Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM

Reni Benjamin, Managing Director, Healthcare Equity Research at CitizensBrock Reeve, CEO and Co-founder, Eos BioInnovation***In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, host Krista Lamb speaks with Reni Benjamin and Brock Reeve about the current financial landscape for cell and gene therapies (CGTs). They explore the unique dynamics companies face, from securing funding to navigating regulatory hurdles, and discuss how investors assess risks and opportunities in the field. While recent headlines suggest industry struggles, our guests provide a deeper look at what these headlines really mean for the sector’s future. The interview covers the promising developments that the field continues to see , including positive clinical trial results and major acquisitions that signal stronger investor interest. Reni and Brock discuss how pricing strategies, market access and reimbursement models shape the financial outlook for CGT companies. They also highlight key trends that could influence the industry’s next phase of growth. As the conversation unfolds, they share their perspectives on what excites them most about the future of regenerative medicine.Whether you’re an investor, industry professional, or simply curious about the business side of CGT, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving financial landscape of this innovative sector. Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Silvio Tiziani, CEO, CCRM AustraliaSarah Callens, CTO, CCRM Nordic***In this episode of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM, Silvio Tiziani, CEO, CCRM Australia, and Sarah Callens, CTO, CCRM Nordic, explore the opportunities and challenges of commercializing regenerative medicines, including cell and gene therapies, in their respective regions. While scientific discoveries abound, barriers such as regulatory hurdles, funding gaps and infrastructure limitations can slow the path to commercialization. Our guests provide insights into these obstacles and share what makes their regions well-positioned for success in this transformative field. In addition, we hear how global collaboration can accelerate the development and commercialization of these therapies. Silvio and Sarah highlight the strengths of the CCRM model and its potential to guide other regions looking to build thriving regenerative medicine (RM) ecosystems. As they look to the future, they share their goals, their excitement about the industry’s evolution, and the key factors that will shape the next generation of RM innovations.Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Durhane Wong-Rieger, PhD, President and CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare DisordersJacqueline Barry, PhD, Chief Clinical Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult***In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of enabling patient access to cell and gene therapies with two leaders in the field. Jacqueline Barry, an expert in the development and adoption of advanced therapies, shares her insights on the challenges involved with bringing innovative treatments to patients, from regulatory hurdles to affordability concerns. Durhane Wong-Rieger, an advocate for people living with rare diseases, discusses the unique barriers faced by patients with these conditions and the limited treatment options available for many rare disorders.Together, our guests explore potential solutions to improve access to care, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry, stakeholders, governments and healthcare providers. They address the pressing issue of cost and discuss how industry is working to make these transformative treatments more affordable and more widely available. The conversation also touches on efforts to expand access beyond North America and the U.K., where the need for advanced therapies is significant but often unmet.As the field of regenerative medicine continues to evolve, Drs. Barry and Wong-Rieger reflect on the developments that inspire optimism for the future. From innovative technologies to new models of partnership, they share their thoughts on future progress and the changes they believe will make a lasting impact on patient care. Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Paul Knoepfler, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of MedicineAmy Zarzeczny, PhD LLM, Associate Professor, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina***Unapproved stem cell therapies continue to be a significant concern in the regenerative medicine field. In this episode, Drs. Paul Knoepfler and Amy Zarzeczny discuss the issue. Listeners will hear the risks and implications of these treatments, and why they are not just a problem abroad but also in North America. Our guests discuss the medical dangers of these therapies, and the potential for them to erode public trust in science. Desperation often drives patients to seek unapproved treatments. Drs. Knoepfler and Zarzeczny explore how professionals in the field can better communicate safety concerns without alienating patients and they highlight the role of regulation in addressing this issue. The experts also share what companies and governments can do to help educate the public.This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for improving patient safety and addressing this growing issue.Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Christopher P. Boone, PhD, Group Vice President, Research Services, Health & Life Sciences, OracleKenneth L. Harris, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of AI, OmniaBio Inc. ***We are excited to share the first episode in the fourth season (!) of Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. A big thanks to all our listeners.In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are shaping the biomanufacturing facility of the future. Our guests discuss the technologies behind automation, including robotics, AI and machine learning, and how they play a role in development and manufacturing facilities for cell and gene therapies. They also cover the impact of these technologies on resolving challenges, like production bottlenecks, cost management and consistent quality control. As well, they illuminate how these technologies can affect both patients and clinicians. The episode concludes by highlighting some key considerations, including the importance of implementing change management activities as biomanufacturers bring both their organizations and customers along as their facilities evolve, as well as the need to upskill and reskill talent, and to collaborate with experts, to support scalability. Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Jacki Jenuth, PhD, Partner and COO, Lumira VenturesRobin Quirk, PhD MBA, Vice President, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM***In this episode, we explore the dynamics of venture capital (VC) and company creation with Jacki Jenuth, Partner and COO, Lumira Ventures, and Robin Quirk, Vice President, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM. The conversation covers the essence of venture capital funding, from how VCs evaluate investment potential to crucial considerations for founders who are attracting investment during product development. We also discuss red flags and common pitfalls for founders seeking funding along with the current enthusiasm among VCs for investing in cell and gene therapies. Our guests explain the strategy of bundling technologies to create stronger companies. The episode concludes with a glimpse into exciting projects and investments in the cell and gene therapy space, highlighting the ongoing innovation and opportunities in this field. Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Michael Rosu-Myles, PhD, Executive Director, Health CanadaJosephine Lembong, PhD, Senior Manager, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine***Currently, there are more than 2,000 cell and gene therapies in clinical trials worldwide. With a goal of ensuring that safe and quality products are approved for use by patients, regulators determine whether these innovative therapies move from the lab to market.In this interview, Michael Rosu-Myles, PhD, Executive Director, Health Canada, and Josephine Lembong, PhD, Senior Manager, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, provide listeners with an exclusive look at how regulators are preparing for an increased number of applications for cell and gene therapy products in the years to come. Our guests discuss how Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have created new regulatory frameworks and offices to enhance their ability to review cell and gene therapy submissions. Listeners will learn how companies that are planning a submission can prepare to work successfully with regulators, whether regulators consider the potential price tags of these therapies, and how patients benefit from regulators’ work. Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Sonia Sennik, Executive Director, Creative Destruction LabGlenn MacLean, Director, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM***In many science-oriented fields, including regenerative medicine and advanced therapies, researchers and company founders often require additional support and expertise to successfully commercialize their discoveries. With a mission of enhancing the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind, Creative Destruction Lab is a valuable resource for start-up founders to  help de-risk their business and maximize their probability of success. Its Advanced Therapies stream supports founders solving biological, medical and healthcare problems using innovative applications of cell and gene therapies, and other biological products. In this interview, Sonia Sennik, Executive Director, Creative Destruction Lab, and Glenn MacLean, Director, Technology Sourcing and Venture Development, CCRM, discuss how Creative Destruction Lab’s processes and mentors can help drive a discovery to the market. Our guests explain the practical steps and tactics, and also discuss the program’s potential future impact on Canada’s regenerative medicine and advanced therapies sector.Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy CatapultMichael May, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, CCRM***Public-private partnerships are collaborations between government agencies and private-sector companies. In this interview, Matthew Durdy, CEO, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and Michael May, President and CEO, CCRM, explain how these collaborations have had an impact in the regenerative medicine sector by advancing cell and gene therapies along the commercialization pathway. Our guests share highlights from their organizations, including the types of partners they have worked with, and the infrastructure and facilities they have helped to create. The interview concludes with a discussion of how public-private partnerships will benefit patients in the future by improving the factors that lead to market access and adoption, such as developing markets, promoting acceptability, reducing the cost of goods, and enabling the supply chain.Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.

Featuring:Matthew Miller, B.M.Sc., PhD, Director, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research; Co-Director, Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub (CP2H), McMaster University Patrycja Thompson, PhD, Director, Strategy & Operations, the Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence & Innovation in Infectious Diseases (HI3), University of Toronto***The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated a need to scale up Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity. As a response, the Government of Canada established new research and innovation hubs at five Canadian universities. These hubs aim to combine the strengths of academia, industry, and the public and not-for-profit sectors to jointly improve pandemic readiness and enhance the nation’s biomanufacturing and life sciences[SJ1] .In this episode, we explore two of the five hubs. Matthew Miller, B.M.Sc., PhD, speaks to the Canadian Pandemic Preparedness Hub, led by the University of Ottawa and McMaster University, while Patrycja Thompson, PhD, covers the Canadian Hub for Health Intelligence & Innovation in Infectious Diseases, led by the University of Toronto. As our guests discuss how these multidisciplinary research hubs are accelerating the research and development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies, listeners will also learn how they support training and development to expand the pipeline of skilled talent. Plus, hear what our guests are excited about as they look to the future of the hubs program and the field as a whole.Thanks for listening to Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM. Spread the word about this episode by taking a screen cap on your device and posting it to social media using the hashtag #CCRMpodcast. Please leave us a review on your favourite streaming service. Find more episodes at ccrm.ca/podcast.