Unlocking the Secrets of Cancer: IN8bio CEO William Ho, on Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
In8bio.com
About the Guest(s):
William Ho is the director, president, CEO, and co-founder of IN8bio, a biotechnology company focusing on immune cell technologies to combat diseases like cancer. With a career spanning nearly 24 years in the biotechnology and healthcare investment sectors, William previously served as managing partner at Aleph Point Capital and held positions with New Leaf Venture Partners. His extensive experience in venture capital and biotechnology has shaped his leadership in pioneering innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss introduces listeners to the innovative world of biotechnology with William Ho, CEO and co-founder of IN8bio. With a keen focus on developing cutting-edge treatments using gamma delta T cells, William shares insights into his company's mission to tackle cancer's resilience by enhancing immune cell efficacy.
Throughout the episode, William delves into the intricacies of gamma delta T cells and their role in combating cancer. He outlines how IN8bio's Del X platform harnesses the power of these cells to not only shrink cancerous tumors but eliminate residual cells that often cause resistance and recurrence. Highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by biotechnology companies, he also reflects on his unique journey from Wall Street to leading a biotech firm—a path peppered with unexpected meetings and relentless pursuit for innovative solutions. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, William underscores the importance of grit and perseverance in entrepreneurship, offering invaluable advice for aspiring biotech leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Gamma Delta T Cells: IN8bio is leveraging gamma delta T cells to improve cancer treatment by targeting and eliminating residual cancer cells.
Entrepreneurial Journey: William Ho shared his path from Wall Street to biotech entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of timing and unexpected opportunities.
AI in Biotech: The company is exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance drug development and clinical trial efficiency, despite current challenges with data variability.
IN8bio Success Stories: Notable clinical trial successes include patients with leukemia and glioblastoma remaining in remission after four years.
Start-Up Challenges: Emphasizing resilience, William discusses the primal challenges and sacrifices entrepreneurs face, underscoring the role of grit in overcoming them.
Notable Quotes:
"Gamma delta T cells are a subset of our immune system. They're… white blood cells… that go out and hunt for cells that are pathogenic or are damaged or are cancerous."
"Our goal is to attack the tumors when they're at their weakest early on…to try to ultimately eliminate them all."
"Being an entrepreneur was much harder than I ever expected…the ability to suffer and just persevere."
"If most investors knew the shit that goes wrong and how it goes wrong, they'd be terrified."
"Go home, sit your wife down, and ask her, is she willing to suffer with me through this?"