Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine

Jeff Trickett

Dr. Jeff Trickett is a neuroscientist, biotech strategist, and author. He hosts Innovating Tomorrow’s Medicine, a podcast highlighting the people and ideas reshaping the future of healthcare. He created the show to go beyond the headlines with honest conversations from biotech founders, researchers, clinicians and investors who are turning bold ideas into real-world impact. His goal is to discover the strategies they use, the insights behind their success and breakthroughs that will define the future of medicine; while challenging the way we think about health, science, and progress.

  1. Targeting mRNA with Small Molecules: David Weitz, Syrna Therapeutics

    JAN 7

    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

    56 min
  2. Predicting Patient Response Before Trials Start: Pilgrim Jackson, Yatiri Bio

    12/19/2025

    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

    50 min
  3. Cytisinicline and the Future of Nicotine Dependence: Rick Stewart, Achieve Life Sciences

    12/05/2025

    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

    1h 1m
  4. Sheila Gujrathi on The Spiritual Foundation of Biotech Leadership and The Mirror Effect

    11/21/2025

    Sheila Gujrathi on The Spiritual Foundation of Biotech Leadership and The Mirror Effect

    What if the key to biotech success isn't just science and strategy—but self-awareness and spiritual practice? In this episode, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—biotech entrepreneur, executive, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience—shares insights from her Amazon bestselling book The Mirror Effect, exploring how intentional leadership transforms both business outcomes and organizational culture. What we discuss: • The spiritual foundation of effective biotech leadership • Deal-making and corporate development strategies from building multiple companies • Leading the development and approval of Orencia® and Nulojix® • Building diverse, high-performing teams and the Biotech CEO Sisterhood • How self-awareness and intentional practice drive innovation • Personal reflections on resilience, purpose, and the future of biotech leadership This isn't just another business book. This is a framework for leading with authenticity in an industry that demands both scientific rigor and human connection. About the Guest: Dr. Sheila Gujrathi is a biotech entrepreneur, executive, healthcare investor, and drug developer with over 25 years of experience. She has founded and built numerous biotech companies and led the development of life-changing pharmaceuticals including Orencia® and Nulojix®. Her book The Mirror Effect is an Amazon bestseller. 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: • Sheila Gujrathi: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md] • The Mirror Effect: [https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book] • Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett] 📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com] #Biotech #Leadership #TheMirrorEffect #DrugDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechCEO #Innovation

    1h 24m

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Dr. Jeff Trickett is a neuroscientist, biotech strategist, and author. He hosts Innovating Tomorrow’s Medicine, a podcast highlighting the people and ideas reshaping the future of healthcare. He created the show to go beyond the headlines with honest conversations from biotech founders, researchers, clinicians and investors who are turning bold ideas into real-world impact. His goal is to discover the strategies they use, the insights behind their success and breakthroughs that will define the future of medicine; while challenging the way we think about health, science, and progress.