Why who funds science matters

Women's Health is attracting more scientific and investment interest than it has in years. But many conditions are still managed symptomatically rather than treated at the level of underlying biology. In the latest Optimum Perspectives podcast, three biotech leaders and a seasoned healthcare investor discuss what is genuinely changing across the field, from the shift towards disease-modifying science, to the challenge of building a commercial case in first-in-disease therapeutics.Hosted by Isabelle Abdou, the episode features Colleen Acosta, CEO of Freya Biosciences; Agnès Arbat, CEO of Oriva Therapeutics; Jean Marie Duvall, CEO of ReproNovo; and Hakan Goker, Managing Director at M Ventures. They also discuss male-factor infertility, a contributor in around half of all cases yet with strikingly few therapeutic options – and whether the "women's health" label still drives much-needed visibility, or risks framing as a niche something that affects a majority of the population. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: www.optimumcomms.com/podcast/Or read the transcript here: www.optimumcomms.com/optimum-perspectives-podcast-06-08-2026/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dialysis and transplantation have transformed the lives of people with serious kidney disease. But that does not mean it is “job done”. Individuals who need dialysis have significantly reduced life expectancy, especially if they must remain on it for a long time, while there is a shortage of donor kidneys – and transplantation carries its own problems. In this latest Optimum Perspectives podcast, three experts who are all developing new treatments for various aspects of kidney disease, share their thoughts. Stephen Adams hosts the episode, which features Renée Aguiar-Lucander, CEO of Hansa Biopharma; Krishna Polu, CEO of R1 Therapeutics; and Thomas Kledal, CEO of Synklino. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On World Sleep Day 2026, Optimum is marking the occasion with a brand-new podcast episode featuring Magnus Ivarsson, CSO of AstronauTx and Prof. Liz Coulthard from the University of Bristol. Did you know getting enough high quality sleep could help protect against developing neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s? This episode delves into the groundbreaking research our guests are doing in the intersection between sleep and neurodegeneration.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Rare Disease Day 2026, Optimum is marking the occasion with a brand-new podcast episode featuring Hans Schambye, CEO of BOOST Pharma, Jean-Marie Cuillerot, CMO of Kainova Therapeutics, and Josep Prous, Co‑founder & CSO of CONNECTA.This episode delves into the critical gaps in therapeutic options for the more than 300 million people living with rare diseases worldwide and explores why this field is rapidly gaining attention from both researchers and investors.Our guests also share insights into their life‑changing work across brittle bone disease, oncology, and fragile X syndrome, highlighting the breakthroughs that are bringing new hope to patients and families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re shifting the spotlight to the women funding the future of innovation. This celebratory episode of the #OptimumPerspectivesPodcast explores how female venture capitalists are shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation, and why who funds science matters almost as much as who does the science. Listen to the full episode featuring Victoria Taylor of Medicxi, Bonnie van Wilgenburg of Monograph Capital and Noga Yerushalmi of M Ventures.#IDWGIS2026 #WomeninSTEM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an increasingly wide-scale problem. Not contained by borders, and with the ability to turn minor infections into life threatening conditions, it is an issue that experts argue must be addressed in the present, not the future.  Hear from Jennifer Schneider of Centauri Therapeutics, Franz-Werner Haas of LimmaTech Biologics and Neil Murray of ReNewVax on their unique approaches to tackling the threat of AMR, in the latest episode of the Optimum Perspectives Podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just in time for World ADC San Diego 2025 - a brand new episode of the Optimum Perspectives Podcast is live! Join Francois Bertelli of DISCO Pharmaceuticals, Stefano Gulla of Kling Biotherapeutics, and Michael Bauer of Novo Holdings, as they dive into the hot topic: ‘The ups and downs of ADCs – where to now?’ Expect sharp insights and forward-looking perspectives on the evolving ADC landscape. Listen to the full episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode of Optimum Perspectives Podcast has just dropped, featuring LoQus23 Therapeutics’ Chief Scientific Officer and founder Caroline Benn! Listen as Caroline details the devastating effects of Huntington’s Disease on patients and families, her personal motivations for working in this therapeutic area, as well as LoQus23’s unique approach to battling the disease through their innovative small molecule approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of the Optimum Perspectives podcast, Optimum Strategic Communications’ Managing Director Eva Haas spoke with Curve Therapeutics CSO and Co-Founder Ali Tavassoli, who has today been awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Interdisciplinary Prize. Listen below as Ali reflects on his scientific journey which has led him to this tremendous recognition, from what inspired his passion for science, to how he came to meet Curve CEO Simon Kerry, with whom he co-founded the Company. Curve’s is using its revolutionary gene-encoded Microcycle® platform to build a pipeline of innovative cyclic peptide and small molecule drugs addressing intracellular targets, with a focus on cancer, immunology and inflammation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to our Rare Disease Day Optimum Perspecitives podcast special featuring Tahira Mathur, Patient Advocate and Kate Adcock, Director of Research & Innovation at Optimum's chosen charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, alongside Jasper Morrow, consultant neurologist at University College London Hospital. This emotional yet hopeful episode highlights the importance of raising awareness of rare conditions, while discussing patient care, diagnosis, and genetic testing for Muscular Dystrophy. If you would like to contribute to the life changing work of Muscular Dystrophy UK, or find out more about Tahira's story living with GNE myopathy, visit her page here: Tahira's Team - JustGiving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.