Next Phase Newsletter

Interview with Sally Stephenson, Founder, Kimaritec Pty Ltd By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Sally Stephenson

Caitlin Dolegowski

About the Company:

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you tell us about Kimaritec PTY LTD and the problem your technology addresses?

Sally Stephenson (SS): Sometime in their life, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be told they have cancer. The only treatment that is truly curative is surgery and then, only if the tumour is removed completely, because disease that has started to spread or metastasise is difficult to treat and resistance to current therapies invariably develops. We desperately need new therapies to help people whose therapy has stopped working and change cancer from being an acute disease that will kill people, into a chronic disease that can be treated so people continue living to old age.
Preferably, this would be with limited or at least manageable side effects, so they also have a great quality of life during treatment.

Kimaritec Pty Ltd is an early-stage start-up company from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Kimaritec started officially in 2020 to explore the commercial potential of research performed by Dr Mohanan Maharaj during his PhD work supervised by Associate Professor Sally Stephenson, a tenured teaching and research academic at QUT. Medicinal chemist A/Prof Wim Meutermans joined the team as COO and contributes significant expertise in drug development.

Kimaritec finds small molecules that cause the cancer cells’ own protein recycling system to remove specific proteins it needs and causes cancer cell death. This is an approach to cause targeted protein degradation.

The way we do this is by blocking specific SUMOylation events. SUMOylation is a post-translational modification, something that happens to a protein after it is made, and one of the things that SUMOylation does is to increase the stability of a protein – keeping it in the cancer cell and allowing it to do its cancer promoting job for longer. SUMOylation is increased in cells that are stressed, and tumour cells are stressed. They are growing without control, pressing on each other, fighting for nutrients and oxygen and they have trouble getting rid of waste. So SUMOylation is increased in cancer cells and a lot of proteins that are not normally SUMOylated now are. Kimaritec’s idea is that if we can identify proteins that the cancer cell specifically needs to SUMOylate and we stop the modification from happening, then we have a new approach to developing useful anti-cancer therapies.

CD: What inspired you to start your journey in this field, and what sets your company apart from others in the industry?

SS: Cancer is one of the worst health challenges that many people will face. Most of us know someone who has had cancer and have seen how devastating this is. Personally, I have had 4 melanomas removed, the worst one before I turned 50, which is young for a disease where the biggest risk factor is getting old. But melanoma is in my family, and I am likely to have many more. In some respects, I am lucky though, because melanoma is on the skin and visible if you know what to look for. But many of our solid tumours develop inside the body and it is difficult to detect them before they become problematic and before they have started to spread. We have made great progress in improving screening for prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer, and people are realizing the importance of regular health checks, but we need to do better.

There is a lot of interest and investment in targeted protein degraders, particularly the PROTACs and molecular glues. They have a different way of causing targeted protein degradation. Their molecules bring a target protein and an enzyme complex together to add a molecular tag called ubiquitin to the target protein and this marks it for degradation by the cell. The PROTAC and glue molecules are a little challenging to work with, but they show that targeted protein degradation works. The Kimaritec approach to targeted protein degradation, by targeting cancer cell-specific SUMOylation events, is a little bit different and new. To our knowledge no one else is doing this in diseases like cancer yet. Also, blocking protein SUMOylation opens up a whole new set of potential targets, including ones that are currently not yet drugged and for which we can be first-in-class.

CD: What milestones has your company achieved recently, and what are your immediate goals for 2025?

SS: We have proven that we can identify small molecules that can specifically block a SUMOylation event on a target protein and stop cancer cells from growing for two cancer proteins.

Our commercial target is a currently-undrugged transcription factor that is required for tumour initiation and progression and a great target for a degradation approach. We have a hit molecule that works in tumour cells growing in a dish – it blocks SUMOylation and stops the transcription factor from moving into the nucleus, and importantly, causes cancer cell death. Our molecule does exactly what we hoped it would do. What we have to do now is the hit-to-lead chemistry required to make this more drug-like and we are looking for people who want to help us do this.

Fundraising & RESI Experience:

CD: How has participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM impacted your fundraising efforts? Did you receive any valuable feedback or connections from investors?

SS: Kimaritec has been in stealth for the first 4 years while we developed our platform and identified our first targets and molecules. This has been a challenging time for us as an academic research team because we haven’t been able to publish our work and for that reason, we have been passed over many times for Australian grant funding opportunities where track record is mostly measured by publications. The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM was one of the first opportunities we have really taken to share our ideas with the world and start generating interest in SUMOylation inhibitors. Winning the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge is encouraging and confirms that we do have an innovative idea that is worth pursuing. We have identified a couple of leads and have conversations scheduled for the next couple of weeks. We are hopeful that the right investment for the next stage of Kimaritec is in our near future.

CD: What was your experience pitching to a panel of coordinated investors during the challenge, and how did it help refine your story?

SS: Kimaritec has a cool story, and I enjoy telling people about what we do. I appreciated the great questions, and the interest panel members showed in the science and its potential. Having only 6 minutes to pitch makes you really focus on the points that matter.

Entrepreneurial Education Program:

CD: How did the Entrepreneurial Education program, sponsored by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, prepare you for RESI JPM? Are there specific takeaways you’d recommend to other entrepreneurs?

SS: The program was great. In particular, learning how to put together a cohesive collection of documents – the one page datasheet, an executive summary, and the pitch deck, then getting feedback on them was very useful. The focus on clarity and continuity in the message in each document was highlighted and the different ways of communicating this information was interesting.

An opportunity to pitch to the “Shark Tank” panel the day before the IPC was great too, and the written feedback did help me see where my message was not as clear as I was hoping, but all I had to do was add a couple of sentences in a couple of places, which I think really improved it.

I would definitely recommend other entrepreneurs, particularly academic scientists like me, take this course. It will help you understand some of the language of business development. Scientists and BD experts need to work together to move companies forward and the more you each learn about the other’s world, the better. I was never taught this in my science degree and to be honest, I wish I had done it sooner. Perhaps I would not have made as many mistakes?

The other benefit was meeting other scientists, bioinnovators and entrepreneurs in Brisbane and surrounds. There are many inspiring and amazing individuals and teams, and I am lucky to have been part of the 2024 cohort.

Closing:

CD: What advice would you offer to other early-stage companies considering participating in RESI or the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge?

SS: Do it. And be an active participant. You will learn a lot. And you will move your company in the right direction.

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

Life Science Nation (LSN) has established a global partnering platform connecting scientist-entrepreneurs and fundraising CEOs with capital, licensing, and product collaboration partners. Along the way, LSN has gained valuable insights into what makes a strong match for our buy-side partners.

Through discussions with hundreds of investors, I’ve explored how their pursuit of technology assets balances with the inherent risks of taking on unproven ventures. The answer is nuanced but typically revolves around a company’s key attributes: the science, the management team, milestones achieved, and the data proving the technology’s trajectory.

Similarly, I’ve developed a personal framework for evaluating companies referred to LSN through regional tech hubs, incubators, accelerators, and national or state life science agencies. Here are the qualities I prioritize:

The Founding Scientist

A founding scientist with a deep history in the science and technology at the heart of the company is invaluable. Many “new” technologies are refinements of decades-long research. When the original scientist remains involved—whether as a CTO, advisor, or board member—it helps de-risk the opportunity. Their historical perspective lends credibility to the technology’s validation and translation. Even if the assets are relatively new, a thorough understanding of their context, history, and potential demonstrates leadership’s grasp of the technology’s capabilities and future.

The CEO

Startups often feature CEOs with diverse backgrounds, and experience matters. I’m particularly drawn to those who previously held mid-level executive roles in large drug or device companies, where they successfully managed product launches—especially blockbusters. These CEOs bring practical, been-there-done-that expertise, which they now channel into their startups.

Equally important is the CEO’s ability to listen, adapt, and apply feedback. Coachability and a willingness to learn quickly are essential traits for navigating the challenges of the startup journey.

The Management Team

A diverse and complementary management team strengthens a company’s foundation. The best CEOs build teams with varied expertise that enhances their leadership and covers all critical areas. Teams with corporate experience understand when to hold steady, pivot, or fold, and this insight positions them for success. A team with a proven track record of success and the ambition to transition their startup to the next level will attract attention and generate momentum.

Milestones and Data

A well-structured plan with realistic milestones and compelling, validating data is essential. This demonstrates that the product is progressing in the right direction. Credibility is earned when milestones are achieved and data is presented clearly and honestly. Conversely, a lack of coordination erodes trust and opportunities for partnerships. Investors and partners value data-driven, achievable goals that reinforce confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Entrepreneurial Agency

Entrepreneurial agency is hard to define, but it’s unmistakable when you see it. It’s the confidence, passion, professionalism, and determination that propel a company forward. This “mojo” inspires trust and sets companies apart.

While I admire seasoned CEOs from large enterprises who bring their expertise to startups, I also value the energy of dynamic founders driven by their passion to address unmet medical needs.

Drumroll, please: My Companies to Watch in 2025:

Eysz (California, US)

Eysz is transforming brain health by bringing objective biomarkers, traditionally limited to specialists, directly to primary care physicians. Our first product, the Eysz HV Recorder, enables pediatricians to detect epilepsy in children through smartphone-based facial biometric analysis, reducing neurology workup wait times from 9 months to just 2 weeks. This innovation boosts primary care revenue and allows specialists to focus on the most critical cases. With a $10 billion market in cognitive and mood disorder screening and monitoring, Eysz offers a game-changing solution that meets key clinical and financial needs.

EYWA Biotech (Brazil)

EYWA Biotech is pioneering the production of sustainable psychedelic compounds through synthetic biology and genetic engineering. As the first GMP-certified platform of its kind in Latin America, we focus on developing high-quality APIs and formulations for the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Our innovative approach not only ensures reduced environmental impact but also delivers cost-effective solutions with rapid therapeutic action. With a commitment to advancing mental health treatment, EYWA is at the forefront of the global movement towards next-generation psychiatric care.

Gate2Brain (Spain)

Gate2Brain is a biotech company focused on the development of therapeutics that efficiently cross biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, using a radically innovative peptide-based patented technology platform.

G2B-002, the first therapeutic proof of concept of our technology platform, is aimed mainly at the treatment of rare pediatric solid tumors.

Gen-t (Brazil)

We are a company formed by the union of nonconformists. On the one hand, scientists who seek to discover who Brazilians really are and, on the other hand, entrepreneurs and investors who understand the value of this discovery for the country.

While other countries in the world are advancing in the sequencing of the DNA of their population, Brazil is still behind. Traditional paths to the evolution of science do not advance. And we are the ones who lose out, because important traits that may be hidden in our genome are no longer identified, putting Brazilians outside the so-called precision medicine.

Gen-t was created to be a platform capable of including Brazil on the map of genomic research. Understanding our origins is the only path to full development. Knowing our identity, we will be able to develop more effective medicines and treatments for our diseases and verify that Brazil is, in fact, one of the countries with the greatest genetic diversity in the world.

GuideAI Health (Massachusetts, US)

GuideAI Health was founded by clinicians with a mission to improve early detection and diagnosis of chronic vascular disease. As interventional radiologists, we’ve witnessed firsthand failures to identify life-threatening disease, which is why we’ve designed advanced AI models to address this critical gap. Our AI-powered platform is the first solution targeting peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which affects 230 million worldwide. By detecting subtle disease markers often missed by the human eye, we enable earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment to save lives, limbs, and healthcare costs.

IN8bio (Alabama, US)

IN8bio was founded with the mission of developing next-generation cellular therapies for treating cancer. Dr. Lawrence Lamb, one the Company’s co-founders, is a leader in the field of gamma-delta T cells. During his postdoctoral fellowship in transplant medicine, he was the first to describe homeostatic reconstitution of gamma-delta T cells in patients who receive alpha-beta T cell depleted bone marrow grafts. Dr. Lamb also identified an association between gamma-delta T cell levels and disease-free survival in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This work formed the foundation of IN8bio’s focus on delivering gamma-delta therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The Company is developing allogeneic, autologous, iPSC and genetically modified gamma-delta T cell therapies. Dr. Lamb’s research has formed the basis for the company’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, two in newly-diagnosed Glioblastoma and one in leukemia and lymphoma patients undergoing hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation.

Serenatis (England)

Serenatis is developing three novel small-molecule drugs, each with a unique mechanism of action targeting different pathways implicated in OCD, including the glutamate, dopamine, and mu[1]opioid systems. These innovative therapies aim to address the root causes of OCD and offer new hope for patients through precision medicine.

Serenatis is positioned to revolutionise OCD treatment, opening a multi-billion market.

Servatus (Australia)

Servatus Ltd is a global leading therapeutics company with first-in-class clinical results for the safe and effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using live biotherapeutics. Servatus has built an efficient, integrated drug development pipeline founded upon a pragmatic, results driven approach to R&D.  This approach has enabled Servatus to successfully complete a Phase 2a trial in RA, as well as IBS-C (Phase 1) and Insomnia (Phase 2a). Our efficacy results, in combination with an excellent safety profile, mean we are well positioned to access large patient populations with unmet needs, becoming one of the first companies to realize the enormous potential of microbial biotherapeutics.

Value and Trust Co., Ltd. (Korea)

Value and Trust Co., Ltd.(hereafter VNTC) develops solutions to maintain the correct shape of the spine. Our main product is spine correction brace, Spinamic, but we also develop advanced diagnostic and prescription system to help produce more sophisticated devices. Our focus at the moment is on teenage patients with scoliosis(AIS) and we aim to ensure that children with scoliosis maintain the correct shape of spine without surgery.

Our product, Spinamic, is a fabric type scoliosis brace, which is easy to wear and washable, thus more hygienic. Through our brace, we can treat AIS(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) patients the most effective way with minimized side effects that existing rigid braces have failed to deal with. Our focus is to improve the quality of life of the scoliosis patients without side effects, especially depression. We are now preparing to develop and apply our product and system to various vertebral deformities.

For our goal of improving patients’ quality of life, VNTC works with many spinal experts including spinal mechanic engineers, doctors, product designers, and textile experts.

Wellumio (New Zealand)

Wellumio, a venture-backed startup, is transforming acute stroke care with its Axana™ imaging solution. Powered by Pulsed-Gradient Free Imaging—a groundbreaking, non-radioactive magnetic resonance technology—Axana™ brings acute brain scans directly to the point of care, opening new frontiers in imaging applications. Engineered to bypass traditional radiology infrastructure, this innovation breaks down conventional MRI access barriers, delivering portable brain imaging within minutes at the bedside. After demonstrating efficacy in preclinical trials and advancing to human clinical trials, we are now working to bring this transformative solution to emergency clinical settings where every second counts.

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

RESI JPM 2025 will feature 7 focused investor panels, spotlighting Corporate VC, Oncology Innovation, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Medical Devices, Big Pharma, and Longevity Investments. Attendees can connect with leading investors, CEOs, and licensing partners to align their stage of development and products with the right opportunities.

RESI JPM will also host 56 companies in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, where entrepreneurs present cutting-edge technologies to investor judges, offering a front-row seat to the future of life sciences innovation. Complementing the panels and pitch sessions, 8 workshops will provide actionable strategies tailored to fundraising and development in the life science arena.

As the first RESI conference of 2025, RESI JPM delivers unparalleled networking and partnering opportunities during a pivotal week for the global life sciences community. Join us to celebrate this landmark event and take your fundraising efforts to the next level. Registration is open, don’t miss out!

Interview with Simon Chandler, CEO of Rinri Therapeutics By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Simon Chandler

Caitlin Dolegowski

Rinri Therapeutics is at the forefront of advancing treatments for sensorineural hearing loss, a condition affecting millions worldwide for which no disease-modifying therapeutics are currently available. In this interview, we explore how Rinri’s pioneering stem-cell-based approach aims to restore cochlear function, the company’s progress toward clinical trials, and their experience at RESI conferences as they build connections with investors to bring transformative solutions to patients.

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you share a brief overview of Rinri Therapeutics and the unmet medical need your technology addresses?

Simon Chandler (SC): Hearing loss represents a massive global unmet medical need, with over 500 million people worldwide living with disabling hearing loss. This prevalence is comparable to major chronic conditions such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, there are currently no disease-modifying therapeutics for hearing loss. The only available options—hearing aids and cochlear implants—are palliative devices that address the symptoms rather than the root cause of hearing loss.

Furthermore, these devices rely on functional auditory neurons to perform effectively. This limitation means they often underperform in patients with poor cochlear innervation, including those with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Together, these conditions affect an estimated 7 million patients in high-income countries alone.

At Rinri Therapeutics, our pioneering approach seeks to restore cochlear function by replacing the deficient or missing cells in the cochlea with functional replacements. Using progenitor cells derived from pluripotent stem cells, we aim to fundamentally address the root cause of sensorineural hearing loss and offer a transformative therapeutic solution.

CD: What sets your therapeutic approach apart from others in the same field, and what stage of development are you currently in?

SC: The majority of current hearing loss research focuses on otoprotection—attempting to prevent further hearing loss after an ototoxic event. Additionally, while gene therapies have emerged as a potential solution for hereditary hearing loss, these genetic conditions are exceedingly rare. As a result, gene therapies alone cannot address the predominant causes of hearing loss, particularly acquired sensorineural hearing loss, which accounts for approximately 90% of all cases.

At Rinri, we are taking a fundamentally different approach. Sensorineural hearing loss is primarily caused by the death or damage of auditory sensory cells in the cochlea. Our innovative hypothesis is that the optimal way to restore hearing is to replace these damaged or missing cells with functional equivalents. While this concept has been pursued in academic research for over two decades, Rinri’s technology is the first to demonstrate the functional restoration of hearing in preclinical models of neural hearing loss.

We have made significant progress and are currently transitioning from preclinical development to clinical validation. Key milestones include the successful manufacture of GMP-compliant clinical drug substance (DS) and the completion of pivotal GLP toxicology studies. These achievements place us on track to initiate first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials in 2025.

CD: How do you envision your technology impacting patient care in the long term?

SC: Our long-term vision is to revolutionize the treatment landscape for hearing loss by establishing therapeutics as a cornerstone of patient care. Our therapy has the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of existing interventions, such as cochlear implants and even hearing aids, by serving as an adjunctive therapy that improves cochlear function.

Additionally, for patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, our technology could be deployed as a standalone monotherapy, offering a groundbreaking solution to a condition for which there are currently no viable treatment options. Through these channels, we believe our therapy will dramatically improve hearing outcomes and significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.

CD: What are the key milestones Rinri Therapeutics is aiming to achieve in the next year?

SC: The upcoming year will be pivotal for Rinri Therapeutics as we transition from preclinical development to early clinical validation. Key milestones include:

Securing the Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA): Finalizing our regulatory submission and gaining approval to initiate first-in-human clinical trials.

Initiating the First-in-Human (FIH) Trial: Embarking on the trial and enrolling the first cohort of patients.

Scaling Manufacturing Capabilities: Advancing the scaling of our manufacturing processes to ensure a smooth transition to later-stage development.

Demonstrating Clinical Proof-of-Concept (POC): Progressing rapidly to generate early clinical data that validates the therapeutic potential of our approach.

These milestones are critical to accelerating our journey toward delivering transformative solutions to patients and positioning Rinri as a leader in hearing restoration therapeutics.

CD: This was your first time attending a RESI conference. How did the event compare to your expectations?

SC: Attending RESI London for the first time was a refreshing and highly positive experience. The event exceeded my expectations in several ways. The atmosphere was welcoming and collaborative, which created a conducive environment for meaningful interactions. What stood out most was the exposure to a unique group of investors—those with a specific interest in early-stage, cutting-edge technologies. These are exactly the type of investors we aim to connect with at Rinri, so the conference provided an excellent platform to engage with individuals who understand the risks and rewards of innovative science-driven ventures.

CD: What was your experience like participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, and how valuable was the feedback from the judges?

SC: Participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge was both an exciting and enriching experience. The 6-minute format presented a dual challenge: condensing a complex value proposition into a brief window of time while ensuring that the key points landed effectively. At the same time, it was an excellent exercise in focus and clarity – forcing us to prioritize the most critical aspects of Rinri’s story.

While we have presented pitches in other settings before, the judges’ questions at RESI were insightful and constructive. Their feedback offered valuable perspectives on how to refine and iterate our presentation, making it clearer and more impactful for future audiences. Such iterative improvements are essential to ensuring that our messaging resonates with diverse investor groups and maximizes our appeal.

CD: You’ll be attending RESI JPM next. What are you hoping to achieve or build upon from your RESI London experience?

SC: Building on the momentum from RESI London, we aim to broaden our investor reach at RESI JPM by engaging with a more diverse and international audience, particularly investors from the US and East Asia. These regions represent significant opportunities for Rinri, given their robust interest in innovative biomedical technologies.

We also plan to apply the lessons learned from the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge and our networking activities in London to enhance our engagement strategy. This includes refining our pitch further, leveraging the feedback received, and being even more targeted in our discussions with investors. Ultimately, we hope to secure strong connections that will advance Rinri’s fundraising goals and strategic partnerships.

CD: Beyond the Pitch Challenge, what aspects of RESI did you find most beneficial, such as the partnering meetings or investor panels?

SC: While the Pitch Challenge was a key highlight, the partnering meetings and broader networking opportunities were equally invaluable. The ability to sit down with potential investors for in-depth discussions allowed us to expand beyond the constraints of a 6-minute pitch. These longer conversations provided an opportunity to thoroughly articulate Rinri’s value proposition, address specific questions, and explore potential synergies in greater detail.

Additionally, the investor panels were informative, offering insights into current trends, investment priorities, and what drives decision-making within the early-stage biotech sector. This knowledge will be instrumental in shaping our approach as we engage with investors at RESI JPM and beyond.

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

Life Science Nation (LSN) has long been a cornerstone in facilitating early-stage investments for life science startups, focusing on seed rounds, Series A, and Series B funding. Now, LSN is broadening its scope to encompass mid-stage and late-stage investments, recognizing the evolving needs of the life science ecosystem.

RESI’s Evolution: A Comprehensive Investment Platform

The 50th RESI (Redefining Early Stage Investments) conference marks a significant milestone in LSN’s journey. This event now embodies a broader mission: “Redefining Every Stage of Investment”. By expanding its focus, RESI has become an essential platform for advancing technologies across the entire spectrum of life sciences, including therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health.

Expanding Investment Horizons

LSN’s decision to broaden its expertise stems from a deep analysis of its extensive database of 4,000 investors and insights gathered from RESI events. This research revealed a critical opportunity: many investors active in early-stage funding also play significant roles in mid- and late-stage rounds.

Key Observations:

• Companies progressing through funding rounds face increasingly complex financial needs
• Syndicates become crucial for pooling resources and meeting these requirements
• Globally expanding companies benefit from geographically diverse investor syndicates

Leveraging Global Networks

To address these evolving needs, LSN is tapping into its global network to create more opportunities for life science companies at every stage of growth. This approach not only provides access to capital but also brings expertise and market access to the table, particularly beneficial for companies expanding internationally.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

The 50th RESI conference is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the transformative role RESI plays in building partnerships and fostering innovation in the life science sector. As LSN continues to expand its scope, it remains committed to helping life science entrepreneurs secure the funding and partnerships needed to bring groundbreaking technologies to market. This expansion of focus ensures that life science innovators—whether in early-stage research or seeking commercialization funding—have access to tailored investment opportunities throughout their growth journey.

Interview with Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Anthony Ryan

Caitlin Dolegowski

Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), shares how Brisbane is emerging as a global hub for MedTech innovation. From groundbreaking technologies like needle-free vaccines to cutting-edge immunology treatments, Brisbane’s MedTech ecosystem is thriving. In this interview, Ryan discusses BEDA’s mission to foster sustainable economic growth, the city’s unique strengths in healthcare innovation, and how initiatives like the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM are connecting local talent with global opportunities.

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you share an overview of BEDA’s mission and its role in advancing Brisbane’s MedTech sector?

Anthony Ryan (AR): At BEDA, our mission is clear: driving sustainable economic growth for Brisbane.

Brisbane is at a transformative moment in its history, with the economy forecasted to grow by a remarkable 68% by 2041. As the city’s key driver of investment, our focus extends beyond numbers — we aim to make Brisbane an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

One of the cornerstone industries fuelling this growth is health, specifically the first and best in class MedTech innovations. We’re dedicated to the commercialization of local innovations, that will position Brisbane as a global leading ecosystem.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for our city and its people.

CD: What makes Brisbane a hub for MedTech innovation, and how does BEDA help foster this ecosystem?

AR: Brisbane has a proud history of MedTech innovation, from Gardasil, the world’s first cancer vaccine, to VAXXAS’ needle-free vaccine technology. If you have a bold idea in MedTech, Brisbane is the place to make it happens.

The city offers cutting-edge infrastructure, top-tier talent, and endless growth opportunities. Home to the largest health ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere, healthcare is Brisbane’s biggest employer and is project to grow by 36% by 2031. A big part of that growth is being fuelled by successful early-stage MedTech companies making their mark on the global stage.

Our city attracts the brightest research minds from around the globe, while local universities create a steady pipeline of skilled talent for the industry. Add to this Brisbane’s enviable lifestyle, and you have a unique innovation hub that’s drawing more people and ideas each year.

Through BEDA’s MedTech Initiative, we advance their life-changing innovations by connecting them with international investors, licensing partners, and distribution networks, ensuring Brisbane breakthroughs make a global impact.

CD: You’re bringing nine companies to participate in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM. What inspired this initiative, and what do you hope these companies will gain from the experience?

AR: Tapping into the global $200 billion life sciences market to attract investment is a game-changer for MedTech businesses – but navigating it can feel overwhelming.

That’s where BEDA comes in. We help businesses fast-track connections with international partners and stakeholders, opening doors for collaboration, investment and distribution opportunities.

Brisbane’s MedTech companies have been making waves on the global stage, with standout podium finishes at RESI’s Innovator’s Pitch Challenge over the past few years. These successes highlight why Brisbane is a leading ecosystem within Australia.

We’re excited to provide deal flow opportunities for international investors to connect to promising “first in class” advancements, with an end goal of global patient impact.

CD: How do you select the companies that represent Brisbane at events like RESI JPM? Are there specific qualities or innovations you are looking for?

AR: When selecting companies to represent Brisbane at events like RESI JPM, it’s all about showcasing the best innovation and business models within devices, diagnostics, drugs and digital.

BEDA is backing winners who are investment ready. In addition to first and or best in class innovation, the companies selected have raised seed capital, have Proof of Concept (POC) and a secure IP position.

This includes early-stage innovators working on surgical robotics and advancing arthroscopy, AI-powered clinical trial hubs, novel IV catheter tip technology to reduce failure rates and cutting-edge immunology treatments. It also includes global leaders like VAXXAS, who are commercializing a novel needle-free vaccination technology that dramatically enhances the performance of existing and next-generation vaccines, and BiVACOR, a renowned clinical-stage medical device company developing a total artificial heart.

Our goal is to advance the full spectrum of Brisbane’s MedTech innovation and talent, from rising startups to established trailblazers.

CD: What unique strengths or innovations from Brisbane-based MedTech companies do you believe will resonate most with the global audience at RESI JPM?

AR: This year’s Brisbane MedTech cohort is truly dynamic, showcasing innovations that will stand out at RESI JPM.

Smilo Health is leveraging AI and data analytics to revolutionize personalised care and patient management, which highlights the shift toward digital health and precision medicine.

Kimaritec is making waves by identifying small molecules to target cancer proteins, while Cardihab is transforming cardiac rehab and chronic disease management with its digital platform, making healthcare more accessible.

Flomatrix and Exintech, are advancing medical devices—from IV catheter tips that reduce failure rates to facemasks that use an electrical current to eliminate viruses.

On the therapeutic front, Macrobiome Therapeutics and Servatus are tackling autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, with Macrobiome’s groundbreaking treatments using hookworm proteins.

This impressive group is shaping the future of healthcare, improving patient outcomes and making healthcare more accessible worldwide.

CD: Can you share any success stories from past collaborations or pitch challenges where BEDA-supported companies have achieved significant milestones as a result of participating in RESI?

AR: This is the third year of our collaboration with LSN, and the RESI pitch challenges have delivered some truly exciting results.

One great example is Convergence Medical. They are revolutionizing chronic pain treatment with innovative solutions for spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions – recently joining the prestigious FDA Breakthrough Devices Program, further cementing their role as leaders in medical innovation.

Another is Microbio, a company that has developed a test to identify pathogens that cause sepsis. Since their visit to JP Morgan Health Week in 2023, they have received regulatory clearance in India, are preparing a pre-market submission to the FDA and are looking to close their Series B round.

De Motu Cordis developed a needle-free epinephrine smart inhaler for the treatment of anaphylaxis, which has since expanded to a platform technology that can be applied across multiple emergency medicine products, including military applications.

CD: What strategies does BEDA employ to connect Brisbane’s MedTech companies with international investors and collaborators?

AR: At BEDA, we connect Brisbane’s MedTech companies with global investors and collaborators through tailored investment missions, strategic introductions, and valuable collaboration opportunities.

We leverage in-market expertise, such as our strategic partnership with LSN, to fast-track connections and elevate Brisbane’s MedTech sector on the global stage.

Through strong partnerships and a liaison point across all levels of government, including Trade and Investment Queensland and Austrade, we provide local companies with the resources and support they need to scale internationally.

CD: How do you envision Brisbane’s MedTech sector evolving over the next few years, and what role do events like RESI JPM play in that growth?

AR: Brisbane’s MedTech sector is set for some serious growth, fuelled by $11 billion in new health infrastructure projects and a strong culture of collaboration across the city.

More and more international companies are choosing Brisbane for their headquarters or operational facilities, which will see the city, continue to grow and mature as globally recognised ecosystem for healthcare innovation. BEDA will continue to support these international companies with full market entry support.

Investor Forums like JPM and investor conferences like RESI will continue to play a huge role in providing platforms to attract the required global capital for commercialization. We’re excited to promote and advance the local companies who are driving positive change in healthcare worldwide.

By Greg Mannix, VP, EMEA Business Development, LSN

Editor’s note: The below article is a digest of published expert analyst commentary rather than original content.

According to analysts, RFK Jr’s nomination to head HHS may have introduced a level of uncertainty when it comes to the future of biotech and pharma investment, especially in the areas of vaccines and infectious disease. After his appointment, pharma stocks, especially those of vaccine makers, dropped. Regulatory uncertainty is generally not ideal for the industry. For example, Moderna tried to reassure investors by asserting that according to legislation, the secretary’s role is management, not policy. We may see an RFK who focuses on diet and obesity prevention and leaves regulatory matters for the FDA commissioner (Trump nominated Marty Makary, MD). On the other hand, if HHS, FDA, CDC (for which Trump nominated Dave Weldon, MD) and NIH (for which Trump nominated Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD) see a departure of resources with scientific expertise, the resulting uncertainty could have a dampening effect on investment, especially at the venture stages. However, reducing FDA funding may face hurdles due to nearly half the agency’s budget being funded by user fees rather than federal funds.

RFK Jr has expressed skepticism of the transparency of the safety data behind COVID vaccines as well as vaccines for measles and polio. However, his primary complaint has been mandates rather than regulatory process; He has also expressed sentiment toward GLP-1s, highlighting that these drugs address symptoms rather than food system issues. This has resulted in some industry analysts expressing concern about the confidence of investors who fund vaccines or infectious disease therapies.

NIH funding is also a concern to biotech investors. RFK Jr previously stated that he would reduce NIH staff by 600 – 20,000 employees on his first day on office, potentially shrinking an organization that spends $50B on research, either directly, through monetary grants or through partnerships. Watch our video with the NIH, where they explain funding and partnering options beyond SBIR. Given the reliance life science startups have on NIH funding and partnerships, an RFK Jr effect on startup investment dollars could be most influenced in the short term by potential changes at the NIH. RFK Jr also said that he wants the NIH to take an 8-year break from researching infectious disease, presumably to focus on chronic diseases. He has also stated in the Wall Street Journal that half of NIH’s budget should be dedicated to research on preventative, alternative and holisitic medicine. Notwithstanding the above, the first Trump administration recommended cuts in federal spending on research too, but the NIH saw its budget increase 30% between 2016 and 2020.

Finally, RFK Jr has indicated that he wants DTC pharmaceutical advertising to cease. Analysts have estimated returns on DTC advertising to be 100% to 500%, and some have indicated that such a ban would reduce pharmaceutical revenue.

All that said, many analysts and government experts have indicated that they do not believe RFK Jr. will end up making seismic shifts in the above areas, due to congressional oversight, industry pressure or precedent during the first Trump administration. Perhaps more important will be Makary’s moves as FDA commissioner and Bhattacharya’s actions as head of the NIH. The one thing we can be sure of is the first quarter of 2025 will certainly be carefully watched by the biotech investors.