Breaking down biotech with Daphne Zohar: VC dynamics, drug development, and the Biosecure Act

In this episode of Second Opinion, hosts Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood are joined by Daphne Zohar, Founder and CEO of Seaport Therapeutics. They talk about the complexities of drug development, the investment in biotech via big tech VCs, and the future of mental health treatments. Daphne also shares her insights on biotech today, drug development misconceptions and complex regulatory challenges the industry is facing. Daphne was the founder, CEO and a Board Member of PureTech Health (Nasdaq: PRTC, LSE: PRTC) where she also co-founded PureTech’s entities, including Karuna Therapeutics (acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb).

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LINKS: 

Seaport Therapeutics: https://seaporttx.com/

Seaport Therapeutics $100M series A: https://seaporttx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240409_press_release.pdf

PureTech: https://www.puretechhealth.com/ 

Karuna Therapeutics: https://karunatx.com/ 

Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/ 

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FOLLOW:

Daphne https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnezohar/

Christina https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/

Luba https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/

Ash https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: TURPENTINE VC

Investor Erik Torenberg interviews partners at the top VCs in the world to learn their approach to the art and science of building a successful venture firm.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1701006772

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Daphne' s Background and Achievements

(02:29) Challenges in Mental Health and Neuro Space

(05:52) Drug Development Journey and Challenges

(10:40) Opportunities and Challenges for Tech Investors in Biotech

(16:16) Regulatory Challenges and Industry Impact

(26:39) Biosecure Act and National Security

(28:02) The Debrief