A narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that goes beyond the headlines to explore how biotech companies are really built — from bold ideas and impressive fundraises to the science that could reshape healthcare. Surani speaks with founders, CEOs, investors, and experts to uncover origin stories, company missions, and the challenges of bringing ambitious discoveries to market. Through thoughtful, independent reporting, Raising Biotech examines what it really takes to turn breakthroughs into lasting impact for patients and the industry.
For guest or sponsor pitches, please get in touch with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email raisingbiotech@gmail.com.
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A narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that goes beyond the headlines to explore how biotech companies are really built — from bold ideas and impressive fundraises to the science that could reshape healthcare. Surani speaks with founders, CEOs, investors, and experts to uncover origin stories, company missions, and the challenges of bringing ambitious discoveries to market. Through thoughtful, independent reporting, Raising Biotech examines what it really takes to turn breakthroughs into lasting impact for patients and the industry.
For guest or sponsor pitches, please get in touch with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email raisingbiotech@gmail.com.
S2, E6: iOmx and shaking up the immuno-oncology field with CEO Apollon Papadimitriou, Professor Phillip Beckhove (RCI) and Jared Holz (Mizuho)
Raising Biotech
33 minutes
1 year ago
S2, E6: iOmx and shaking up the immuno-oncology field with CEO Apollon Papadimitriou, Professor Phillip Beckhove (RCI) and Jared Holz (Mizuho)
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani finally delves into the scary zone of cancer with German biotech iOmx. The company has raised a total of EUR 115 million (Series A and B) since its inception in 2016 and is hoping to take immuno-oncology drug development to new heights. CEO Apollon Papadimitriou joins the podcast to speak about iOmx's unique mission with its iOTarg platform at the front and center, while scientific founder Professor Phillip Beckhove from the Regensburg Center of Interventional Immunology (RCI), also joins the conversation to take us back to iOmx's origins in the lab and what led his team to produce some groundbreaking research -- tackling tumor immune evasion -- which attracted heavy-hitter investors before the company was born. Apollon gives us details on ongoing clinical trials, detailed insight into some early and surprising efficacy signals coming out of the Phase I, and plans to initiate proof of concept (PoC) studies in various cancer indications. He also sheds more insight into imminent fundraising plans and potentially pulling the IPO trigger within the next two years. Jared Holz, Healthcare Equity Strategist at Mizuho also joins the podcast to give an outsider's take on iOmx's mission from a unique investor community lens. He discusses current gaps in the market, the potential attractiveness of iOmx pipeline and likely investor appetite should iOmx deliver compelling PoC datasets.
Timestamps:
00:35 - Partner segment: Mindgram.ai
01:05 - CEO Apollon outlines iOmx's mission to level-up the field of immuno-oncology with its iOTarg platform
05:24 - Going back to iOTarg's origins with Professor Phillip Beckhove and tackling tumor resistance
08:55 - Presentation at AACR 2015 drew investor and pharma interest and led to €40 million Series A
11:04 - Early days of iOmx, Apollon's background and decision to join the company
13:47 - Animal data and biomarker drive investor interest
18:40 - Progress with lead product OMX407 in Phase I trials and surprising early efficacy signals
24:12 - Jared Holz gives his outside take on iOmx's potential amidst crowded and challenged IO landscape
26:50 - iOmx's near-term plans for Series C and potential IPO within 2 years
28:00 - Future strategic predictions and company visions for the future
This episode is partnered with Mindgram.ai, a research tool powered by AI to better serve the biopharma community. Listeners of the Raising Biotech podcast are able to get an exclusive free trial of Mindgram via this link, using the code: raisingbiotech24
For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: raisingbiotech@gmail.com
Title music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)
Raising Biotech
A narrative podcast series hosted by journalist Surani Fernando that goes beyond the headlines to explore how biotech companies are really built — from bold ideas and impressive fundraises to the science that could reshape healthcare. Surani speaks with founders, CEOs, investors, and experts to uncover origin stories, company missions, and the challenges of bringing ambitious discoveries to market. Through thoughtful, independent reporting, Raising Biotech examines what it really takes to turn breakthroughs into lasting impact for patients and the industry.
For guest or sponsor pitches, please get in touch with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email raisingbiotech@gmail.com.
