The Paris OG Podcast

This is the last episode of the Biotech Series, and this final episode delves into the emerging field of immuno-oncology in Dubai and the GCC, discussing the development of personalized cancer treatments that activate the immune system to fight cancer, tailored to individuals' genetic makeup.  It outlines the ambitious goals of creating immuno-oncology drugs specifically for the region, addressing the most common cancers, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.  The discussion covers drug development challenges, including obtaining funding, integrating with existing healthcare systems, and leveraging AI and government initiatives to speed up the process.  The script highlights the potential of T cell receptor targeted therapeutics and the role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery. Interviews with industry experts emphasize the importance of personalized medicine and the vision of making Dubai a global hub for cutting-edge cancer treatment research and development. 00:00 Introduction to Immuno Oncology in Dubai 00:55 The Battle Against Cancer: Targets and Challenges 02:09 The Journey of Drug Development and Personalized Medicine 02:55 Navigating the Early Stages of Immuno Oncology Projects 04:25 Building a Global Hub for Cancer Research and Treatment 11:57 The Future of TCR Technology and Its Impact on Oncology 18:43 Exploring the Potential of Predictive Oncology and Screening 22:11 Addressing the Challenge of Cancer Treatment Affordability 23:57 Exploring the Costs and Challenges of Cancer Therapy 24:33 The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment 26:32 Navigating the Complexities of Drug Costs and Healthcare Systems 28:36 The Intricacies of Drug Patents and Their Impact on Innovation 33:40 Personal Journeys: From Clinical Practice to Biotech Innovation 47:12 The Future of Cancer Care: Bringing Cutting-Edge Treatments to Dubai

This podcast episode delves into the intricate world of biotech, focusing on the financial challenges and trends shaping the industry with Dr. James and Dr. Howard, both Oncology Drug Development Physicians. We discuss the staggering costs of bringing a drug to the market, influenced heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic, which marked a new era for biotech investment and innovation.  Highlighting the transition from small biotech firms to billion-dollar entities almost overnight, the episode explores the subsequent 'golden age' of investment, its decline, and the hurdles small biotech companies face in securing funding amidst a tougher financial landscape marked by increased inflation and interest rates.  The conversation also touches on the funding strategy, the crucial role of venture capital, and the lengthy drug development timeline.  Additionally, Dr James and Dr Howard examine the potential negative impacts on patient care resulting from the industry's consolidation trend, where large pharmaceutical companies acquire smaller biotechs, potentially slowing down innovation.  The episode concludes with discussions on the unique challenges and opportunities within the biotech industry in Dubai, suggesting it as a potential biotech hub due to its supportive government, diverse population, and favorable business environment. 00:00 The Cost of Bringing a Drug to Market: A Deep Dive 00:45 The Biotech Boom: From COVID-19 to Financial Realities 02:36 Venture Capital and the Biotech Funding Dilemma 03:37 The Long Road to Drug Development: Patience and Innovation 05:16 The Impact of Big Pharma on Small Biotech Firms 07:28 Navigating the Complexities of Biotech Innovation 14:44 The Theranos Scandal: A Cautionary Tale in Biotech 25:19 Dubai's Potential as a Biotech Hub: Opportunities and Challenges 31:39 Funding Biotech in Emerging Ecosystems: The UAE Model

In this podcast episode, Doctor James and Doctor Howard, both Oncology Drug Development Physicians,  delve into the intricate world of cancer treatment, oncology, and pharmaceuticals, focusing on the challenges and advancements in drug development. It highlights the pharmaceutical industry's Western-centric nature, the high cost and complexity of developing new drugs, and the regulatory hurdles that slow the process. The discussion explores how personalized medicine and immunotherapy change the cancer treatment landscape despite the economic and regulatory challenges. We discuss the potential of non-invasive tests like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. We also touch on the importance of patient engagement in clinical trials, the evolving role of T cells in cancer defense, and the future of immuno-oncology. The podcast aims to shed light on the collective effort needed from regulators, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals to advance cancer treatment and make it more accessible worldwide.

This Episode features a conversation with Mat Ramona, a daring financial technologist, crypto trader, and digital nomad preparing for the Ironman triathlon. Mat discusses his trading algorithm, AYN Finance 3.0, and the challenges of trading, including the emotional aspect. He shares insights on being a digital nomad and the lifestyle changes he's experienced while investing and traveling. Mat also highlights the need for diversity in income streams and challenges the notion of 'freedom' that comes with a nomadic lifestyle.

In this solo episode, I explored the concept of professionalism, sharing perspectives on how perfectionism may be detrimental due to its potential to obstruct understanding of technological advancements, human ingenuity, scientific progress, and exponential growth. I made bold claims about the problems that perfectionists often face, such as 'analysis paralysis, ' which leads to failure to launch. Alternatively, I distinguished between perfectionism and excellence, suggesting that the key is not perfection but continuous improvement, requiring an understanding of progress, embracing challenges, recognizing and celebrating milestones, and taking feedback positively. I underlined the significance of breaking tasks into manageable goals, adjusting aspirations according to personal capabilities, and redefining excellence to center on continuous learning and improvement.

Embarking on a path less traveled by many, MAJD's story is one of battles with the shadows of his past and the relentless pursuit of personal equilibrium. Here is to transformation.

With our guest Loxxy, a dynamic rapper and artist hailing from Zimbabwe. Loxxy enlightens us on his musical voyage from South Africa to Dubai, discussing his inspiration drawn from numerous artists and his hesitancy to enter the music scene due to his academic background. We further explore the challenges of performing and creating content as an artist in Dubai. With the emphasis on the importance of consistency and financial considerations when creating and promoting music, we get a comprehensive view of the industry's intricacies. Finally, we touch upon the current trends and challenges in the music industry as a whole. He shares his surprising experience of seeing his music gain popularity in unexpected places like Poland. Tune in, it's a diverse landscape.

When you realize a successful career and position don't equate to personal contentment, a revelation that sets most people on the pursuit of understanding and achieving happiness. This journey brought me face-to-face with Ali Zakaria, a former judge turned happiness author, who joined me on this episode of the Paris OG podcast. We delved into the science of happiness, the concept of effort bias, and the power of letting go. Ali's transition from a judge to a lawyer gave him unique insights into the power of judgment and ego. We reviewed these themes as he shared his experiences and the lessons learned. Ali spoke of the peace that is attainable when we refrain from judging others and the necessity of managing our egos for personal progress. We wrapped up with Ali's writing journey, highlighting the transformative power of writing and the liberating act of letting go of ego-driven actions.

Ever imagined what it takes to make a mark while building a fashion brand? From the bustling streets of London to the dazzling lights of Dubai and New York, Hannah, a luminary from the field, shares her journey of breaking into this niche industry. This episode doesn't shy away from discussing the tough parts. Wrapping up the episode, we navigate towards the power of self-belief and the pursuit of dreams, regardless of age or life's stage. We delve into the virtue of patience, the importance of feedback, and the discipline required to succeed, from being open to the unknown to bouncing back from failures. According to Hannah, if you don't know what failure is, then you can't fail.

Have you ever viewed the world through the lens of luxury? My latest guest, Marie, a French entrepreneur based in Dubai, brings us her intriguing perspective on luxury brands, marketing, and the unparalleled client experiences they can create. With over a decade of experience in luxury brand marketing, working with giants like Cartier and Hermès, Marie fuses an eye for detail with a love for storytelling, crafting narratives that make people dream. In this dialogue, Marie sparks curiosity as she reveals the power of risk-taking and the value of learning from failure. Her daring move to Dubai at 24, subsequent challenges, and triumphant successes provide invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs. We also venture into the future with her experiences in AI photography, opening doors to unique, immersive consumer experiences. But the conversation doesn't end there. Marie also invites us on her personal journey, sharing candid experiences on uprooting life and setting up shop in a new country. We unpack the real Dubai lifestyle, the relevance of self-expression, and the significance of creating personal value. Drawing from her own challenges and victories, Marie demonstrates how empowering self-growth can lead to success. Don't miss out on this enlightening chat with Mary, where luxury meets personal growth, and marketing becomes an art of dreaming.