Biotech’s Global Reach - Show #136

Akeem Gardner is the CEO of Canadian biotech startup Canurta, a Canadian-based biotech company that specializes in extracting and enriching rare molecules found in nature and developing them into botanical therapeutics to help patients who are suffering from major neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. 

More specifically, botanical drugs rely on a variety of technologies to gather and upcycle plant waste, and Canurta has created processes for creating purified standards and molecules that can eventually go to market: 

“But what many people don't know is that the FDA actually gives you a botanical drug development guidance of how you could handcraft or properly formulate molecules from plants to get specific ingredients that target specific mechanisms that can help patients with the neuroprotection that they need to extend their lifespan but also live more healthy lives across a longer lifespan.” 

Akeem and Wendy connected at the Redefining Early Stage of Investment (RESI) Conference in Boston, hosted by Life Science Nation. (Wendy recently interviewed Dennis Ford, founder and CEO of Life Sciences Nation, which specializes in fundraising for life sciences companies.)  

In this episode, Akeem describes how his company leverages global connections and diverse perspectives to drive growth and innovation, especially for its most advanced program, dedicated to the treatment of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. 

Building International Partnerships 

Akeem has made it a priority to cultivate international partnerships, recognizing the need for a global patient pool. To facilitate these global connections, he tapped into resources available to Canadian companies: federal and provincial governments subsidize attendance at industry events and make introductions to key organizations. "They create spaces for Canadian companies, so that I just have to get on a flight, get to where the opportunity is, or the event is, and then they help us with matchmaking and making introductions to the organizations that we need to meet," he explains. 

Akeem's own diverse background also contributes to his global mindset. Having studied law in the UK before founding Canurta, he is comfortable navigating different cultures and languages, “always so excited about how people are living in different places in the world," he adds. 

Leveraging Language and Culture 

Akeem encourages his team to embrace existing technologies to mitigate the barriers that language and culture sometimes creates. He lauds the practical uses of generative AI and Google Translate, but only for translating signs or navigating public transportation in foreign countries. Clinical trials, regulatory documents, and sensitive information require professional translation, however, and Akeem relies on his experienced team for translation management so that he can focus on building relationships with key opinion leaders and patients. 

He has learned along the way that fostering that focus in other areas of the company is also important. For example, managing cash flow rather than chasing every opportunity that presents itself is key to long-term success, especially during difficult economic times when capital is scarce. 

Another lesson Akeem has learned is to trust his own instincts and his team’s capabilities, rather than relying solely on advice from outside experts. "Everyone has an opinion, but they're not always experts in the day-to-day of what you're doing," he said. Staying grounded in the realities will help you navigate the complexities of biotech development with confidence. 

The Power of Diverse Perspectives 

His background as a non-traditional biotech founder has also taught him the value of embracing diverse perspectives. With a background in law and agriculture, he initially grappled with imposter syndrome, feeling that he lacked the scientific credentials of his peers. 

Since, however, he has come to see his unique perspective as a strength: "I used to have a lot of imposter syndrome because I'm not a scientist by nature. Or by formal training, I'm a learning scientist now because I'm doing it on the day-to-day," he says. This “outsider” viewpoint also means he can ask fresh questions and challenge assumptions, ultimately driving innovation within his company. 

In fact, companies with diverse teams have been shown to increase a company’s revenue, drive growth, and heighten retention. Novel problem-solving and varied perspectives contribute to open lines of communication and a healthy working environment. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Globally, Staying Focused 

Canurta is in the process of recruiting patients for its registration trials in Australia, Europe, Canada, and the US. By embracing internationalization, biotech companie