351. Akston Biosciences’ Todd Zion on animal health innovation, companion animals + collaborating with Purdue

Research estimates the global animal health market to be roughly $8 billion, a number analyst firm Grand View Research expects to grow at a 10% compounded annual growth rate through 2030. Much of that growth will be driven by biotechnology. Dr. Todd Zion, CEO and founder of Akston Biosciences, joins this week to help understand what is happening in the biotech markets, specifically as it relates to companion animal innovation. We get into:  

• Where the market sits today and how it is evolving 
• Akston Biosciences’ 2024 partnership announcement with Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine focused on a therapeutic for canine oncology 
• His approach to animal health innovation through precision proteins creating affordable, effective treatments for companion animals 
• What sits in the Akston Biosciences pipeline currently and the company’s approach to cost-effectiveness while also staying innovative 
• Todd’s past work in human health, how he sees two sides – animal and human health – coming together to push innovation further, faster 
• The regulatory hurdles faced by both human and animal health innovators that delay getting safe, effective treatments to market 
• A big need for more risk capital coming into the animal health innovation market