Does anyone in your family have diabetes? Chances are, they’ve used a blood sugar monitor designed by Dr. Laurence (Larry) Katz—or a therapy he helped bring to market. In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, Dr. Katz pulls back the curtain on a decades-long career in pharmaceutical innovation, where he's helped launch life-saving products at companies like Johnson & Johnson, LifeScan, and multiple biotech startups.

We dive into what it actually takes to turn an idea into an FDA-approved drug, the difference in mindset required to succeed in Big Pharma vs. startups, and the behind-the-scenes decision-making that shapes the therapies millions rely on. Dr. Katz also shares honest, no-fluff advice for students and early-career professionals, including what skills truly matter, how to stand out in clinical development, and why cross-functional thinking and strategy are just as important as science.

If you’ve ever wondered how biotech leaders make high-stakes calls, how AI and digital tools are reshaping clinical trials, or what it looks like to build a career that genuinely impacts patients—this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

🎧 Listen now. Your future self will thank you.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Lawrence Liberti, a seasoned expert in regulatory science and global drug development, to explore one of the most essential—but often overlooked—career paths in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Dr. Liberti breaks down:

• What a career in regulatory affairs actually looks like
• How regulatory science shapes which drugs reach patients—and when
• Opportunities for students to get involved in drug approval, policy, and public health
• How to build a career that spans industry, academia, and global health organizations

If you're a student or early-career professional curious about bringing therapies to market, working with the FDA or international agencies, or making a real impact in global health, this episode is your blueprint.

Link to the D.K. Kim International Center for Regulatory Science

Link to the https://frpath.org/

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Brielan Smiechowski, Founder and Managing Partner of BS Strategy. With a background in epidemiology and a passion for health equity, Brielan shares her journey from academia to consulting, discussing how data-driven decision-making is shaping the future of healthcare.

We dive into the evolving landscape of healthcare consulting, the role of AI and patient education, and how mindset influences treatment outcomes. Brielan also sheds light on the challenges of brand development in consulting, the importance of articulating evidence-based insights, and her vision for empowering healthcare leaders.

Whether you're a student exploring careers in biotech, a professional navigating industry trends, or simply curious about the intersection of public health, strategy, and innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Episode Description:

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Farhad Parhami, Founder & CEO of MAX BioPharma, to discuss his journey from PhD and MBA student to biotech leader. We explore his work pioneering oxysterol-based therapeutics for MASH, atherosclerosis, and bone regeneration, as well as the challenges of launching a biotech startup.

Dr. Parhami shares insights on breaking into biotech, transitioning from academia to industry, and the future of small molecule therapies. Whether you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Philip Sell, CEO & Co-Founder of Metaba, a biotech company leveraging metabolomics to combat infectious diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19. Philip shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the role of metabolomics in drug development, and the challenges of building a biotech startup. Whether you're a student exploring biotech careers or a professional eyeing a transition, this episode is packed with insights on the future of biopharmaceuticals. Tune in now!

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, we chat with Chloe Duckworth, Co-founder and CEO of Valence Vibrations, a voice AI company at the forefront of neurotechnology and affective computing. Chloe shares her inspiring journey from computational neuroscience at USC to founding a startup that redefines emotional communication. She also discusses her passion for social impact through her non-profit, Hope Hearted, and offers valuable insights on transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an engaging conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of neurotech.

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu sit down with Christian Chung, a recent USC graduate and Process Development Intern at Genentech. Christian shares his journey through academia, where he earned a B.S. in Human Biology and a Master’s in Stem Cell Biology, and his transition into the pharmaceutical industry. From co-founding Revilico to pioneering AI-driven drug repurposing solutions, Christian offers invaluable insights into big pharma recruitment, the importance of research, and the evolving role of automation in pharma-tech operations. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on curiosity, career growth, and the future of biotech innovation!

In this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu welcome Mr. Gilles De Prevoisin, a seasoned professional with a dynamic career spanning consulting and the pharmaceutical industry. From his early days at Deallus, where he honed his expertise in competitive intelligence, to his impactful role at Kite Pharma, Gilles shares his journey, insights, and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover the nuances of transitioning from academia to consulting, the challenges of breaking into pharma, and the future of healthcare roles. Packed with practical tips and personal stories, this episode is a must-listen for students and professionals looking to navigate the evolving biotech landscape.