t-cell

In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guests are James Foster, CEO of Virax Labs and Nigel McCracken COO of Virax Labs.  Virax Labs is a global biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative diagnostic solutions. They focus on T-cell testing and immune profiling, with a novel portfolio of FluoroSpot T-cell diagnostics aimed at indications associated with chronic inflammation and T-cell exhaustion.

 

• Podcast Overview: The first "Life Science Success" podcast episode in 2024 features James Foster, CEO, and Nigel McCracken, COO, of Virax Biolabs. 

• James Foster's Background: James Foster, CEO of Virax Biolabs, co-founded the company about 10 years ago. Initially starting in finance, he shifted to biotech and diagnostics due to his entrepreneurial interests, particularly influenced by the 2008 financial crisis. His goal is to develop comprehensive immune profiling in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs), focusing on early diagnosis of post-viral syndromes, chronic inflammation, and T-cell exhaustion.

• Virax Biolabs' Mission and Technology: Virax is dedicated to creating innovative diagnostic solutions, particularly their T-cell testing platform. This platform aims to address significant health issues like long COVID, affecting millions in the US and Europe. Foster emphasizes the importance of early detection in disease progression and the role of the immune system in combating pathogens.

• Nigel McCracken's Role and Insights: As COO, Nigel McCracken plays a crucial role in scaling Virax from a small team to a larger organization. He discusses the importance of strategic focus, effective decision-making, and the development of companion diagnostics, which are essential for personalized medicine, especially in oncology.

• Future Outlook and Challenges: Both Foster and McCracken highlight the challenges in biotech, including the need for innovation, execution, and efficient leadership. They foresee an increasing burden on healthcare systems due to post-viral syndromes and chronic conditions. The podcast also touches on the potential of venture capital in fostering new ideas and innovations in the biotech sector.

 

We are back to continue to document reality and keep the record updated for people who choose to turn their backs on the mass hysteria and build a society outside of it.

Everything is back to the New Normal. You will be incinerated on contact if you leave your house. There is no reason to do anything other than douse your children in Purell and join a VR church to repent to on your Oculus Quest. Anything you want, you will rent, and it will be delivered via drone. Also - Impossible Meat.

Fauci lit the corporate press ablaze with his dismissal of Rand Paul's questions regarding herd immunity in NYC. Trained circus animals across the country roared and barked on command to celebrate another victory for the exalted messenger of "Science". Here are all the reasons Fauci was, once again, full of shit.

In this episode, we explore, "The future of cancer treatment?" Jon's back this week! So we take on the super fun topic of cancer treatment, naturally. There's a lot of new advancements, specifically with the CAR T-Cell Therapy. Is this the 5th pillar in cancer treatment? Join us in finding out and laughing along the way! Every week on Stranger Still, we take the questions you've never questioned to ask and try to answer them. We want to make you laugh and teach you something interesting at the same time. So join us every Wednesday for another fun filled learn! If you've got a strange question you want answered ask us on Facebook, tweet us @StrangerStill, or drop us an email at podcast@strangerstillsh

Professor Graham Ogg talks about the role of our skin as a barrier against infection. Skin frequently represents the first point of contact with pathogens and allergens, but there is still very little known about the role of the surface immune system in fighting unwanted invaders. Barrier dysfunction can lead to the development of eczema. Understanding these mechanisms can help us develop new treatments targeting the skin, as well as the inflammatory response. Dr Graham Ogg aims to understand the role of skin immune responses by studying common skin diseases and infections.

Professor Graham Ogg talks about the role of our skin as a barrier against infection. Skin frequently represents the first point of contact with pathogens and allergens, but there is still very little known about the role of the surface immune system in fighting unwanted invaders. Barrier dysfunction can lead to the development of eczema. Understanding these mechanisms can help us develop new treatments targeting the skin, as well as the inflammatory response. Dr Graham Ogg aims to understand the role of skin immune responses by studying common skin diseases and infections.

Professor Vincenzo Cerundolo tells us how research in immunology leads to the development of new cancer treatments. Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system, and can be a powerful treatment for cancer. The most efficient prophylactic cancer vaccine today is the vaccine against papilloma virus, whereas the development of therapeutic vaccines is more challenging. With the aim of developing better treatment strategies for cancer patients, Professor Vincenzo Cerundolo is working to gain a better understanding of the cell-to-cell interplay required for optimal expansion and activation of tumour-specific T cell populations.

Professor Tomas Hanke tells us about his research on HIV vaccine development. The enormous variations in HIV present big challenges in the development of a vaccine. Professor Tomáš Hanke focuses on the most conserved regions of the HIV-1 proteome, with the aim of developing a vaccine for both adult and mother-to-child transmission. Professor Hanke's group tests novel ideas and vaccine strategies, and focusses on a safe but rapid translation of the most promising laboratory results to phase I/II clinical trials in human volunteers. The ultimate goal is to develop a safe, effective and accessible HIV vaccine.

Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones tells us about her work on HIV with children in Africa. HIV behaves very differently in children: while most adults are able to control the virus after infection, children often struggle to do so, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate. Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones aims to contribute to the design of vaccines and immunotherapies against HIV infection, including HIV-2 infection, for both adults and children, in developing countries where an effective vaccine is desperately needed. Her work mainly focuses on anti-viral immunity, and in particular how immune responses modify the outcome of HIV infection.

Dr Lucy Dorrell tells us how our immune system controls HIV and how we can live with this virus. There are currently around 91,000 people in the UK living with HIV/AIDS. HIV is a challenging target for a vaccine because it can mutate its genetic makeup. Dr Lucy Dorrell aims to develop immunotherapy to reduce dependence on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the current standard treatment for those infected with HIV-1. Worldwide, 9 million of the estimated 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS today are not able to access the ARTs which they are in immediate need of.

Professor Sir Andrew McMichael tells us about recent developments in the search for a vaccine against HIV. As HIV infection continues to spread, particularly in developing countries there is an urgent need for a vaccine. After investigating the immune response to flu virus, Professor Sir Andrew McMichael turned his attention to HIV. Professor McMichael's current lines of research include analysing early molecular events in HIV infection, T cell immune response to HIV and the use of vaccination to control HIV infection.