In this episode we're joined by Justin Zenanko, CEO and co-founder of SynerFuse to discuss groundbreaking technique combining spinal fusion and direct nerve stimulation to treat chronic low back pain, aiming to eliminate the need for postoperative opioids. Justin delves into the inspiration behind the technology, its clinical results, and the company's approach to quality and regulatory management. He also provides insights on raising funds in a competitive market and the potential future applications of SynerFuse's technology.

Justin's Bio
Justin Zenanko, CPA, MDiv, is the president, CEO, and co-founder of SynerFuse, Inc., a Minnesota-based company innovating the spine industry with its integrated approach which combines spinal fusion and direct nerve stimulation to address the chronic low back pain that is unaddressed in about 40% of the 500,000 traditional spinal fusion surgeries that take place annually in the US alone. The SynerFuse approach aims to eliminate the post-surgical need for addictive opioids.

Link to SynerFuse website: https://www.synerfuse.com/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:41 Meet Justin Zinenko: From CPA to MedTech Innovator
03:16 The Birth of SynerFuse: Combining Spinal Fusion with Nerve Stimulation
05:29 Clinical Results and Patient Success Stories
08:46 Quality and Regulatory Approaches in MedTech
10:29 Future Applications and Innovations
14:59 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
17:51 Fun Insights and Closing Remarks

Qualio website:
https://www.qualio.com/

Previous episodes:
https://www.qualio.com/from-lab-to-launch-podcast

Apply to be on the show:
https://forms.gle/uUH2YtCFxJHrVGeL8

Music by keldez

**UPDATE** Since this episode was recorded, Takeda announced the results of the phase 3 soticlestat trials, which did not meet their primary endpoints.

We welcome Dr. Toshiya Nishi and Jason Tardio from Ovid Therapeutics. Dr. Nishi, with over 20 years of experience in drug discovery, discusses his role in the development of soticlestat and ongoing research on KCC2 activators for neurological disorders. Jason Tardio, Ovid's COO, shares insights on the company's focus on rare neurological disorders, including epilepsy, and its strategic initiatives for advancing treatments. Listen to their inspiring journey from the inception of Ovid Therapeutics to its current breakthroughs, and their perspectives on fostering a quality-driven and risk-tolerant culture in drug development.



https://ovidrx.com/


00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Meet the Guests: Dr. Toshiya Nishi and Jason Tardia
02:04 The Journey of Ovid Therapeutics
03:58 Discovering Saticklistat: A Serendipitous Breakthrough
08:35 Strategic Initiatives and Future Directions
13:48 Collaboration and Culture at Ovid Therapeutics
17:38 Ensuring Quality in Drug Development
21:50 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks
24:07 Conclusion and Farewell

Qualio website:
https://www.qualio.com/

Previous episodes:
https://www.qualio.com/from-lab-to-launch-podcast

Apply to be on the show:
https://forms.gle/uUH2YtCFxJHrVGeL8

Music by keldez

Join us as we discuss viral diagnostics and pharmacology with Dr. Nigel McCracken, Chief Operating Officer of Virax Biolabs. Dr. McCracken shares his expertise in drug development, focusing on oncology and infectious diseases, and discusses the company's pioneering work in detecting immune responses and diagnosing viral diseases. The conversation covers the impact of technology advancements in the past decade, the introduction of the Immune Select Profile in the Virax Immune T Cell Diagnostic Platform, and the evolving landscape of viral diagnostics post-COVID-19. Dr. McCracken also shares insights on maintaining high-quality standards in R&D and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the fields of drug development and diagnostics.

https://www.viraxbiolabs.com/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Meet Dr. Nigel McCracken
01:29 Nigel's Journey in Pharmacology
05:08 Innovations at Virax Biolabs
09:05 Impact of COVID-19 on Viral Diagnostics
12:53 Ensuring Quality in Diagnostics
16:37 Future Trends in Viral Diagnostics
20:20 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
23:13 Nigel's Personal Insights
24:20 Conclusion and Farewell

Qualio website:
https://www.qualio.com/

Previous episodes:
https://www.qualio.com/from-lab-to-launch-podcast

Apply to be on the show:
https://forms.gle/uUH2YtCFxJHrVGeL8

Music by keldez