During this Fall’s Genome Startup Day event, we welcomed researchers and entrepreneurs that have taken the plunge into commercializing their phage discoveries. John Eisen, PhD, UC Davis professor and renowned genomics and microbiology researcher, spoke with Ivan Liachko, PhD, Founder and CEO for Phase Genomics, for a candid and lively fireside chat on the current state of phage research and innovation followed by a panel discussion with startup founders Jessica Sacher, PhD, of Phage Directory, Nathan Brown, PhD, of Parallel Health and Minmin (Mimi) Yen, PhD, of PhagePro.
In the opening moments of the Fireside Chat, Dr. Eisen regaled us with the origin of his fascination with microbes. Converting from an East Asian Studies major to a Biology major at Harvard College, Dr. Eisen was initially interested in birds, butterflies, and plants. However, an opportunity at a faculty member’s lab shifted his focus to the microbiome. Eisen began researching the bacteria residing in tubeworms, an ocean-dwelling species with no mouth or digestive system.
“It was just so weird, so unusual. Ever since then, I’ve been working on microbes”
This experience launched Eisen’s career into the strange and mysterious world of microbes. His research has since expanded to include microscopic creatures from the space station, depths of the ocean, Antarctica, and more recently, cat butts. While a seemingly peculiar topic of research, performing sequencing on felines is not a rare occurrence in the genomics community. Host, Dr. Ivan Liachko, notes projects such as Kitty Biome and Phase Genomics’ own Meowcrobiome, which also caught traction in earlier years.
Looking forward, our fireside chat speakers revealed their expectations for the rapidly-blooming phage industry. “People are finally getting a handle on the functional contributions of some of these microbes,” Eisen shared. Thus, doors are being opened to (legitimately) commercializing their unique properties. “I’m not sure the overselling is going down, but the legit stuff is going up,” Eisen concluded (referring to his Overselling the Microbiome Award, which brings to light companies that were over-ambitious in bringing microbiome products to the market).
Finishing their discussion, Liachko and Eisen focused on the role of startups in the phage industry. Eisen advocates for the flexibility of academic and industry careers, not seeing their differences as a barrier, but as a landscape in which one can pursue numerous options by following their own creativity and curiosity. Liachko voiced several anxieties early founders, specifically those leaving student and postdoc positions, may have when making the jump to industry. The fear of entering the unknown, the struggle to find mentors, and how to set oneself up for success in the biotech industry–all with which our panelists had ample experience and advice to give.
Opening the panel, moderator Juliana LeMieux asked the startup founders how they were able to take a scientific discovery and transition it into a business model. With a range of phage-related companies represented at the (virtual) table, the panelists described their challenges, surprises, and successes in entering the business realm.
Three Considerations for Early Founders
Here are the top three take-aways for early founders from this event’s panel discussion:
1. “Don’t be afraid to try and don’t be afraid of the rejection” -Dr. Minmin Yen
Dr. Yen, driven by her enthusiasm for phage research, started PhagePro, an early-stage biotechnology therapeutics company offering bacteriophage-based products to target bacteria and prevent infections in vulnerable communities. She discussed challenges she faced in convincing regulatory agencies and stakeholders to contribute resources to the project. To prepare for these conversations, Dr. Yen suggests getting out into the world and presenting your ideas to others in the entrepreneurial space. Get accustomed to being challenged and practice building your arguments.
2. “Get a cofounder” -Dr. Nathan Brown
Dr. Brown, co-founder of Parallel Health, started his company to bring personalized cosmetics to the market through phages. When asked, “What’s the best thing about starting a company,” he was quick to reply “Working with my awesome co-founder.” Building strong working relationships are critical for all, but finding your co-founding complement is one of the strongest steps forward in beginning a company. A co-founder will not only aid in divvying up the commercial tasks, but also share the mental and emotional stresses of opening a business.
3. “You need one friend who knows about startups” -Dr. Jessica Sacher
Dr. Sacher’s company, Phage Directory, was created as a “match-making” service connecting doctors and researchers with phages. The company’s mission is to facilitate access to phages for use in phage therapy and biocontrol. Throughout the panel discussion, the panelists discussed ways that they built a community around their innovations. From local entrepreneur meetups to chats with business-oriented peers and professors, our panel recommends early starters seek out advice and support from people that can connect to the entrepreneurial odyssey.
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