Share
Optimum Perspectives
Renée Aguiar-Lucander, CEO of Calliditas Therapeutics: Blazing a trail in rare diseases
Ep. 4
•
How do you take a tiny private Swedish biotech and turn it into a successful, publicly-listed company operating on both sides of the Atlantic, in just six years?
Listen to Renée Aguiar-Lucander, CEO of Calliditas Therapeutics, tell Optimum’s Richard Staines how they brought TARPEYO, the first FDA-approved drug for the rare kidney disease primary IgA nephropathy, to market.
She describes her ‘incredible journey’ growing the firm from less than 10 staff to more than 200, taking it public in Europe and the US, running a global Phase III trial, and how Tarpeyo can help people with IgA nephropathy live more normal lives.
https://www.optimumcomms.com/podcast
Follow us and subscribe for new episodes highlighting the latest innovation and developments in life sciences, with industry leaders of the healthcare sector.
Available on all major platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon Music, Tune In, Castbox, Deezer and more!
Follow and Subscribe today. #optimumperspectivespodcast
More episodes
View all episodes
37. Why who funds science matters
26:47||Ep. 37🎙️On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re shifting the spotlight to the women funding the future of innovation. This celebratory episode of the #OptimumPerspectivesPodcast explores how female venture capitalists are shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation, and why who funds science matters almost as much as who does the science. Listen to the full episode featuring Victoria Taylor of Medicxi, Bonnie van Wilgenburg of Monograph Capital and Noga Yerushalmi of M Ventures.#IDWGIS2026 #WomeninSTEM36. Tackling the threat of AMR
31:21||Ep. 36Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an increasingly wide-scale problem. Not contained by borders, and with the ability to turn minor infections into life threatening conditions, it is an issue that experts argue must be addressed in the present, not the future. Hear from Jennifer Schneider of Centauri Therapeutics, Franz-Werner Haas of LimmaTech Biologics and Neil Murray of ReNewVax on their unique approaches to tackling the threat of AMR, in the latest episode of the Optimum Perspectives Podcast.35. The ups and downs of ADCs – where to now?
29:44||Ep. 35Just in time for World ADC San Diego 2025 - a brand new episode of the Optimum Perspectives Podcast is live! Join Francois Bertelli of DISCO Pharmaceuticals, Stefano Gulla of Kling Biotherapeutics, and Michael Bauer of Novo Holdings, as they dive into the hot topic: ‘The ups and downs of ADCs – where to now?’ Expect sharp insights and forward-looking perspectives on the evolving ADC landscape. Listen to the full episode here.34. Q&A with CSO Caroline Benn discussing LoQus23's unique approach to Huntington’s disease
23:15||Ep. 34The latest episode of Optimum Perspectives Podcast has just dropped, featuring LoQus23 Therapeutics’ Chief Scientific Officer and founder Caroline Benn! Listen as Caroline details the devastating effects of Huntington’s Disease on patients and families, her personal motivations for working in this therapeutic area, as well as LoQus23’s unique approach to battling the disease through their innovative small molecule approach.33. Q&A with Professor Ali Tavassoli of Curve Therapeutics: RSC Interdisciplinary Prize winner 2025
24:23||Ep. 33On the latest episode of the Optimum Perspectives podcast, Optimum Strategic Communications’ Managing Director Eva Haas spoke with Curve Therapeutics CSO and Co-Founder Ali Tavassoli, who has today been awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Interdisciplinary Prize. Listen below as Ali reflects on his scientific journey which has led him to this tremendous recognition, from what inspired his passion for science, to how he came to meet Curve CEO Simon Kerry, with whom he co-founded the Company. Curve’s is using its revolutionary gene-encoded Microcycle® platform to build a pipeline of innovative cyclic peptide and small molecule drugs addressing intracellular targets, with a focus on cancer, immunology and inflammation.32. Stronger together: changing the future of muscle wasting condition
29:45||Ep. 32Listen to our Rare Disease Day Optimum Perspecitives podcast special featuring Tahira Mathur, Patient Advocate and Kate Adcock, Director of Research & Innovation at Optimum's chosen charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, alongside Jasper Morrow, consultant neurologist at University College London Hospital. This emotional yet hopeful episode highlights the importance of raising awareness of rare conditions, while discussing patient care, diagnosis, and genetic testing for Muscular Dystrophy. If you would like to contribute to the life changing work of Muscular Dystrophy UK, or find out more about Tahira's story living with GNE myopathy, visit her page here: Tahira's Team - JustGiving31. How bioengineered spider silk-based proteins are changing the world
12:14||Ep. 31Want to know how bioengineered spider silk protein fibres can be applied within the textile, biomedical and automobile industries? In the latest episode of Optimum Perspectives, hear from Benoit Cugnet, Head of Fiber Business Unit at AMSilk, on how this German biotech is changing the face of advanced materials.30. How to have a perfect IPO on NASDAQ
23:53||Ep. 30Want to know how to prepare yourself for the perfect IPO on NASDAQ? Hear from Lynn Lewis, CEO of Gilmartin Group, Optimum’s US partner, on the considerations and milestones to reach before listing.29. Ariceum Therapeutics: Pioneering research into next-generation radiopharmaceutical therapy targeting hard-to-treat cancers
09:58||Ep. 29The latest epiosde of Optimum Perspectives Podcast features Germo Gericke, CMO of Ariceum Therapeutics. Listen as he discusses how the company aims to improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer with radioligand therapy this Lung Cancer Awareness Month.