S2 Ep1 | John Crowley, CEO, BIO, Discusses The Biology Century and The Convergence of Public Health, Economic Growth, and National Security

Welcome to VITALS Season 2!

To kick off the new season, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, Maria Thacker-Goethe, is joined in studio by the President and CEO of BIO, John Crowley, who shared his journey from business to biotech after his daughter Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease. He emphasized the importance of time in biotech, highlighting the transformation of cystic fibrosis treatment from a death sentence to a normal life expectancy. Crowley discussed the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating drug development, the need for a modernized FDA, and the importance of access to medicines. He advocated for a 21st Century Access Act to address barriers to medication. Crowley also mentioned his military service and his role in advocating for biotechnology to enhance public health, economic growth, and national security.

John Crowley's Introduction and Personal Background

• Maria Thacker Gothe introduces John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.
• John Crowley shares his background, including his early career in business and his transition into the world of science and medicine.
• John recounts the diagnosis of his daughter Megan with Pompe Disease, a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and the emotional journey that followed.
• He describes the initial shock and subsequent determination to learn about the disease and find a treatment.

The Journey to Develop a Treatment for Pompe Disease

• John explains the process of learning about Pompe Disease, including the genetic aspects and the buildup of glycogen in Megan's muscles.
• He details the early research efforts and the realization that time was crucial in developing a treatment.
• John highlights the importance of collaboration with researchers and the development of a medicine that saved Megan and her brother Patrick's lives.
• He shares the progress his children have made, including Megan's education and career in social work and Patrick's work in a flower shop.

John Crowley's Role at BIO and Advocacy for Biotechnology

• Maria Thacker Gothe asks John about his priorities at BIO and how he sees biotechnology unleashing its potential.
• John emphasizes the importance of science policy, the need for more capital, and a business mindset in advancing biotechnology.
• He discusses the success stories in biotechnology, such as the transformation of cystic fibrosis treatment, and the need for more breakthroughs.
• John outlines the three main reasons for supporting biotechnology: public health, economic growth, and national security.

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Biotechnology

• Maria and John discuss the potential of AI and machine learning in compressing the development pipeline in biotechnology.
• John shares examples of AI's current and future impact on medicine, including improving physician efficiency, aiding in diagnosis, and enhancing drug development.
• He highlights the potential of AI in understanding complex biological systems and improving clinical trial efficiency.
• John emphasizes the need for ethical principles and guardrails to ensure AI's responsible use in biotechnology.

Challenges and Opportunities in Biotechnology

• Maria and John discuss the challenges of accessing capital and the importance of reducing the time and cost of developing new medicines.
• John mentions the role of family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and new pools of capital in supporting biotechnology.
• He emphasizes the need for a modernized FDA and a more efficient clinical trial paradigm to speed up innovation.
• John highlights the importance of storytelling and advocacy in building support for biotechnology and ensuring access to life-saving medicines.

Building a Successful Biotech Ecosystem in Georgia

• Maria asks John for advice on building a successful biotech ecosystem in Georgia.
• John emphasizes the importance of purposeful investment in workforce development, from high school STEM programs to vocational training and university education.
• He highlights the need for a pro-business environment and entrepreneurship culture to attract and retain biotech companies.
• John suggests looking at best practices from other successful biotech hubs and customizing them to Georgia's needs.

The Importance of Access to Medicines

• John discusses the moral obligation to ensure access to life-saving medicines and the role of the social contract between patients, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.
• He criticizes the current system of step edits and prior authorizations, which can delay patient access to necessary treatments.
• John calls for a 21st Century Access Act to address barriers to ac