S1, E3: eGenesis and xenotransplantation with CEO Mike Curtis and Dr Adam Griesemer, NYU
In this episode of Raising Biotech, Surani Fernando speaks with eGenesis CEO Mike Curtis on its mission to create pig donor organs for humans waiting for a transplant. The company has raised $263 million over the last 6 years and is now raising further funds to start human clinical trials.
Surani speaks to Mike about the company’s history overcoming past Xenotransplantation challenges and using CRISPR Cas9 to finalize their platform — which conducts 69 edits in the pig genome for optimal compatibility and safety in humans. After recent data (Nature) showed a maximum survival of a monkey surviving with a pig kidney for over 2 years, the company is talking to regulators to enter clinical trials and in parallel is talking to investors and potential partners to take its programs forward. As the company enters unchartered territory, all future strategic business options are on the table. Dr Adam Griesemer, associate professor of surgery at Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, gives his take on the unmet need and progress of Xenotransplanation and eGenesis’ scientific thesis of 69 gene edits. He also discusses the academic debate around the number of genetic edits needed and logistical considerations for implementing and scaling the availability of pig donor organs for human transplantation.
Timestamps:
02:00 – CEO Mike Curtis describes organ shortage issue
02:57 – The history of xenotransplantation
04:57 – Creating the perfect pig donor organ: 69 gene edits & using CRISPR Cas9
06:40 – Founding of eGenesis with Harvard scientists George Church and Luhan Yang
07:30 – Financing so far, raising $263 million in three financing rounds
09:02 – Nature paper showing two-year survival of monkey with pig kidney
10:46 – Dr Adam Griesemer (NYU) paints unmet need and eGenesis’ scientific thesis
15:07 – Thoughts on recent results and academic debate on number of genetic edits
16:45 – Talks with regulators for clinical path forward in kidney transplant
18:07 – Target patient population for first US human trials and Japanese opportunity
20:45 – Logistical and implementation considerations if finally approved
21:45 – Choosing pigs as ideal donors and upscaling considerations
25:05 – Societal impacts: patient advocacy and animal welfare sentiment
27:00 – Future financing plans and potential partnerships with global players
29:30 – eGenesis’ 10 year vision of donor organs without immunosuppression
For any comments, questions, feedback or suggestions you can connect directly with Surani Fernando on LinkedIn or email: [email protected]
Music composed by: Yrii Semchyshyn (Coma Media)
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