Better Science, Better Health: VIB’s Johan Cardoen, An EU Biotech Success Story.

For the first podcast in our series investigating the impact and importance of IP on European biotech and innovation, we have an in-depth discussion with Johan Cardoen of VIB, Gent’s life sciences research institute in Belgium. VIB has been called by Reuters, “part of the success . . . to Belgium’s distinct approach to biotech start-ups.” Given that a VIB spin-out Ablynx was recently acquired by Sanofi for $5 billion dollars, Johan's approach to successful innovation is starting to be noticed in the EU's offices in Brussels, just down the road from Gent, but often a world apart.

Our conversation covers many pressing topics including how VIB has built its well-deserved reputation for creating successful biotech platforms, the brain-drain of maturing biotech companies and strategies to keep them in Europe, the potential impact of IP exemptions like WTO compulsory licenses on biotech companies, why the past GMO debate matters today, and what technologies are currently going to be the next ones to impact the lives of patients.

Better Science, Better Health: VIB’s Johan Cardoen, An EU Biotech Success Story. For the first podcast in our series investigating the impact and importance of IP on European biotech and innovation, we have an in-depth discussion with Johan Cardoen of VIB, Gent’s life sciences research institute in Belgium. VIB has been called by Reuters, “part of the success . . . to Belgium’s distinct approach to biotech start-ups.” Given that a VIB spin-out Ablynx was recently acquired by Sanofi for $5 billion dollars, Johan's approach to successful innovation is starting to be noticed in the EU's offices in Brussels, just down the road from Gent, but often a world apart. Our conversation covers many pressing topics including how VIB has built its well-deserved reputation for creating successful biotech platforms, the brain-drain of maturing biotech companies and strategies to keep them in Europe, the potential impact of IP exemptions like WTO compulsory licenses on biotech companies, why the past GMO debate matters today, and what technologies are currently going to be the next ones to impact the lives of patients.

Duane Schulthess is the CEO of Vital Transformation, host and producer of Vital Health Podcast.  Vital Transformation understands the implications of new medical procedures, technologies and regulations. We measure their impact upon treatment pathways and the biopharma innovation ecosystem in collaboration with health care professionals, researchers, and regulators. Through our web platform and client network, we are able to communicate our findings with international decision makers and stakeholders.

Duane Schulthess is the CEO of Vital Transformation, host and producer of Vital Health Podcast.  Vital Transformation understands the implications of new medical procedures, technologies and regulations. We measure their impact upon treatment pathways and the biopharma innovation ecosystem in collaboration with health care professionals, researchers, and regulators. Through our web platform and client network, we are able to communicate our findings with international decision makers and stakeholders.

Duane Schulthess, Managing Director of Vital Tran…

Vital Health Podcast

Better Science, Better Health: VIB’s Johan Cardoe…

Better Science, Better Health: VIB’s Johan Cardoen, An EU Biotech Success Story.

Join host Duane Schulthess on the Vital Health Podcast as he explores the groundbreaking Prime Rose Project, an initiative redefining the use of off-label drugs in oncology. Featuring insights from Dr. Hans Gelderblom, Chair of Medical Oncology at Leiden University Medical Center, and Sahar Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn-Khosrovani, a member of the Dutch National Payers Evaluation Committee, this episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of drug rediscovery protocols. Learn how this innovative approach balances accessibility, affordability, and evidence-based treatments, transforming the landscape of personalized medicine across Europe.

Join host Duane Schulthess on the Vital Health Podcast as he explores the groundbreaking Prime Rose Project, an initiative redefining the use of off-label drugs in oncology. Featuring insights from Dr. Hans Gelderblom, Chair of Medical Oncology at Leiden University Medical Center, and Sahar Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn-Khosrovani, a member of the Dutch National Payers Evaluation Committee, this episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of drug rediscovery protocols. Learn how this innovative approach balances accessibility, affordability, and evidence-based treatments, transforming the landscape of personalized medicine across Europe.

Breaking Barriers: The Prime Rose Project and Off-Label Drug Innovations

In this Vital Health Podcast, John Stanford, Executive Director of Incubate, discusses the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on venture capital investments in life sciences. Stanford emphasizes that the IRA's price control mechanisms have led to significant shifts in funding, particularly away from small-molecule drug development, creating what is described as the "small molecule penalty." Key points include:
Venture Capital's Role and Challenges:

Venture capital is critical in translating basic research into medicines.
The Inflation Reduction Act has disrupted this ecosystem, discouraging investment in certain drugs due to anticipated lower returns under price control regimes.
Data from the Life Science Tracker:

Stanford highlights the Life Science Tracker findings, showing 36 research programs and 21 specific drug developments discontinued since the IRA's passage. Notably, investments are markedly shifted from small molecules to biologics.
Economic and Patient Impact:

The IRA has led to reduced innovation in critical areas like oncology and rare diseases. Treatments for diseases like ovarian cancer and blindness have been deprioritized.
Stanford argues that the act inadvertently penalizes older patients, the demographic it was designed to benefit, by disincentivizing drugs for age-related diseases.
Proposed Solutions:

The EPIC Act, a bipartisan effort supported by Incubate, aims to address the disparities by giving small molecules the same 13-year exclusivity period as biologics.
Fixing the incentives for drug development, including addressing multiple indication penalties, is crucial to fostering innovation.
Critique of Government Assessments:

Stanford critiques the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for its reliance on limited data sources and narrow time horizons, which fail to capture the long-term impacts of the IRA.

In conclusion, Stanford stresses the need for legislative adjustments to mitigate the IRA's unintended consequences on drug innovation and patient care. For more insights, listeners are directed to the Life Science Tracker at lifesciencetracker.com.

In this Vital Health Podcast, John Stanford, Executive Director of Incubate, discusses the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on venture capital investments in life sciences. Stanford emphasizes that the IRA's price control mechanisms have led to significant shifts in funding, particularly away from small-molecule drug development, creating what is described as the "small molecule penalty." Key points include:
<ul>
<li>Venture Capital's Role and Challenges: 
<ul>
<li>Venture capital is critical in translating basic research into medicines.</li>
<li>The Inflation Reduction Act has disrupted this ecosystem, discouraging investment in certain drugs due to anticipated lower returns under price control regimes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Data from the Life Science Tracker:
<ul>
<li>Stanford highlights the Life Science Tracker findings, showing 36 research programs and 21 specific drug developments discontinued since the IRA's passage. Notably, investments are markedly shifted from small molecules to biologics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Economic and Patient Impact: 
<ul>
<li>The IRA has led to reduced innovation in critical areas like oncology and rare diseases. Treatments for diseases like ovarian cancer and blindness have been deprioritized.</li>
<li>Stanford argues that the act inadvertently penalizes older patients, the demographic it was designed to benefit, by disincentivizing drugs for age-related diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Proposed Solutions: 
<ul>
<li>The EPIC Act, a bipartisan effort supported by Incubate, aims to address the disparities by giving small molecules the same 13-year exclusivity period as biologics.</li>
<li>Fixing the incentives for drug development, including addressing multiple indication penalties, is crucial to fostering innovation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Critique of Government Assessments: 
<ul>
<li>Stanford critiques the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for its reliance on limited data sources and narrow time horizons, which fail to capture the long-term impacts of the IRA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
In conclusion, Stanford stresses the need for legislative adjustments to mitigate the IRA's unintended consequences on drug innovation and patient care. For more insights, listeners are directed to the Life Science Tracker at <a href="http://lifesciencetracker.com">lifesciencetracker.com</a>.

Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Venture Capital in Life Sciences

In this insightful episode of the Vital Health Podcast, we dive deep into the economic and societal benefits of investing in healthcare. Our esteemed guests, Professor Herwig Ostermann, Executive Director, Austrian National Public Health Institute, Professor Dennis A. Ostwald, CEO, WifOR Institute and Professor at Steinbeis School of International Business and Entrepreneurship (SIBE), and Massimo Bordignon, Professor of Public Economics at the Catholic University of Milan and member of the European Fiscal Board, EU Commission, share their expertise on how improved budgeting models and investment metrics can lead to healthier societies and economic growth.  Join us as we explore how smart investments in healthcare can drive economic growth and create healthier, more productive societies. Don’t miss this episode packed with valuable insights and practical recommendations.  Listen now and be part of the conversation on building a well-being economy through strategic health investments.

Key Highlights:
Well-being Economy: Professor Ostwald emphasizes the concept of a well-being economy, where health investments are seen not as costs but as crucial investments in the prosperity of countries. He highlights that 12% of Germany’s GDP is related to health investments, showcasing the significant economic impact.
Budget Allocation: Professor Ostermann discusses the complexities of health budget allocation in Austria, stressing the need for a holistic approach that integrates various policy areas to maximize the benefits of health investments.
EU Perspective: Professor Bordignon talks about the European Union’s new economic framework, which allows for multi-year budgeting, enabling more strategic investments in healthcare. He underscores the importance of seeing health spending as an investment rather than a cost.
Prevention and Long-term Planning: The speakers agree on the necessity of shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in healthcare. Investing in prevention and early diagnostics, particularly for diseases like cardiovascular conditions, can yield substantial long-term benefits.
European Health Union: The discussion also touches on the potential of a European Health Union to streamline healthcare investments and policies across member states, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.

In this insightful episode of the Vital Health Podcast, we dive deep into the economic and societal benefits of investing in healthcare. Our esteemed guests, Professor Herwig Ostermann, Executive Director, Austrian National Public Health Institute, Professor Dennis A. Ostwald, CEO, WifOR Institute and Professor at Steinbeis School of International Business and Entrepreneurship (SIBE), and Massimo Bordignon, Professor of Public Economics at the Catholic University of Milan and member of the European Fiscal Board, EU Commission, share their expertise on how improved budgeting models and investment metrics can lead to healthier societies and economic growth.  Join us as we explore how smart investments in healthcare can drive economic growth and create healthier, more productive societies. Don’t miss this episode packed with valuable insights and practical recommendations.  Listen now and be part of the conversation on building a well-being economy through strategic health investments.   Key Highlights:
<ol>
<li>Well-being Economy: Professor Ostwald emphasizes the concept of a well-being economy, where health investments are seen not as costs but as crucial investments in the prosperity of countries. He highlights that 12% of Germany’s GDP is related to health investments, showcasing the significant economic impact.</li>
<li>Budget Allocation: Professor Ostermann discusses the complexities of health budget allocation in Austria, stressing the need for a holistic approach that integrates various policy areas to maximize the benefits of health investments.</li>
<li>EU Perspective: Professor Bordignon talks about the European Union’s new economic framework, which allows for multi-year budgeting, enabling more strategic investments in healthcare. He underscores the importance of seeing health spending as an investment rather than a cost.</li>
<li>Prevention and Long-term Planning: The speakers agree on the necessity of shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in healthcare. Investing in prevention and early diagnostics, particularly for diseases like cardiovascular conditions, can yield substantial long-term benefits.</li>
<li>European Health Union: The discussion also touches on the potential of a European Health Union to streamline healthcare investments and policies across member states, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.</li>
</ol>

Better Science, Better Health: VIB’s Johan Cardoen, An EU Biotech Success Story.

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