In this episode of Spark Time!, we speak with Øystein Rekdal, co-founder and CEO of Lytix Biopharma, about how the company reimagined host-defense peptides as a new class of oncolytic molecules for cancer immunotherapy.


Øystein shares the full arc of Lytix’s development, from an academic discovery in Norway to a clinical-stage platform built around locally administered oncolytic molecules designed to activate the immune system where standard treatments fall short. We explore how Lytix isolated and engineered naturally occurring peptides into drug candidates with clinical momentum, and why this approach differs fundamentally from both traditional cytotoxic agents and oncolytic viruses.


The conversation dives into how Lytix’s lead program induces immunogenic cell death, exposes tumor antigens, and initiates a broad immune response that extends beyond the treated lesion. We also discuss the company’s strategic focus on combination and neo-adjuvant settings, its rationale for intratumoral delivery, and how this platform is positioned to address non-responsive solid tumors.


A thoughtful discussion for biotech leaders, investors, and partners interested in differentiated immunotherapy platforms and the strategic decisions required to translate novel biology into real clinical relevance.

Ep. 33 How Lytix Biopharma Reimagined Host-Defense Peptides as Oncolytic Molecules for Immunotherapy

What if an Alzheimer’s therapy did not just slow decline, but restored memory and physical health back to baseline?

In this episode of Spark Time, we sit down with Dan Salain, President and CEO of Recall Therapeutics, and Dr. Atul Chopra, Co-founder and CSO, to unpack one of the boldest ideas in neuroscience today: RTX-100, a gene therapy designed to restore cognition and systemic health in Alzheimer’s disease. Dan and Atul walk us through the science behind targeting memory circuits rather than just clearing amyloid, how a liver-expressed protein naturally crosses the blood–brain barrier, and why their preclinical data show full recovery of associative, recognition, and spatial memory in advanced mouse models.


We also explore the overlooked systemic side of Alzheimer’s cachexia, sarcopenia, frailty, UTIs, pneumonia and how RTX-100 appears to normalize body weight, muscle strength, endurance, and fluid balance alongside cognitive recovery. From serendipity in the lab to regulatory strategy and potential paths to market, this conversation opens up a very different vision for what treating Alzheimer’s and even aging itself could look like.

Ep. 32 Alzheimer’s Breakthrough? Recall Thinks Restoration Is Possible

In this episode, we have a, high-energy conversation with Molly Mulligan and Ken Savin from Space MD about how space-made crystals are changing drug development on Earth. Their team grows protein crystals on the International Space Station because in zero gravity, the structures form more perfectly, revealing details that scientists can’t see on the ground. One of their first successes was Keytruda, where space-grown crystals helped refine molecular structures that shaped a blockbuster therapy. We also cover running experiments in orbit, scaling the model for everyday pharma, and what happens when microgravity becomes just another R&D tool. It’s biotech, but cosmic.

Ep. 31 Zero G, Crystals and Keytruda: Space MD Builds the New Frontier of Drug Design

We talk with Alan Gourdie and Spencer Marsh from The Tiny Cargo Company, the team commercializing one of nature’s most elegant delivery systems, milk-derived exosomes.


We dig into what makes milk exosomes uniquely suited for oral delivery of peptides and GLP-1’s, and beyond. From biologics and monoclonal antibodies to skincare actives and nutraceuticals, the implications reach across human health.


Spencer and Alan break down the biology, the scalability, and the data behind their platform; high loading efficiency, barrier penetration, long-term stability, and natural biocompatibility, and what it takes to turn a naturally evolved system into an industrial-scale solution for pharma and consumer health.
A conversation about precision delivery, sustainability, and how sometimes the most advanced technology has been in nature all along.

Ep. 30 The Tiny Cargo Company's Milk Exosomes Could Shape the Future of Oral GLP-1 Delivery

Neuropathic pain affects nearly 10% of the global population, yet effective treatments remain elusive. In this episode of Spark Time, we sit down with oncologists-turned-biotech-founders Christian Kersten and Marte Cameron of Akigai to hear the remarkable story of how a serendipitous clinical observation led to a new approach for treating chronic pain.

From the first wheelchair-bound patient who walked again after EGFR inhibitor therapy, to the 100+ patients who have since experienced life-changing relief, Christian and Marte share the science and the vision behind Akigai’s mission: to bring effective, non-opioid solutions to millions living with neuropathic pain. This is a story of discovery, persistence, and hope for one of medicine’s most stubborn challenges.

Ep. 29 Christian Kersten & Marte Cameron: From Serendipitous Discovery to a New Era in Chronic Pain Treatment

In this expansive episode, Aneil Mallavarapu delivers a masterclass on what TechBio is really about and why most investors and founders are still getting it wrong. We dig into the communication gap between technical genius and venture capital, the brutal economics of research tools, the data dilemmas in wet AI, and why the future belongs to founders who can both build deep and speak simply.
Aneil shares hard truths about platform strategy, revenue (yes, revenue), and the myth of “cool diagnostics” inside a broken healthcare system. But this isn’t just about critique. It’s a hopeful, strategic call for a new generation of purposeful companies, built not only for returns but for impact. If you're working at the intersection of biology, tech, and meaning, this is the one to listen to.

Ep. 28 Aneil Mallavarapu on Building and Monetizing TechBio Platforms, Storytelling and Why Diagnostics Won’t Save a System Designed to Fail

Learn how flexibility, real-time control, and localized trial expertise are reshaping the future of CRO's from the man redefining it. Listen in as Ardian Latifi breaks down why Southern CDC’s sponsor-first model is more than an experiment; it’s the new path forward.

In this episode of Spark Time!, we sit down with Dr. Ardian Latifi, founder and CEO of Southern Clinical Development Consulting (Southern CDC). Ardian shares how his frustration with big, bureaucratic CROs inspired a bold, leaner model. One built for biotech sponsors, not shareholders.

Forget the one-size-fits-all, multi-billion-dollar corporate CROs. Ardian's approach puts sponsors back in the driver’s seat, with modular teams, consultants limited to just 2–3 projects at a time, and radically transparent pricing and timelines. No hidden handoffs or surprise delays. Just direct access, expert-driven trials built for speed and clarity.

Ep. 27 Burn the CRO Playbook: Ardian Latifi on Building a Sponsor-First Model

In this episode of Spark Time, we sit down with Steve McIntyre, CEO of Agilex Biolabs, Cameron Smith, Chief Business Development Officer, Agilex Biolabs and Mike Burfield, Partner with RDI partners, a leader in Australian R&D tax services.We dive into why Australia has become a strategic hub for global biotech development, and how Agilex Biolabs is helping companies move faster, smarter, and farther with their non-clinical and clinical development, global regulatory readiness, and access to a 43.5% R&D tax rebate.From cutting-edge BioA and tox capabilities to decoding the strategic and financial advantages that most U.S. biotechs miss, this episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to stretch their runway and accelerate drug development timelines.Listen in to learn how to make Australia part of your R&D strategy.

Ep. 26 The Australian Advantage; How Global Biotechs Are Accelerating R&D with Agilex Biolabs

What does a former Google leader see when he looks at the drug discovery process? A broken system and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild it with AI.

Javier Tordable spent 16 years at Google leading technical teams, and helping global pharma companies modernize through AI in his role as Technical Director in the CTO office. Now he’s the founder and CEO of Pauling AI, an early-stage startup using molecular simulation to radically accelerate how new medicines are found. In this episode, Javier breaks down what biotech gets fundamentally wrong about AI and the cost of those misconceptions. 

We explore the bold bets he’s making to reshape the industry, what biotech teams get wrong when explaining cutting-edge science, and how hosting his own podcast, The Pauling Perspective, has sharpened his lens on what truly resonates. 

Also on the table: Linus Pauling, investor mind games, and the one prediction about drug development that might make traditionalists sweat. 

This one’s for the engineers, the skeptics, and anyone daring to rethink what’s possible.

Ep. 25 Javier Tordable Saw Biotech’s Blind Spot. Then Built a Company to Fix It.

We sit down with Maree Beare, the visionary CEO and founder of Clinials. Maree shares her journey in transforming clinical trials through AI-driven solutions, that streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and make research more accessible to diverse populations.
She breaks down the long-standing bottlenecks in clinical trials, and shares why and how she built a platform to tackle the complexity and inefficiencies head-on.
We explore how Clinials is redefining communication, simplifying protocols, automating workflows, and accelerating decision-making to drive faster, more cost-effective, and inclusive trials globally. Maree also discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research, and how technology can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
Tune in to discover why she’s becoming one of the most compelling voices at the intersection of AI, clinical trials, and patient-centric care.

Ep. 24 AI vs. Clinical Trial Chaos: Maree Beare Isn’t Waiting Around

Mighty Spark Communications (@vanguardcreative) · Zencastr

Mighty Spark Communications (@vanguardcreative)

Scientific innovation happens every day and has the power to create lasting change in the world. However, change only happens when that knowledge is applied to a real-world problem. There are a lot of daunting problems that face us, many of which require audacious and ambitious solutions. What prevents scientific leaders from delivering our most-needed solutions? What about a great story compels us to solve our most demanding challenges?

Explore the importance of storytelling as a leadership tool to power scientific innovation and drive transformative change. Join two entrepreneurs – Dani Stoltzfus and Will Riedl – as we interview innovators, trailblazers, and rulebreakers who seek to transform the world through scientific advancement.

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