Behind the Breakthroughs

One of the most remarkable patient stories of the 21st century has been that of Emily Whitehead—the first pediatric patient to receive chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy. Emily's parents have been along her side every step of the way, which is not something everyone can say. However, in the process, her father, Tom Whitehead, became incredibly moved by the experience with Emily and everything he saw. He decided to devote much of his time to helping families and patients who find themselves in Emily's shoes. Today, Tom is doing that through the Emily Whitehead Foundation.In this candid and emotional episode of Behind the Breakthroughs, Tom Whitehead shares intimate details of his journey by Emily’s side up to and through her treatment with CAR T, which occurred through a combination of serendipity and persistence. Tom also discusses in depth the challenges that patients and families face in dire medical situations, especially when it involves research-as-care. This is the 2024 finale for Behind the Breakthroughs, and we will release our next episode on January 8, 2025.Stay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here.Produced by Bill LevineHosted by Jonathan D. GrinsteinMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack

In this episode of Behind the Breakthroughs, Harry Clifford, PhD, Digital Biology Lead at NVIDIA, discusses how the computer manufacturing and AI computing leader is building a technology platform to address data bottlenecks in drug development and healthcare to advance precision medicine.Stay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here.Produced by Bill LevineHosted by Jonathan D. GrinsteinMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack

In this episode of Behind the Breakthroughs, Michael Severino, MD, discusses the approaches for developing "genome writers" at Tessera Therapeutics, where he joined as CEO in 2022, and the advantages of performing in vivo genome editing over ex vivo approaches. Severino explains where the company is in utilizing its genome writing platform to perform edits in vivo on its journey toward the clinic.Stay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here.Produced by Bill LevineHosted by Jonathan D. GrinsteinMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack

Episode 3 (October 30, 2024): Helen Sabzevari, PhD, President and CEO of Precigen, discusses the barriers to implementing cell and gene therapies that impede the accessibility and implementation of these precision medicines. Dr. Sabzevari also explains how key cell and gene therapy platforms and tools can provide safety measures, such as guardrails to cellular toxicity, and address cost by offering “off-the-shelf” efficient gene delivery vectors that can be used on-site, cutting out centralized manufacturing.You can find the transcription of the interview’s highlights here.https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=190861&action=edit&classic-editorStay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here.Produced by Bill LevineMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack 

Episode 2 (October 30, 2024): In the second episode of Behind the Breakthroughs, Luca Quagliata, PhD, global head of medical affairs for clinical NGS and oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, shares how his career has been intertwined with precision medicine, beginning with his time as a student in Italy during the early 2000s. Quagliata examines the significance of genomic profiling within the cancer care continuum, outlining the essential steps and touchpoints necessary to ensure the accessibility of personalized oncology treatment for all individuals. Stay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here. Produced by Bill LevineMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack

Episode 1 (October 17, 2024): In the premiere episode of Behind the Breakthroughs, Geoff Oxnard, MD, VP of Clinical Development at Lilly and a Thoracic Oncologist at Boston Medical Center, shares his journey in precision medicine, beginning with his introduction to genetic testing as a Medical Oncology Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and as an academic researcher. Dr. Oxnard discusses how differences in impact and reach influenced his decision to move from academia to industry. He also explains how the adoption of precision testing in the United States is influenced by perspective rather than accessibility. This episode also covers flexible enrollment in clinical trials, adapting to patient perspectives on clinical research as care, the current state of precision medicine, particularly precision oncology, in the United States and elsewhere, and more. You can find the transcription of the interview’s highlights here. Stay up to date with the latest episodes of Behind the Breakthroughs by subscribing to the IPM eNewsletter here.Produced by Inside Precision Medicine, Publisher, Bill LevineMusic provided by Artem HramushkinAudio mixed and mastered by Jason Mack