INTERVIEWS

Despite the widely recognized benefits of point-of-care ultrasound, fewer than 40% of rural counties in the U.S. can offer residents any access. Kevin Goodwin, Founder and CEO of EchoNous, discusses how the company is closing this gap by delivering powerful, handheld ultrasound at the point of care – having developed a tool that is capable of producing diagnostic-quality images paired with AI guidance. He also talks about his experience in creating a new market and tips for founders.

Returning guest, Dr. Michael Irizarry, M.D., Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer, Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Health, Eisai Inc. discusses the FDA acceptance of the company’s Biologics License Application (BLA) submission for lecanemab, an investigational anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). He also shares data from Eisai’s Alzheimer’s disease pipeline for the potential treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease, including data on subcutaneous formulation patients may be able to use at home.

The Astellas Oncology C3 (Changing Cancer Care) Prize is a global challenge that funds and advances the best non-treatment ideas to improve cancer care for patients, caregivers and the broader oncology community. Dr. Anthony Yanni, M.D., Senior Vice President and Global Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas, discusses how the C3 Prize has helped innovators fuel their big ideas since it was established in 2016 and how it fits into the company’s patient-centric approach. Dr. Yanni also shares what inspires him the 2022 Grand Prize Winner who will receive a $100,000 grant plus additional resources and hands-on support. 

The Astellas Oncology C3 (Changing Cancer Care) Prize is a global challenge that funds and advances the best non-treatment ideas to improve cancer care for patients, caregivers and the broader oncology community. This year’s Grand Prize winner is Aimee DeGolyer, Founder and CEO of REPROSENT, who will receive a $100,000 grant plus additional resources and hands-on support. She talks about losing her father in 2020 to a cancer immunotherapy adverse reaction, which inspired her to build a system that helps patients and their caregivers track symptom data and triage challenging symptoms with a focus on reducing clinical team burden and improving outcomes. As an experienced start-up professional, she also shares advice for how healthcare entrepreneurs can bring their big ideas to life.

Dr. Richard Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University and author of a July 2022 study on urinary incontinence (UI) related to overactive bladder (OAB) discusses the startling findings of this study from the 70-question survey of 71 US Directors of Nursing (DONs) in long-term care settings. The survey revealed the impact and management of UI and OAB are a substantial burden to long-term care facilities, residents, and staff. He also talks about safe alternatives to anticholinergics which are associated with negative cognitive effects.

Awny Farajallah, M.D., Head of Global Medical Affairs Oncology at Takeda, discusses his transition from physician to head of pharma medical affairs and how his unique experience working in infectious disease is advancing Takeda Oncology’s mission to provide individualized cancer care for all patients. Driven to find solutions for disenfranchised people across the globe, Dr. Farajallah’s passion closely aligns with Takeda Oncology’s values and commitment to providing patients the medicine they need, wherever they may be or whoever they may be.

Returning guest, Dr. Jamie Weiner, a psychologist​ and co-founder of Inheriting Wisdom, a consultancy for high-net-worth families, and author of the book “The Quest for Legitimacy: How Children of Prominent Families Discover Their Unique Place in the World” discusses liminality and the distinction between clinical depression and relatively normal suffering. 

Dr. Mark Lebwohl, MD, Dean of Clinical Therapeutics at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai talks about the importance of early treatment for psoriasis to avoid future complications. During Psoriasis Action Month, Dr. Lebwohl wants to educate the public and encourage fellow doctors on furthering the research on topics surrounding causes, triggers, and treatment methods. 

Returning guest, Dr. Andrew Miller, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Karuna Therapeutics and lead inventor of the company’s lead investigational therapy, KarXT (xanomeline-trospium), discusses positive topline results from its Phase 3 EMERGENT-2 trial evaluating KarXT in adults with schizophrenia. He talks about what these data may mean for those living with or treating schizophrenia, the potential for KarXT to change how we approach the treatment of serious mental illnesses, and the potential for progress with greater education and understanding of mental disorders. 

Robert L. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, FACC is a cardiologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Gottlieb will discuss what hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is, the impact this rare and debilitating disease may have on those living with it, and a new therapeutic option recently approved by the U.S. FDA to treat the polyneuropathy manifestations associated with it.