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VITALS

VITALS

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VITALS, the pulse of Georgia life sciences, brings together the leaders, the thinkers, the movers, and shakers who are putting Georgia firmly in a leadership position for what is widely known as "the biology century."

These closely curated conversations are led by the President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, Maria Thacker Goethe. Whether it is exploring topics from policy matters and venture funding to legislative matters and artificial intelligence, Maria expertly navigates and explores to flesh out actionable information from world class guests.

VITALS is brought to the community by Georgia Life Sciences in conjunction with Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media.

About Georgia Life Sciences


About Cloudcast Atlanta and Cloudcast Media2025 Ciencia Ciencias Biológicas Economía
Episodios
  • S2 Ep3 | Mike Walker, Microsoft | Augmenting and Accelerating Life Sciences Innovation With AI

    S2 Ep3 | Mike Walker, Microsoft | Augmenting and Accelerating Life Sciences Innovation With AI
    Dec 2 2025
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Mike Walker, Vice President of Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft, for a rubust discussion on the integration of AI in the life sciences industry. He emphasized the importance of focusing on non-sexy use cases like SOPs and document generation to enhance productivity and compliance. Walker highlighted the need for trustworthy data, governance, and a zero-trust architecture to ensure regulatory compliance. He also stressed the importance of AI in talent retention and acquisition, particularly in small and mid-size biotech companies. Looking ahead, he predicted significant advancements in biohacking and quantum computing, and advocated for a proactive approach in building the "factory of the future."IntroductionMaria Thacker introduces the podcast and welcomes Mike Walker, Vice President of Health and Life Science at Microsoft.Mike Walker shares his background in corporate strategy, innovation management, and his time at Gartner as VP of Technology Innovation and CTO Strategy.Mike discusses his role at Microsoft, emphasizing his work as a strategic advisor, a bridge between Microsoft and partners, and his experience in writing books and speaking at events.Maria highlights the importance of AI in the life sciences industry and the growing manufacturing capacity in Georgia, mentioning companies like Takeda, Burning Rock, and J&J.AI in Life Sciences: Use Cases and Non-Sexy ApplicationsMaria asks Mike about the role of AI in the life sciences industry, specifically in pharma and biotech.Mike advises focusing on non-sexy use cases like SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and document generation for regulatory submissions.He emphasizes the importance of data trustworthiness and the need to upskill talent within organizations to adopt AI.Mike suggests avoiding advanced autonomous agents unless the organization is a leading innovator in AI.Generational Divide and AI IntegrationMaria clarifies that Mike is referring to AI tools and not human agents when discussing the generational divide.Mike explains the integration of AI tools like Copilot in Microsoft 365 and the importance of creating a platform of intelligence within organizations.Maria shares a TikTok example of a woman discovering AI tools in her new company and the potential for AI to create efficiencies and save costs.Mike discusses the architectural approach of creating a platform of intelligence and the importance of having AI capabilities accessible like an app store.Regulatory and Geopolitical Forces Driving AI AdoptionMaria asks why life sciences companies should care about AI, especially in a regulated industry.Mike explains the amplification of workforce productivity through AI and the importance of AI in regulatory compliance and geopolitical aspects.He discusses the impact of regulatory changes, tariffs, and high-risk jurisdictions on supply chain networks and the role of AI in optimizing operations.Mike highlights the aging population and the need for AI to supplement workforce efforts and create a framework for talent retention and acquisition.AI in New Product Introduction and Tech TransferMaria and Mike discuss the importance of AI in new product introduction (NPI) and tech transfer.Mike explains the challenges of hitting a patent cliff and the need for AI to maximize patent life cycles and improve NPI processes.He emphasizes the role of AI in creating repeatability and reducing the time to onboard new drugs.Maria and Mike agree on the importance of AI in small and mid-size biotech companies to stay competitive and agile.Credibility and Governance of AI in Life SciencesMaria asks about the credibility of AI and the need for guardrails and fallback systems.Mike emphasizes the importance of trustworthy data, governance, and zero-trust architecture to ensure regulatory compliance.He discusses the need for AI systems to be evergreen and agile in adapting to new regulatory requirements.Maria and Mike agree on the importance of having SOPs in place to track data and ensure compliance.Practical Steps for Small Companies to Integrate AIMaria asks about practical steps for small companies to integrate AI.Mike suggests starting small, using AI to help with upskilling and adopting AI tools like Copilot.He recommends hiring AI digital natives to shadow existing employees and share best practices.Mike emphasizes the importance of investing in talent and upskilling the existing workforce to leverage institutional knowledge.Future of AI in Life Sciences: Short-Term and Long-Term ImpactMaria asks about the future of AI in life sciences and its impact on patients and the industry.Mike predicts that biohacking and quantum computing will have significant impacts in the next 5-10 years.He discusses the potential of biohacking to create meaningful data and human augmentation.Mike ...
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    46 m
  • S2 Ep2 | David Crean, General Partner, 1004 Ventures, Discusses The Knowledge Needed To Optimize The Capital Stack and Valuation

    S2 Ep2 | David Crean, General Partner, 1004 Ventures, Discusses The Knowledge Needed To Optimize The Capital Stack and Valuation
    Nov 13 2025
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this episode of Vitals, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews David Crane, a venture partner at 1004 Venture Partners, about the biotech industry in Georgia as well as on a national level. David, with a PhD in physics and an MBA, discusses the importance of a diverse funding stack, including NIH, VCs, family offices, and strategic partnerships. He emphasizes the need for founders to understand investor preferences and the importance of risk mitigation. David highlights the current economic challenges affecting investment strategies and the necessity for founders to think like investors. He also touches on the potential of family offices and the importance of business acumen beyond scientific expertise.David Crane's Background and Role in Venture CapitalMaria Thacker introduces David Crane, highlighting his role at 1004 Venture Partners and his expertise from the West Coast.David Crane shares his background, including a PhD in physics and an MBA, and his experience in biopharma, private equity, VC, and investment banking.David discusses his move from Buffalo, New York, to California and his current time split between the Bay Area and San Diego.Maria and David discuss their experiences at various biotech conferences, including the BIO Convention and the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.Capital and Risk in BiotechMaria asks David about the recipe for a resilient funding stack for early-stage R&D in biotech, mentioning various funding sources like NIH, VCs, family offices, and strategic partnerships.David emphasizes the importance of pursuing multiple funding avenues and understanding the investor's needs and preferences.Maria shares feedback from an investor conference in the Southeast, noting the region's potential but lack of sophistication in investor relations.David advises founders to understand their investors' investment theses, fund sizes, and portfolio companies to customize their pitches and increase their chances of success.Mitigating Risk and Building TeamsDavid discusses the inherent risk in the biotech industry and the importance of risk mitigation through key experiments and milestones.He emphasizes the need for founders to focus on proof of concept, reimbursement, and strategic partnerships to improve their odds of success.Maria and David discuss the challenges of building teams in emerging markets and the role of mentors and networks in supporting founders.David highlights the importance of understanding the investor's perspective and the need for founders to think like investors when building their business cases.Impact of Economic Factors on Investment StrategiesDavid addresses the current challenging investment environment, including liquidity crises, macroeconomic challenges, and cautious investor behavior.He advises founders to have a capital stack mentality and explore multiple funding sources, including NIH, BARDA, and family offices.David notes that larger funds are increasingly looking at earlier-stage investments and the importance of transformative technologies in today's market.Maria and David discuss the potential for family offices to invest in life sciences and the need for education and domain expertise in this space.Founder-Investor Fit and Business AcumenDavid emphasizes the importance of founders thinking like investors and understanding the strategic value of their VCs beyond valuation.He advises founders to look at the VC's network, diligence, experience, and ability to provide mentorship and support.Maria and David discuss the challenges of scientific founders transitioning to CEO roles and the need for business acumen and team-building.David highlights the importance of having a viable business model and articulating a clear pathway to success for investors.Focus Areas in Healthy Aging and LongevityDavid shares his focus on cardiometabolic diseases, neurodegeneration, and oncology as key areas in healthy aging and longevity.He discusses the potential of integrating AI in neurodegenerative research and the progress being made in oncology.David emphasizes the importance of improving quality of life rather than just extending lifespan.Maria and David discuss the role of associations like Georgia Life Sciences in supporting entrepreneurs and the importance of policy advocacy.Role of Associations in Supporting Emerging HubsDavid praises the role of associations like Georgia Life Sciences in convening industry events, advocating for policy, and supporting innovation.He highlights the importance of building relationships with academic institutions and human capital in emerging hubs.Maria and David discuss the challenges of engaging small companies in policy matters and the increasing importance of policy in the biotech industry.David emphasizes the need for organizations to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of innovation and policy.Final Thoughts and Personal InsightsDavid shares a ...
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    35 m
  • S2 Ep1 | John Crowley, CEO, BIO, Discusses The Biology Century and The Convergence of Public Health, Economic Growth, and National Security

    S2 Ep1 | John Crowley, CEO, BIO, Discusses The Biology Century and The Convergence of Public Health, Economic Growth, and National Security
    Sep 30 2025
    Welcome to VITALS Season 2!To kick off the new season, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, Maria Thacker-Goethe, is joined in studio by the President and CEO of BIO, John Crowley, who shared his journey from business to biotech after his daughter Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease. He emphasized the importance of time in biotech, highlighting the transformation of cystic fibrosis treatment from a death sentence to a normal life expectancy. Crowley discussed the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating drug development, the need for a modernized FDA, and the importance of access to medicines. He advocated for a 21st Century Access Act to address barriers to medication. Crowley also mentioned his military service and his role in advocating for biotechnology to enhance public health, economic growth, and national security.John Crowley's Introduction and Personal BackgroundMaria Thacker Gothe introduces John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.John Crowley shares his background, including his early career in business and his transition into the world of science and medicine.John recounts the diagnosis of his daughter Megan with Pompe Disease, a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and the emotional journey that followed.He describes the initial shock and subsequent determination to learn about the disease and find a treatment.The Journey to Develop a Treatment for Pompe DiseaseJohn explains the process of learning about Pompe Disease, including the genetic aspects and the buildup of glycogen in Megan's muscles.He details the early research efforts and the realization that time was crucial in developing a treatment.John highlights the importance of collaboration with researchers and the development of a medicine that saved Megan and her brother Patrick's lives.He shares the progress his children have made, including Megan's education and career in social work and Patrick's work in a flower shop.John Crowley's Role at BIO and Advocacy for BiotechnologyMaria Thacker Gothe asks John about his priorities at BIO and how he sees biotechnology unleashing its potential.John emphasizes the importance of science policy, the need for more capital, and a business mindset in advancing biotechnology.He discusses the success stories in biotechnology, such as the transformation of cystic fibrosis treatment, and the need for more breakthroughs.John outlines the three main reasons for supporting biotechnology: public health, economic growth, and national security.The Role of AI and Machine Learning in BiotechnologyMaria and John discuss the potential of AI and machine learning in compressing the development pipeline in biotechnology.John shares examples of AI's current and future impact on medicine, including improving physician efficiency, aiding in diagnosis, and enhancing drug development.He highlights the potential of AI in understanding complex biological systems and improving clinical trial efficiency.John emphasizes the need for ethical principles and guardrails to ensure AI's responsible use in biotechnology.Challenges and Opportunities in BiotechnologyMaria and John discuss the challenges of accessing capital and the importance of reducing the time and cost of developing new medicines.John mentions the role of family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and new pools of capital in supporting biotechnology.He emphasizes the need for a modernized FDA and a more efficient clinical trial paradigm to speed up innovation.John highlights the importance of storytelling and advocacy in building support for biotechnology and ensuring access to life-saving medicines.Building a Successful Biotech Ecosystem in GeorgiaMaria asks John for advice on building a successful biotech ecosystem in Georgia.John emphasizes the importance of purposeful investment in workforce development, from high school STEM programs to vocational training and university education.He highlights the need for a pro-business environment and entrepreneurship culture to attract and retain biotech companies.John suggests looking at best practices from other successful biotech hubs and customizing them to Georgia's needs.The Importance of Access to MedicinesJohn discusses the moral obligation to ensure access to life-saving medicines and the role of the social contract between patients, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.He criticizes the current system of step edits and prior authorizations, which can delay patient access to necessary treatments.John calls for a 21st Century Access Act to address barriers to access and ensure that all patients can receive the medicines they need.He emphasizes the need for transparency and reform in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) system to reduce costs and improve patient access.Personal Reflections and Future GoalsMaria asks John to share something most people don't know about him.John reveals that he is a grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren and has served in the United ...
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    40 m
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