Biotech 2050 Podcast

Synopsis:

The drug discovery industry faces a persistent challenge: 9 out of 10 drugs entering the clinic fail, underscoring the need for a better path from biological insight to transformative medicine.

Host Rahul Chaturvedi speaks with Robert Plenge, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, about how causal human biology, genetics, novel targets, and emerging technologies are reshaping drug discovery.

Robert traces his unconventional journey from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to physician-scientist, human geneticist, and R&D leader, sharing how treating patients with autoimmune disease exposed the gap between controlling symptoms and creating medicines capable of fundamentally changing the course of disease. He explains why understanding causal human biology is critical to improving clinical success rates—and why an industry-wide concentration on the same validated targets risks limiting true innovation.

The conversation explores BMS's approach to target diversity and first-in-class innovation, the promise of immune reset and functional cures in autoimmune disease, and how targeted protein degradation is creating new possibilities for patients. Robert also offers a measured view of AI in R&D—from designing higher-quality molecules faster to modeling early clinical data—while emphasizing that technology still depends on understanding the underlying biology.

Robert and Rahul also examine the rise of “blended innovation,” where academia, biotech, pharma, and technology partners increasingly work through interconnected ecosystems rather than a traditional linear handoff. Beyond science, Robert shares candid lessons on mentorship, failure, uncertainty, and navigating the “jagged line” of a career—ending with a memorable principle: hold your why tightly and your how loosely.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on what it will take to move beyond incremental drug development and build the next generation of medicines.

Biography:

Robert Plenge, MD, PhD is Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he leads scientific activities across nine research sites around the world, all focused on transforming patients’ lives through science.

Prior to his current role, Robert served as head of Discovery & Translational Sciences at BMS, a role that spanned all therapeutic areas at the company. Robert joined BMS as part of the Celgene acquisition in November 2019. At Celgene, he served as vice president, Immunology & Inflammation portfolio, Research & Early Development. Prior to joining Celgene, Robert was vice president and Head of Translational Medicine at Merck.

Robert received his MD and PhD from Case Western Reserve University and holds a BS from the University of California, San Diego. He completed his internal medicine residency as a molecular medicine fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. He served as rheumatology fellow at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and postdoctoral research fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He was an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate member of the Broad Institute while practicing clinical rheumatology and running a research laboratory at Brigham & Women’s Hospital.

Robert is an author of more than 125 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals, and frequently posts updates to his personal blog, Plenge Gen, commenting on critical discovery moments with a focus on the resulting patient impact. He is a recipient of several academic and corporate awards and currently serves on the Board of Directors for BioMarin, Alltrna and the PhRMA Foundation.

Synopsis:

What does it take to turn a once-fringe scientific idea into a new approach to drug discovery—and build a biotech company around it for the long haul?

In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Nello Mainolfi, Founder, President & CEO of Kymera Therapeutics, to explore his journey from chemist and drug hunter to biotech founder, and the decade-long evolution of Kymera into a leader in targeted protein degradation.

Nello shares how scientific curiosity first drew him to protein degradation when the modality was barely known across the industry, why he believes biotech companies must “earn the right to grow,” and how Kymera made the pivotal decision to move away from oncology and concentrate its resources on immunology. He also discusses Kymera’s clinical progress, including its STAT6 and IRF5 degrader programs, and the potential for oral medicines to address pathways historically targeted by injectable biologics.

Beyond the science, Nello offers lessons from his evolution as a first-time founder CEO—from hiring and retaining the right people to building trust, preserving culture as an organization scales, knowing when to go deep and when to delegate, and maintaining resilience amid the constant demands of leading a public biotech company.

Tune in for a conversation about scientific conviction, disciplined company building, targeted protein degradation, and why people and culture can ultimately matter as much as the technology itself.

Biography:

Nello is Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Kymera Therapeutics. Under his leadership, Kymera has advanced a novel modality and built a pipeline of multiple clinical stage, first-in-class degrader programs across a variety of indications; developed a best-in-class drug discovery platform; raised close to $3 billion in capital and formed strategic collaborations with major biopharmaceutical companies. Nello began his career at Novartis, leading cross-functional teams that identified several novel investigational medicines including the first-in-class, FDA approved, factor B inhibitor iptacopan. Nello studied at Imperial College, University of London and The Scripps Research Institute in California and has authored more than 100 publications and patents. He is passionate about helping teams achieve what has not been done before and scaling Kymera into a leading global biopharma company.

Synopsis:

The guest on today's podcast is a representative of Braidwell LP, a registered investment adviser. Braidwell invests on behalf of its clients and either holds, or may in the future hold, positions in the securities discussed. His statements are not intended to provide investment advice, discuss comprehensive investment risks, or constitute an offer to transact in any security. The information presented is for general information purposes only and will not be updated.

For years, AI has promised to transform drug discovery—but why hasn't that promise translated into more approved medicines?

In this episode of Biotech 2050, host Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Nick Myerberg, Partner and Head of Artificial Intelligence and Technology at Braidwell, for an in-depth discussion on where AI in biotech has succeeded, where it has fallen short, and why the next generation of AI-native drug discovery may finally deliver breakthrough therapies.

Nick traces the evolution of computational biology—from early mathematical models to AlphaFold and today's emerging agentic AI systems—and explains why proprietary data, scientific judgment, and tightly integrated laboratory feedback loops are becoming the real competitive advantage. He shares how Braidwell evaluates AI-first biotech companies, what separates lasting platforms from hype, and why the future belongs to organizations that redesign discovery around AI rather than simply adding AI to existing workflows.

The conversation also explores autonomous laboratories, AI-designed medicines, the changing economics of biotech, and the evolving role of scientists in an era where human expertise and machine intelligence increasingly work side by side.
Whether you're an investor, biotech founder, researcher, or AI enthusiast, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for understanding how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of drug discovery.

Biography:

Nick Myerberg, Partner and Head of Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Braidwell

Nick Myerberg is a Partner and Head of Artificial Intelligence and Technology at Braidwell, a life sciences investment firm dedicated to building and backing companies that transform human health. Working at the intersection of computation, biology, and capital allocation, Nick engineers systems that shape investment decisions and scientific discovery, and he invests in the scientists and founders forging AI-native approaches to biology.

Before joining Braidwell, Nick built machine learning systems at Bridgewater Associates and at S&P Global’s Kensho Technologies. He was also a founding volunteer at NeighborShare, a nonprofit that connects families in need with local donors. Nick was selected as a member of the inaugural 2026 cohort of the Aspen Institute's Technology Leaders Initiative, a fellowship within the Aspen Global Leadership Network bringing together senior leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence and frontier technologies.

Nick is broadly interested in how advances in computation reshape the pace and structure of scientific discovery, and in building the discovery infrastructure required to increase the world’s scientific bandwidth. Nick earned a B.A. from Wesleyan University and later studied history and philosophy of science at the University of Cambridge.

Synopsis:

In an industry often defined by rapid innovation and high-stakes science, long-term success in biotech requires more than breakthrough discoveries—it demands strategic clarity, resilient leadership, and a deep understanding of unmet patient needs. In this engaging conversation, Rahul Chaturvedi sits down with Robert Jacks, President & CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, to explore his unconventional journey from civil engineering to biotech leadership, the lessons learned from building and exiting successful companies, and why creating lasting value should take precedence over chasing acquisitions.
Robert reflects on his career spanning Pfizer, entrepreneurship, venture capital at OrbiMed, and leading multiple biotech companies, sharing how his experiences shaped his approach to leadership, capital allocation, and company building. He explains why influence matters more than authority, how empathy creates stronger organizations, and why keeping biotech companies lean allows them to remain resilient throughout unpredictable funding cycles.

The conversation then explores Sparrow Pharmaceuticals' evolution from a rare disease company into a precision medicine leader focused on difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. Robert provides an in-depth look at the emerging science behind cortisol biology, HSD1 inhibition, and why excess intracellular cortisol may represent one of the industry's most overlooked drivers of metabolic disease. He also discusses Sparrow's recent clinical data, the rationale behind its strategic pivot, the future of patient stratification in cardiometabolic disease, and how Sparrow aims to complement—not compete with—the rapidly expanding GLP-1 landscape.

From fundraising and leadership philosophy to clinical development strategy and the next frontier of precision medicine, this episode offers practical insights for biotech founders, investors, and industry leaders navigating the complexities of building enduring biotech companies.

Biography:

Robert has 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. He has founded or co-founded multiple companies and raised more than $300 million. Previously, Robert was the President & CEO of Indalo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics for serious fibrotic diseases, and President, CFO, and Co-Founder of Symbiomix Therapeutics, which was sold after achieving NDA approval for Solosec®. Robert also previously held the positions of Head of Corporate Development for Tobira Therapeutics, Head of Business Development for ACT Biotech, and Entrepreneur-in-Residence for OrbiMed Advisors.

Robert began his pharmaceutical industry career in finance and product development at Pfizer, where he last worked as the Director of Business Development for Oncology and Infectious Diseases. Robert earned an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MSE in Civil Engineering from Stanford University, and a BSE in Civil Engineering from Duke University. When not solving intractable healthcare problems, Robert spends as much time as possible with his two daughters.

Synopsis:

While biotech is increasingly measured by clinical milestones and financial outcomes, Rahul Chaturvedi welcomes two leaders who argue that true success begins and ends with patients. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Mike Raab, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ardelyx, and Laura Williams, Chief Patient Officer, share how empathy, resilience, and patient advocacy have shaped both their careers and the culture of the company they’ve built.

Mike reflects on an unconventional journey that spans pharmaceutical sales, rare disease leadership at Genzyme, venture capital at NEA, and ultimately leading Ardelyx through some of biotech’s most difficult challenges—including a Complete Response Letter, massive layoffs, and a historic FDA reversal that resulted in approval without additional clinical trials. Laura shares her path from rural Mississippi to becoming a physician, recounting the transformative patient experience during the HIV epidemic that inspired her move from academia into industry and ultimately into a pioneering Chief Patient Officer role.

Together, they explore what patient-centricity truly means beyond corporate slogans, how Ardelyx embedded patient advocacy into the C-suite, and why empathy must be a core competency for biotech leadership. The discussion also dives into clinical trial diversity, commercializing therapies for underserved populations, navigating regulatory adversity, responsible capital allocation, and the future of building enduring biotech companies. It is a powerful reminder that when patients become the North Star, resilience, innovation, and impact naturally follow.

Biography:

Mike Raab
Mike has served as Ardelyx’s President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2009. Before Ardelyx, Mike was a partner at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), one of the world’s largest and most successful venture capital firms, where he specialized in healthcare investments focusing on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Prior to joining NEA in 2002, Mike spent 15 years in commercial and operating leadership roles in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. He was senior vice president, therapeutics and general manager of the renal division at Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi company. In this position, Mike launched and oversaw the sales growth of sevelamer, the leading phosphate binder for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia, with over $1.0 billion in worldwide sales in 2013. Mike was also instrumental in the worldwide launch of Genzyme’s therapies for Gaucher disease, Ceredase and Cerezyme.

Laura Williams, MD, MPH
Laura has served as Ardelyx’s Chief Patient Officer since 2025, having joined the company in November 2020 as Senior Vice President, Global Therapeutic Strategies and Patient Advocacy. Laura was later promoted to Chief Medical Officer in 2021.
Laura is a life science enterprise leader with extensive experience as a pharmaceutical drug developer, healthcare policy advisor, patient advocate, and portfolio strategist. She is an accomplished, results-oriented, physician scientist and board member who is committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies that address unmet medical need. With nearly 30 years of pharmaceutical experience, across all clinical development phases and multiple therapeutic areas, in both large pharma and smaller biotech, Laura has a proven track-record in drug development, as indicated by her leadership and major contributions toward eight drug approvals.