    29 min

  3. Jun 25

    Episode 193 - Patrick Mooney - CEO of SpyGlass Pharma

    Welcome back to another episode of the BioHub Podcast. Today, we're delighted to be joined by Patrick Mooney, CEO of SpyGlass Pharma. Patrick has built an impressive career in ophthalmology, beginning in sales and progressing through a variety of leadership roles to become one of the industry's most respected executives. At SpyGlass Pharma, the mission is simple: put patients first. The company is developing innovative technology designed to transform the treatment of eye diseases, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Their groundbreaking drug-delivering lens platform represents an exciting advancement in ophthalmic care. In today's conversation, we'll explore Patrick's career journey, the vision behind SpyGlass Pharma, and how the company is working to shape the future of eye care.

    20 min
  4. Episode 192 - Sandeep Kulkarni - CEO Zura Bio

    Jun 19

    Episode 192 - Sandeep Kulkarni - CEO Zura Bio

    In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Dr. Sandeep Kulkarni, Co-Founder and CEO of Zura Bio. Sandeep's career has spanned consulting, investing, and operating roles across biotech, including positions at BCG, Roivant, and Immunovant, before going on to co-found Tourmaline Bio and now lead Zura Bio. Zura is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through a differentiated multi-asset strategy. In this conversation, we discuss Sandeep's journey into the CEO role, the thinking behind Zura's strategy, the lessons he's learned from building companies, and how founders should navigate today's biotech environment. We also explore company culture, portfolio building, and when founders should think about strategic exits versus building independently.

    28 min

  5. Jun 19

    Episode 191 - Trevor Martin - Co-Founder & CEO Mammoth Biosciences

    In this episode of The BioHub, Amber is joined by Trevor Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Mammoth Biosciences. Mammoth Biosciences is developing next-generation CRISPR technologies with the goal of unlocking the full potential of programmable medicine. Founded alongside Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna, the company has built a platform focused on discovering and engineering novel CRISPR systems for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. During the conversation, Trevor shares the story behind Mammoth's founding, the evolution of the CRISPR field, and why delivery remains one of the biggest challenges in gene editing today. We also discuss the transition from platform innovation to therapeutic development, the role of AI and computational biology in advancing gene editing technologies, and what the future of programmable medicine may look like.

    19 min
  6. Episode 190 - Sean MacDonald - CEO Kainova Therapeutics

    Jun 17

    Episode 190 - Sean MacDonald - CEO Kainova Therapeutics

    In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Sean MacDonald, CEO of Kainova Therapeutics. Sean has spent more than two decades in biotech, helping build companies through strategy, fundraising, business development, and corporate leadership. Today, he leads Kainova Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company focused on unlocking the potential of GPCR biology in immuno-oncology and inflammatory diseases. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of Kainova from Domain Therapeutics, the thinking behind the company's rebrand, and why GPCR drug discovery is generating renewed excitement across the industry. We also explore leadership, company culture across international teams, the lessons Sean has learned from decades of partnerships and dealmaking, and what's next for Kainova as the company advances its pipeline.

    31 min
  7. Episode 189 - Cameron Pitt - Co-founder & COO Quanta Therapeutics

    Jun 15

    Episode 189 - Cameron Pitt - Co-founder & COO Quanta Therapeutics

    In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Cameron Pitt, Co-Founder and COO of Quanta Therapeutics. Cameron's career has taken him from academic research at Stanford and UCSF, to venture investing at Versant Ventures and Sofinnova Investments, before helping form and build Quanta Therapeutics from the ground up. Quanta is focused on one of the biggest challenges in oncology: targeting RAS-driven cancers. Using a novel approach designed to restore control of RAS signalling, the company is developing therapies aimed at addressing a broad range of RAS-driven tumours. In this conversation, we discuss Cameron's transition from academia to venture capital and company building, the science behind Quanta, the realities of building a biotech company, and how the team is thinking about growth and fundraising in today's market.

    21 min
  8. Episode 188 - Geert Kersten - CEO of CEL-SCI

    Jun 11

    Episode 188 - Geert Kersten - CEO of CEL-SCI

    In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Geert Kersten, Chairman and CEO of CEL-SCI Corporation. Geert has led CEL-SCI for nearly three decades, overseeing the development of the company's lead immunotherapy candidate, Multikine, and navigating one of the longest and most challenging journeys in biotech. In this conversation, we discuss the realities of building a biotech company over the long term, the persistence required to advance innovative therapies, and Geert's perspective on today's biotech market. We also explore CEL-SCI's recent clinical progress, the company's long-term vision, and the lessons Geert has learned from spending almost 30 years at the helm of a public biotech company.

    30 min
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About

Welcome to The BioHub, where the doors to the world of biotechnology swing wide open. Join your host, Max Brennan, a seasoned biotech recruiter, as he engages in thought-provoking conversations with the brightest minds in biotech. This podcast is your backstage pass to the insights, strategies, and stories that fuel success in the dynamic and ever-evolving biotech landscape. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that's shaping the future of biotechnology. Get ready for an immersive experience into the world of biotech with The BioHub.

Information

  • Creator
    Max Brennan - Biotech HeadHunter
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Max Brennan - Biotech HeadHunter
  • Show Website
    The BioHub - by Avetix

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