In the latest episode of The Genetics Podcast, Sano CEO Patrick Short sat down with Jakob Steinfeldt, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Pheiron. Jakob shared his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and the innovative work Pheiron is doing in disease prediction and drug development.
Background and Pheiron’s mission
The episode begins with Jakob discussing his academic and scientific background. He co-founded Pheiron with the mission to better understand disease progression and identify early markers using machine learning and AI. Jakob explained that Pheiron's goal is to create a “GPS” for disease, using detailed phenotypic data to predict disease development and inform drug discovery.
Innovative approaches in drug discovery
Jakob emphasised the critical need to improve the drug discovery process, pointing out that many trials fail because the target or the drug is not effective or safe. Pheiron aims to address this by integrating deep phenotyping and risk modelling to identify the right targets and biomarkers. This approach helps de-risk drug development and enhances the design of clinical trials. Jakob shared his excitement about using advanced technologies to analyse complex datasets, such as multiplex stainings and proteomics, combining genetic information with other data types like ECGs and blood biomarkers to build accurate predictive models.
Challenges and opportunities in disease prediction
Jakob discussed the challenges of integrating diverse data sources and the need for systematic, quantifiable models. Pheiron’s approach could revolutionise clinical trials by identifying patients at higher risk of disease progression, thereby reducing trial size and duration. This not only accelerates drug development but also makes trials more efficient and economical. Jakob underscored the importance of collaboration with biotechs and health systems to integrate phenotypic data into research and clinical practice. He stressed that building robust data infrastructure and expertise within health systems is crucial for the success of such initiatives. Jakob also highlighted ongoing efforts to partner with various organisations to access comprehensive datasets and enhance Pheiron’s predictive models.
Personal journey and entrepreneurial insights
Towards the end of the podcast, Jakob reflected on his transition from academia to entrepreneurship. He shared insights on the challenges and rewards of building a company, highlighting the importance of staying focused on the mission and making strategic decisions daily.
Summary
This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of machine learning, AI, and precision medicine. Jakob Steinfeldt’s insights into disease prediction, innovative drug discovery approaches, and the importance of data integration provide a hopeful outlook for the future of personalised medicine.
Listen here:
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