BioTales - Every Biotech Has a Story Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:02:30 -0400 https://www.linkedin.com/in/hurleygenomics/ en-us © 2026 BioTales - Every Biotech Has a Story yes 2fc716ca-d4a6-5801-a9a4-b135f206f258 Hurley Li episodic false Pull up a lab stool, pour yourself a (virtual) buffer, and join us as we binge the origin stories of today’s most intriguing biotech companies. Each episode zips from embryo-stage start-up sparks to headline-grabbing clinical wins—spotlighting the people, pivots and petri-dish plot twists along the way. We’ll unpack the wild science, admire the moon-shots, wince at the near-misses, and peek around the corner at what’s next for each pipeline. 

Important disclaimer: every nugget of wisdom you’ll hear—research, script, the silky-smooth voices, and even this description—is generated by large language models and AI text-to-speech. Our human producer mostly wrangles prompts, sips coffee, and lets the algorithms do the heavy lifting. Translation: the content is informative—so double-check the numbers before you file that investor memo. Now, fire up your earbuds and let the biotech stories begin!


Views are my own and do not represent any affiliate. Content is based solely on publicly available information as of the recording date and is for educational purposes only. Nothing here is investment, legal, or medical advice. No confidential or non-public information was used.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Hurley Li https://storage.buzzsprout.com/cdq90j4n8gkkl5m5wvnx32cqprbs?.jpg BioTales - Every Biotech Has a Story https://www.linkedin.com/in/hurleygenomics/ Skyhawk Therapeutics: Soaring Above the RNA Horizon Skyhawk Therapeutics: Soaring Above the RNA Horizon In this episode of BioTales, we uncover the remarkable story of Skyhawk Therapeutics – a biotech company with its wings firmly set on the frontiers of RNA biology. From a chance meeting on a humanitarian trip that sparked a revolutionary vision, to billion‑dollar collaborations with pharma giants, Skyhawk’s journey reads like a biotech thriller. We dive into the science of RNA splicing, the trials of launching a startup, and the promise of first‑in‑class, orally available medicines for Huntington’s disease, multiple myeloma and more. Tune in for the latest breaking news on Skyhawk’s $2 billion deal with Merck KGAA, and discover how three founders turned a dream of drugging the undruggable into reality.

]]> In this episode of BioTales, we uncover the remarkable story of Skyhawk Therapeutics – a biotech company with its wings firmly set on the frontiers of RNA biology. From a chance meeting on a humanitarian trip that sparked a revolutionary vision, to billion‑dollar collaborations with pharma giants, Skyhawk’s journey reads like a biotech thriller. We dive into the science of RNA splicing, the trials of launching a startup, and the promise of first‑in‑class, orally available medicines for Huntington’s disease, multiple myeloma and more. Tune in for the latest breaking news on Skyhawk’s $2 billion deal with Merck KGAA, and discover how three founders turned a dream of drugging the undruggable into reality.

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17811740 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400 1525 1 8 full false Inside Interius: How In Vivo CAR-T Therapy Went From Penn Lab to Kite’s $350M Deal Inside Interius: How In Vivo CAR-T Therapy Went From Penn Lab to Kite’s $350M Deal In this episode of BioTales, we dive into the creation of Interius BioTherapeutics, a company born from a physician’s frustration with traditional CAR-T therapy and propelled into the spotlight by an industry‑shaking acquisition: Gilead’s Kite decided to buy Interius for $350 million. We explore how a simple idea to turn the body into its own bioreactor led to a platform that might democratize gene therapy. Along the way we revisit the founding story of physician–scientist Saar Gill and biotech veteran Bruce Peacock, trace the science behind targeting T cells with lentiviral vectors, and unpack the challenges of building an in vivo cell‑therapy company. From early funding, through first‑in‑human trials, to a blockbuster buyout, this is the dramatic journey of Interius and its quest to rewrite the rules of CAR-T therapy.

]]> In this episode of BioTales, we dive into the creation of Interius BioTherapeutics, a company born from a physician’s frustration with traditional CAR-T therapy and propelled into the spotlight by an industry‑shaking acquisition: Gilead’s Kite decided to buy Interius for $350 million. We explore how a simple idea to turn the body into its own bioreactor led to a platform that might democratize gene therapy. Along the way we revisit the founding story of physician–scientist Saar Gill and biotech veteran Bruce Peacock, trace the science behind targeting T cells with lentiviral vectors, and unpack the challenges of building an in vivo cell‑therapy company. From early funding, through first‑in‑human trials, to a blockbuster buyout, this is the dramatic journey of Interius and its quest to rewrite the rules of CAR-T therapy.

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17746758 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1339 1 7 full false Holding Cancer Hostage: The Revolutionary Science Behind Halda Therapeutics and RIPTACs Holding Cancer Hostage: The Revolutionary Science Behind Halda Therapeutics and RIPTACs This episode tells the extraordinary story of Halda Therapeutics, founded during the 2020 pandemic when renowned Yale professor Craig Crews gathered his team around an outdoor fireplace to brainstorm revolutionary cancer treatments. We explore Crews' journey as a serial biotech entrepreneur and his pioneering RIPTACs (Regulated Induced Proximity TArgeting Chimeras) at Halda -- a groundbreaking "hold and kill" approach that doesn't destroy cancer proteins but holds them hostage instead. The episode covers Halda's dramatic funding journey, their billion-dollar AI partnership with Vantai Therapeutics, and their historic achievement of putting the world's first RIPTAC therapeutic into human clinical trials. 

RIPTACs, Halda Therapeutics, cancer, protein degradation, Craig Crews, drug discovery, pharmaceutical

]]> This episode tells the extraordinary story of Halda Therapeutics, founded during the 2020 pandemic when renowned Yale professor Craig Crews gathered his team around an outdoor fireplace to brainstorm revolutionary cancer treatments. We explore Crews' journey as a serial biotech entrepreneur and his pioneering RIPTACs (Regulated Induced Proximity TArgeting Chimeras) at Halda -- a groundbreaking "hold and kill" approach that doesn't destroy cancer proteins but holds them hostage instead. The episode covers Halda's dramatic funding journey, their billion-dollar AI partnership with Vantai Therapeutics, and their historic achievement of putting the world's first RIPTAC therapeutic into human clinical trials. 

RIPTACs, Halda Therapeutics, cancer, protein degradation, Craig Crews, drug discovery, pharmaceutical

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17712835 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1163 1 6 full false Peel Back the “Undruggable”: Kumquat’s Path to Cracking KRAS-Driven Cancers Peel Back the “Undruggable”: Kumquat’s Path to Cracking KRAS-Driven Cancers What happens when a group of veteran chemists decide to take on one of oncology’s most notorious challenges?  In this episode of BioTales, we explore the remarkable journey of Kumquat Biosciences—a biotech startup whose audacious goal is to tame the “undruggable” KRAS mutations and to re‑imagine how small molecules can awaken the immune system.  Through a narrative filled with scientific intrigue, boardroom gambits and the resilience of a tiny citrus fruit, we follow the company’s path from its founding in 2018 to major partnerships with Eli Lilly, Takeda and Bayer. You’ll meet co‑founders Yi Liu and Pingda Ren, learn about their past successes in targeting KRAS, and hear how Kumquat’s new wave of small‑molecule immunotherapies could change the way we treat some of the deadliest cancers. Join us for a deep dive into the science, strategy and stories behind one of oncology’s most intriguing young companies.

Kumquat Biosciences, Bayer, KRAS, cancer treatment, biotechnology, immuno-oncology, drug development, covalent inhibitors, small molecules, oncology

]]> What happens when a group of veteran chemists decide to take on one of oncology’s most notorious challenges?  In this episode of BioTales, we explore the remarkable journey of Kumquat Biosciences—a biotech startup whose audacious goal is to tame the “undruggable” KRAS mutations and to re‑imagine how small molecules can awaken the immune system.  Through a narrative filled with scientific intrigue, boardroom gambits and the resilience of a tiny citrus fruit, we follow the company’s path from its founding in 2018 to major partnerships with Eli Lilly, Takeda and Bayer. You’ll meet co‑founders Yi Liu and Pingda Ren, learn about their past successes in targeting KRAS, and hear how Kumquat’s new wave of small‑molecule immunotherapies could change the way we treat some of the deadliest cancers. Join us for a deep dive into the science, strategy and stories behind one of oncology’s most intriguing young companies.

Kumquat Biosciences, Bayer, KRAS, cancer treatment, biotechnology, immuno-oncology, drug development, covalent inhibitors, small molecules, oncology

]]> Buzzsprout-17670208 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1233 1 5 full false Wiring the Neuro-Immune Axis: How SetPoint Rewrote Autoimmune Care Wiring the Neuro-Immune Axis: How SetPoint Rewrote Autoimmune Care This conversation explores the groundbreaking journey of SetPoint Medical, a company that aims to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases through neuroimmune modulation. Starting from a simple idea sketched on a napkin, the discussion delves into the science behind vagus nerve stimulation, the challenges of clinical trials, the importance of funding, and the recent FDA approval of their device for rheumatoid arthritis. The conversation highlights the potential for a paradigm shift in treating complex diseases by harnessing the body's own electrical systems.

SetPoint Medical, neuroimmune modulation, rheumatoid arthritis, bioelectronic medicine, inflammation, FDA approval, medical device, autoimmune diseases, vagus nerve stimulation, clinical trials

]]> This conversation explores the groundbreaking journey of SetPoint Medical, a company that aims to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases through neuroimmune modulation. Starting from a simple idea sketched on a napkin, the discussion delves into the science behind vagus nerve stimulation, the challenges of clinical trials, the importance of funding, and the recent FDA approval of their device for rheumatoid arthritis. The conversation highlights the potential for a paradigm shift in treating complex diseases by harnessing the body's own electrical systems.

SetPoint Medical, neuroimmune modulation, rheumatoid arthritis, bioelectronic medicine, inflammation, FDA approval, medical device, autoimmune diseases, vagus nerve stimulation, clinical trials

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17661878 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1214 1 4 full false Sitryx: The Promise of Immunometabolism in Rebalancing Immunity Sitryx: The Promise of Immunometabolism in Rebalancing Immunity This conversation delves into Sitryx Therapeutics, a pioneering company in the field of immunometabolism, aiming to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting metabolic pathways in immune cells. The discussion covers the founding vision, the scientific basis of their approach, the development of drug candidates, strategic partnerships, and the broader implications for biotech innovation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clinical data in validating their innovative strategies and the potential impact on future therapeutic landscapes.

Sitryx Therapeutics, immunometabolism, autoimmune diseases, metabolic enzymes, drug development, biotech innovation, clinical trials, partnerships, immune modulation, therapeutic approaches

]]> This conversation delves into Sitryx Therapeutics, a pioneering company in the field of immunometabolism, aiming to revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting metabolic pathways in immune cells. The discussion covers the founding vision, the scientific basis of their approach, the development of drug candidates, strategic partnerships, and the broader implications for biotech innovation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clinical data in validating their innovative strategies and the potential impact on future therapeutic landscapes.

Sitryx Therapeutics, immunometabolism, autoimmune diseases, metabolic enzymes, drug development, biotech innovation, clinical trials, partnerships, immune modulation, therapeutic approaches

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17647018 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0400 1688 1 3 full false Reprogramming Immunity: The Story of Capstan Therapeutics Reprogramming Immunity: The Story of Capstan Therapeutics This conversation explores the groundbreaking advancements made by Capstan Therapeutics in the field of cell therapy, particularly focusing on their innovative approach to in vivo engineering and targeted lipid nanoparticles. The discussion highlights the company's rapid growth, significant funding, and the potential impact of their technology on treating autoimmune diseases. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced in the biotech industry and the future prospects for Capstan as they move towards clinical trials and potential market entry.

Capstan Therapeutics, cell therapy, mRNA delivery, autoimmune diseases, targeted lipid nanoparticles, in vivo CAR-T, biotech innovation, AbbVie acquisition, chronic illness treatment

]]> This conversation explores the groundbreaking advancements made by Capstan Therapeutics in the field of cell therapy, particularly focusing on their innovative approach to in vivo engineering and targeted lipid nanoparticles. The discussion highlights the company's rapid growth, significant funding, and the potential impact of their technology on treating autoimmune diseases. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced in the biotech industry and the future prospects for Capstan as they move towards clinical trials and potential market entry.

Capstan Therapeutics, cell therapy, mRNA delivery, autoimmune diseases, targeted lipid nanoparticles, in vivo CAR-T, biotech innovation, AbbVie acquisition, chronic illness treatment

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17642848 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0400 1338 1 2 full false MoonLake Immunotherapeutics: The Biotech Ascent of a Nanobody Pioneer MoonLake Immunotherapeutics: The Biotech Ascent of a Nanobody Pioneer This conversation delves into the journey of Moonlake Immunotherapeutics, a biotech company that has rapidly gained recognition in the field of immunology. The discussion covers the founders' vision, the innovative science behind their lead drug Sonolokimab, the ambitious clinical trials they are undertaking, and the strategic financing that has supported their growth. The conversation highlights the potential impact of their work on the treatment of inflammatory diseases and the future prospects for the company.

Moonlake Immunotherapeutics, Sonolokimab, immunology, biotech, clinical trials, nanobody technology, inflammatory diseases, financing strategies, drug development, healthcare innovation

]]> This conversation delves into the journey of Moonlake Immunotherapeutics, a biotech company that has rapidly gained recognition in the field of immunology. The discussion covers the founders' vision, the innovative science behind their lead drug Sonolokimab, the ambitious clinical trials they are undertaking, and the strategic financing that has supported their growth. The conversation highlights the potential impact of their work on the treatment of inflammatory diseases and the future prospects for the company.

Moonlake Immunotherapeutics, Sonolokimab, immunology, biotech, clinical trials, nanobody technology, inflammatory diseases, financing strategies, drug development, healthcare innovation

]]> Hurley Li Buzzsprout-17642801 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:00:00 -0400 1000 1 1 full false