BIO from the BAYOU: Build Your Biotech Network with Key Opinion Leaders and Investors

James Zanewicz
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

  1. 6h ago

    Episode 143: Why Animal Health Is the Next Frontier for Biotech Innovation

    What can the world of animal health teach us about the future of biotech innovation, vaccine development, and global healthcare? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Patrik Erlmann, PhD, Global Head of Biological Development in Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, to explore the role of drug development in animal health. Drawing from his experience in startups, human pharmaceuticals, and now animal health, Patrik shares how biologics are transforming veterinary medicine, why developing therapies for animals requires a different mindset, and where opportunities exist for researchers, startups, and academic innovators. In this episode, you'll discover: How animal health development differs from human pharmaceuticals and where the two industries overlap. Why vaccines and biologics are becoming increasingly important for improving animal health while combating antimicrobial resistance. What startups, universities, and technology transfer offices should know when developing innovations for the animal health market. Tune in to discover why animal health is becoming one of biotech's most exciting areas of innovation, and how breakthroughs in veterinary medicine can create benefits that extend far beyond the farm and the clinic. Links: Connect with Patrik Erlmann, PhD, and learn about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    24 min

  2. Jun 24

    Episode 142: How ARPA-H is Reimagining Women’s Health and Maternal Care

    What happens when you combine ambitious ideas, breakthrough technology, and a mission to transform healthcare decades into the future? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kate Arnold, MD, MBA, Program Manager at ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health), to discuss how the agency is tackling some of healthcare's toughest challenges through high-risk, high-reward innovation. From next-generation fetal monitoring systems to novel diagnostics that could transform pregnancy care, Kate offers an inside look at how ARPA-H is accelerating breakthroughs that have the potential to redefine healthcare delivery. In this episode, you'll discover: How ARPA-H differs from traditional funding agencies and why it embraces ambitious, high-risk ideas that could fundamentally change healthcare. The vision behind the Making Obstetrics Care Smart (MOCS) program and how new technologies could improve maternal and infant outcomes. Why women's health remains one of the most promising areas for innovation and what opportunities exist beyond today's standard approaches to fertility and pregnancy care. Tune in to learn how ARPA-H is helping bring healthcare's future closer to reality, and why some of the biggest opportunities in biotech may be hiding in plain sight. Links: Connect with Kate Arnold, MD, MBA, and learn about ARPA-H and MOCS. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out ARPA-H’s exciting funding announcement! Check out career opportunities at ARPA-H. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    33 min

  3. Jun 17

    Episode 141: From Bench Science to Biotech Investment and Venture Funding

    What does it take to move from the lab bench to the venture side of biotech, and what are investors looking for in the next generation of breakthrough companies? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kevin White, PhD, Executive Director of the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, to discuss his journey from academic science to pharmaceutical R&D and ultimately to venture investing. Kevin shares how his scientific background shapes his investment philosophy, what it's like joining one of biotech's leading corporate venture funds, and the therapeutic areas he believes will define the future of healthcare. Along the way, he offers candid advice for founders navigating today's investment landscape and explains why curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort are essential for success.  In this episode, you'll discover: Why being uncomfortable can be one of the best catalysts for growth.  How the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund approaches investing, from exploring "white space" opportunities to supporting innovations aligned with the company's therapeutic priorities.  Why emerging areas such as women's health, targeted drug delivery, in vivo cell engineering, and healthy aging are attracting growing attention from investors. Tune in to hear Kevin's perspective on the future of biotech investing and what it takes to turn breakthrough discoveries into transformative therapies. Links:   Connect with Kevin White, PhD, and learn about the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.   Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine.   Learn about the Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Precision Medicine.   Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine’s panel on Tuesday 6/23.   Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer.   Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    27 min

  4. Jun 10

    Episode 140: The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare, Biotech, and Drug Development

    How can artificial intelligence help get the right drugs to the right patients faster, but without losing sight of the human side of healthcare? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Genialis, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolution of AI in biotech and its growing role in precision oncology. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences, Rafael shares how Genialis is building AI-powered foundation models of cancer biology to help pharmaceutical companies improve clinical trial success and accelerate drug development. The discussion also explores the promises and challenges of AI, from data quality and bias to the broader societal implications of increasingly intelligent technologies.  In this episode, you'll discover: How AI foundation models are being used to reduce clinical trial failure in oncology. How new approaches to AI can unlock valuable insights from limited clinical datasets. The opportunities and risks of AI in healthcare, education, and society – and why human judgment remains essential. Tune in to hear what it takes to build trustworthy AI healthcare technologies and why the future of biotech still depends on human creativity and critical thinking. Links: Connect with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, and learn about Genialis and The Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine’s panel on Tuesday 6/23. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    28 min

  5. Jun 3

    Episode 139: How to Understand Venture Math - The Numbers Behind Biotech Innovation (RE-RELEASE)

    Math doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when it’s the kind that helps fund companies and move science forward. In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Isaiah Reeves, PhD, Biomedical Analyst at Solas BioVentures, for a practical and approachable deep dive into venture math. Drawing on his background as a scientist turned investor, Isaiah breaks down the core financial concepts every biotech founder should understand: from valuations and dilution to IRR, cap tables, and deal terms. The conversation offers real-world guidance for navigating fundraising, choosing the right partners, and avoiding common pitfalls that can derail long-term value creation. In this episode, you’ll learn: How venture capitalists think about valuations, dilution, and returns, and why fully diluted post-money matters. Key metrics like IRR and DPI, and how they influence investment decisions and fund performance. Common deal terms and cap table “red flags” founders should watch out for as they raise capital. Tune in to learn how understanding venture math can help founders make smarter funding decisions, protect long-term value, and build biotech companies positioned for sustainable growth and impact. Links: Connect with Isaiah Reeves, PhD, and check out Solas BioVentures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine, as well as Cadenza Bio. Connect with Josh Eckelberry, MBA, and Mark Corrigan, MD. Check out the books The Go-Giver and Venture Deals. Check out the podcasts STAT, Biotech Hangout, and 20VC. Check out our previous episodes on Networking as an Introvert and Solas BioVentures with Travis Manasco. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    28 min

  6. May 27

    Episode 138: Building Biotech Across Borders – Translational Science, Hearing Loss, and the Reality of Drug Development

    What does it take to move a scientific idea from the bench to patients, especially in some of biotech’s most challenging therapeutic areas? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Gareth Willis, PhD, COO of Otologic Pharmaceutics and CEO of Exosla Therapeutics, for a candid conversation about translational science, biotech leadership, and the realities of drug development. Drawing from his experience across academia, Big Pharma, and startups, Gareth shares lessons from working in the biotech ecosystem, leading complex biologics programs, and developing therapies for hearing loss and tinnitus. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why translational science and patient impact became the driving force behind Gareth’s move from academia into biotech. How emerging technologies like AI are reshaping drug discovery and development timelines. What separates successful preclinical programs from the ones that fail, and why patient-centered thinking matters from day one. Tune in to learn how biotech leaders are navigating the highs and lows of drug development while working to bring meaningful therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. Links: Connect with Gareth Willis, PhD, and learn about Otologic Pharmaceutics and Exosla Therapeutics. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Life Science Courses from Gareth: Pharmaceutical Portfolio Strategies: Governance and Portfolio Management Advanced Due Diligence in Pharmaceuticals Pharmacology Essentials Training: Understanding Pharmacology in Drug Development Mastering Development and Regulatory Strategies in Cell Therapy Learn more about Elaine’s wine pub, The Study. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  7. May 20

    Episode 137: How to Make the Right Deal with a Large Biotech or Pharmaceutical Company (RE-RELEASE)

    What does it really take to land a successful biotech partnership—and what makes a deal fall apart? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, Founder and Managing Partner of Williams Biotech Consulting and Independent Board Director for AGS Therapeutics. With experience across major pharma companies like Eli Lilly and Janssen, Renee shares hard-earned insights from the front lines of dealmaking. From communication missteps to finding the right partner, she explains how to navigate biotech partnerships with clarity, confidence, and strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why overcommunication is key to every stage of the deal process. How to identify (and avoid) red flags in strategic partnerships. What scientists need to know to transition into biotech business roles. Whether you’re negotiating a licensing deal or dreaming of your first exit, this episode is packed with advice you won’t want to miss. Links: Connect with Renee Williams, PhD, MBA, and check out Williams Biotech Consulting and AGS Therapeutics. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn more about Eli Lilly and Janssen Pharmaceutical. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    22 min

  8. May 13

    Episode 136: The Power of a Personal Brand for Biotech Leaders, Startup Founders, and Healthcare Professionals (RE-RELEASE)

    Wondering how to stand out in the crowded biotech world and build credibility that opens doors? In this episode, hosts Elaine Hamm, PhD, and James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, explore the power of personal branding for biotech professionals. Whether you’re a startup founder, academic researcher, or key opinion leader, your brand can shape your career, attract collaborators, and grow your influence. With real-world stories, practical tools, and some laughs along the way, Elaine and James break down how to craft and share a brand that’s both authentic and impactful. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to define your value proposition and align your voice with your mission. Tips for building an authentic online presence and using platforms like LinkedIn effectively. Why your personal brand is key to trust, visibility, and long-term leadership in biotech. If you’re ready to build your reputation, expand your network, and become a go-to expert in your space—this episode is for you. Links: Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Jane Muir, RTTP, James McLachlan, PhD, Lisa Morici, PhD, Heddwen Brooks, PhD, Sarah Lindsey, PhD, and Ashley Stahl. Learn more about The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, You Turn, and EXTRA! Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    20 min
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Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

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