In this episode, we welcome Stephanie Oestreich, Managing Director at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. She holds a PhD in biochemistry from Harvard Medical School and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, and has worked at the forefront of drug development at major pharma and biotech companies around the world. Stephanie introduces the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and delves into the latest advances in in vivo CAR-T and cell therapy that are driving meaningful progress towards cures. With her global background, she unpacks the evolving dynamics between the U.S., European, and Chinese biotech ecosystems and what that means for founders building companies today. This impactful conversation is packed with industry insights and guidance for early career scientists and entrepreneurs.
(0:53) Introduction to Stephanie’s passion for science and her career transition from research to business
(8:40) Key foundational business development skills
(13:06) What investors look for when evaluating early stage technology
(14:37) The story behind Gleevec and its commercialization journey
(19:36) Long term planning for early career scientists
(24:39) Differences between U.S. and European ecosystems across pharma and biotech
(30:30) Introduction to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
(36:23) How in vivo CAR-T and cell therapy are advancing multiple myeloma care
(42:08) Advice for entrepreneurs interested in the Nucleate Activator program
(54:18) How can startup founders best position themselves in a competitive landscape
(1:03:10) Quick fire questions