Ep. 34: Physician's Perspective on Rare Cancer Research and Development with Andy Hall, MD

In this episode, VibeCast host Ray Dogum speaks with Andy Hall, Founder and CSO of RareCan, about mRNA Cancer Research and Development. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Key moments: 00:00:05 - Introduction 00:00:46 - Andy's Background 00:03:31 - RareCan's Solution 00:06:05 - Current Membership 00:09:13 - Understanding Rare Cancers 00:14:43 - Introduction to Molecularly Targeted Therapies 00:15:58 - Optimism for mRNA Vaccines 00:17:27 - mRNA Vaccine Trials for Cancer Patients 00:19:35 - The Role of Bioresource Program in Cancer Research 00:23:13 - Patient Perspectives and Metaphors of Cancer 00:30:23 - The Impact of Political Instability on Investors 00:30:57 - Strategic Investors as a Solution 00:31:21 - Goals for 2023 and 2024 00:31:53 - Importance of US Partnership 00:32:23 - Conclusion and Call to Action Guest Bio: I originally trained as a physician- looking after patients with leukemia and other malignant diseases of the blood. At an early stage I became interested in how some patients responded well to treatment whilst others didn’t so I decided to spend a few months in the laboratory studying drug resistance in childhood cancer. The few months became nearly 20 years, initially as a lab-based scientist and later as the director of the Northern institute of Cancer Research in Newcastle in the North East of England. During my time working in the University I frequently had great difficulty in assembling cohorts big enough to convince journal editors, and myself, that my laboratory observations were robust. At the same time I had the privilege of discussing my work with patients and was struck by how often they were keen to take part in research but were unable to make their wishes known. When I left the public sector in 2016 I set about finding a way for patients with rare forms of cancer who want to take part in research to be put in touch with groups who are undertaking primary research or setting up clinical trials. With 3 co-founders I set up RareCan in August 2020. We have attracted funding from an enlightened group of angel investors and are about to launch another funding round in a few months time to support our rapid expansion to other markets including the US and Australia. Guest Links: Andy Hall's Linkedin RareCan Linkedin About VibeCast VibeCast is our weekly informational podcast and content series exploring the hottest topics in drug development and Web3 with some of the dynamic people that make up the Vibe community. VibeCast is a collection of long-form and short-form video content intended to help our community learn about the current opportunities and challenges in biotech fundraising and community engagement innovation. Guests include biotech founders, regulatory experts, drug development executives, blockchain technologists, web3 community builders, patient community advocates, and many other Vibe Bio community members seeking to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments. Follow Vibe Bio's Socials: Twitter LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Facebook Disclaimer: VibeCast is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes, and no information or opinions shared constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners acknowledge they are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The podcast is for private non-commercial use and the statements of our guests reflect their personal views only and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any agency, organization, or company that they work for or are affiliated with.