Next Phase Newsletter

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.