Biologically Inspired Engineering, synbio, synthetic biology, crispr
Simons Chase 
A way to think about biological motivation borrowed from the architecture of large language models — and a note on what’s new here and what isn’t. When you ask ChatGPT a question, you’re not just sending words. You’re sending words in a context — a system prompt that shapes what kind of response is probable. … Read more
aTyr Pharma (ATYR) is developing a new area of biology that re-tunes the immune system by targeting innate immunity at the site of inflammation. The company’s novel tRNA Synthetase Platform produces disease-modifying molecules that promise to knock down important inflammatory and fibrotic markers in a variety of indications, starting with pulmonary sarcoidosis. The company’s near-term … Read more
The abscopal effect, a phenomenon where localized treatment of a primary tumor leads to regression of metastatic cancer lesions at distant sites, has garnered significant interest in oncology. This term, derived from the Latin “ab” (away from) and the Greek “scopus” (target), describes a rare but significant systemic response to localized cancer therapy. Key players … Read more
Creating a valuation estimate for a biotechnology company in Phase 2 trials is as risky as the biotech itself. In the case of Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), I believe the exercise is worth the effort given the rapid adoption of GLP-1 agonists (sometimes referred to as incretins), for the treatment of diabetes and weight loss – … Read more
New technologies typically don’t address one specific problem. The path to becoming an important force multiplier with population-level impacts is the uncovering of additional benefits that tend to scale economically. GLP-1s are in this discovery phase whereby analysts are periodically updating NPV models to capture new benefits and new demographics and new indications with little … Read more
Acasti Pharma (ACST) is a late-stage specialty biotech developing novel therapies for rare diseases, specifically for those who are underserved or lack treatment options. GTX-104 ACST’s lead program, GTX-104, is a room-temperature stable, IV formulation of nimodipine that targets aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), a life-threatening condition where bleeding occurs over the surface of the brain … Read more
The stock market is designed to appraise the commercial, not the scientific, potential of new medicines. Clinical progression is the only real measure of an early-stage biotech’s commercial potential. Sometimes clinical trial design can cloud the picture of a promising drug candidate – where flaws in read-outs may not be indicative of true value. And … Read more
In recent groundbreaking research, scientists have discovered that the drug Dulaglutide, commonly used to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has shown promising results in reversing depression-like behavior and restoring metabolic balance in the hippocampus of mice subjected to chronic mild stress. This study highlights the intricate link between metabolic disorders and mental health, suggesting a … Read more
In biotech investing, distilling exceptional opportunities from the average (or worse) ventures requires a keen eye on insider activities, financial health, and clinical progress. Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) presents a case that demands caution, with insider stock sales, a substantial accumulated deficit, and limited clinical advancements raising significant concerns. In contrast, Intensity Therapeutics (INTS) is an … Read more
Cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of death. Traditional treatments – surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy – have saved countless lives, yet their limitations are evident. Chemotherapy’s harsh side effects, the potential for recurrence after surgery, and limits to radiation use necessitate new tools in our fight against cancer. Recent breakthroughs in our … Read more