Summary
In this episode of Driving the Business of Science, Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, guest Mark Connell, Co-Founder and President of SLBST Pharma, discusses the company’s mission to repurpose hydroxychloroquine to treat endometriosis, a condition affecting 7 million American women. Despite limited current therapies, SLBST Pharma aims to leverage the drug’s proven efficacy in reducing lesions by 60%. Challenges include navigating the complexities of drug development, fundraising, and staying agile amidst setbacks. Connell emphasizes the importance of tenacity, community engagement, and the ultimate goal of alleviating pain and improving lives.
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Guest Profile
Mark Connell
Mark Connell is Co-Founder & President of SLBST Pharma, which is developing a non-hormonal therapy for endometriosis. Our lead candidate is a reformulated immunomodulator, which has a green light from the FDA for a Phase 2b clinical trial. Mark entered the pharmaceutical world 30 years ago when he helped to reestablish the operations of a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Vietnam.
Introduction to SLBST Pharma and Drug Development Processes
- Keith Parent introduces himself as the CEO of Court Square Group and mentions the focus of the podcast on the business aspects of drug development.
- Keith explains the importance of understanding various stages of the drug development life cycle and introduces Mark Connell, Co-Founder and President of SLBST Pharma.
- Mark provides an overview of SLBST Pharma, focusing on repurposing an existing drug (hydroxychloroquine) to treat endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 7 million women in the U.S.
Challenges and Discoveries in Endometriosis Treatment
- Mark discusses the lack of effective treatments for endometriosis, highlighting the limited efficacy of current hormonal therapies and surgical interventions.
- He explains the initial discovery by a scientist at the University of South Florida regarding the role of autophagy in endometriosis and the subsequent identification of hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment.
- The university filed patents for the discovery, and SLBST Pharma licensed these patents to advance the research.
- Mark details the interactions with the FDA, including positive feedback and plans to conduct a Phase II clinical trial to test the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine.
Naming and Formation of SLBST Pharma
- Keith asks Mark about the origins of the company name “SLBST.”
- Mark shares the story behind the name, explaining the connection to the scientific method of action involving autophagy and the German translation of the term.
- Mark elaborates on the formation of the company, mentioning the involvement of co-founders Dr. Matthias Bayat and Mr. Dan Kim, who brought complementary skills in preclinical research and commercialization.
- Mark describes his own background and how he joined the team in 2021 to help accelerate the development of the drug.
The Importance of Tenacity and Community in Biotech Startups
- Keith and Mark discuss the critical role of tenacity in the success of biotech startups, emphasizing the need to adapt and overcome challenges.
- Mark highlights the significance of maintaining momentum and avoiding distractions, comparing the startup journey to riding a bicycle—if you stop, you fall over.
- They touch on the importance of networking and being active within the biotech community, such as attending events and making meaningful connections.
- Mark shares insights on the dynamics of fundraising, stressing the necessity of persistence and resilience in securing investments.
Balancing Business and Scientific Goals in Drug Development
- Keith and Mark delve into the balance between business strategy and scientific innovation in drug development.
- Mark explains the continuous nature of fundraising in biotech startups and the need for strategic planning to secure sufficient capital for future milestones.
- They discuss the financial implications of patent expiration and the competitive landscape for generic alternatives.
- Mark underscores the importance of having a clear market position and leveraging intellectual property to maintain a competitive edge.
Personal Motivations and Broader Impact of Biotech Innovations
- Mark reflects on his personal motivation for entering the biotech industry, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients.
- He emphasizes the broader societal impact of successful drug development, particularly in addressing conditions like endometriosis that affect millions of women.
- Keith acknowledges the crucial role of business acumen in translating scientific discoveries into marketable solutions.
- Both speakers express optimism about the future of SLBST Pharma and the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.