In episode 010 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Inherent Biosciences co-founders Andy Olson and Kristen Brogaard. The company is at the forefront of epigenetic diagnostics, focusing on male infertility with their innovative sperm quality test. The discussion explores the limitations of current fertility diagnostics, the significance of advanced DNA technology, and the founders' journey from problem identification to product development. They also discuss the challenges of clinical trials and fundraising, the importance of customer feedback, and the value of team collaboration. The episode concludes with a light-hearted gift exchange, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations and data-driven decisions in startup success.
About Andy Olson & Kristin Brogaard
"Andy is co-founder and CEO of Inherent Biosciences, a commercial stage life sciences company pioneering epigenetic diagnostic tools remove the guesswork in diagnosing and treating complex diseases, starting with infertility. Andy has more than 20 years’ experience commercializing biotechnologies for both startups and large enterprises. He specializes in molecular diagnostics markets—specifically genetics, infectious diseases, and cancer. Andy holds a BS in molecular biology from BYU and an MBA from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. He enjoys skiing, cycling, and competing in the LoToJa, a 200-plus-mile road bike race from Layton, Utah, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that is completed in one day.
&
Kristin Brogaard received her PhD in Molecular Biology from Northwestern University developing a novel epigenetic technology. To continue her training in technology development, Dr. Brogaard worked as a postdoc with Dr. Leroy Hood, a pioneer in personalized medicine technologies. After her postdoc, her team launched a scientific wellness start-up, Arivale.
Kristin co-founded Inherent Biosciences Inc. and acts as Chief Scientific Officer to combine her passion for epigenetics and personalized medicine. At Inherent, she uses epigenetic discoveries to answer unexplained medical conditions, providing better diagnostics and treatment plans. Outside of work Kristin loves to hike, cook, and spend time with her husband, two kids, and crazy dog."
Follow them on linkedin:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-olson-slc/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-brogaard-phd-7aab8220/
About Inherent Biosciences:
Inherent Biosciences is pioneering epigenetic diagnostics in reproductive health (a $1.4B market). Their first product is an Epigenetic Sperm Quality Test that better diagnoses male factor infertility, reduces the burden on the female partner, saves couples time and money and guides treatment to IVF for subfertile men who go undiagnosed with the current standard of care.
Bullets:
- Interview with Inherent Biosciences team
- Inherent Biosciences: pioneering epigenetic diagnostics and reproductive health
- Epigenetic sperm quality test
- Limitations of current diagnostic methods for male infertility
- Challenges faced by Inherent Biosciences
- Importance of customer feedback and data-driven decision making
- Value of physical proximity and collaboration in a startup environment
- Success in securing non-dilutive funding from government grants
- Importance of team cohesion and serendipitous interactions for startup success
Timestamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the Kiln Road Trip, its purpose, and the hosts' involvement in the journey.
Inherent Biosciences and Epigenetic Diagnostics (00:00:53) Introduction to Inherent Biosciences and their pioneering work in epigenetic diagnostics and reproductive health.
Founders' Background and Motivation (00:01:30) Kristen Brogaard and Andy Olson share their personal and professional backgrounds, as well as the motivation behind founding Inherent Biosciences.
Challenges in Male Infertility Diagnosis (00:02:58) Discussion on the challenges and limitations in diagnosing male infertility and the need for advanced diagnostics.
Meeting and Collaboration (00:05:22) The story of how Kristen and Andy met at Kiln and their collaboration in addressing male infertility.
Impact of Advanced Diagnostics (00:07:49) The impact of advanced diagnostics on diagnosing male infertility and its significance in reducing time and cost for couples.
Challenges and Fundraising (00:12:49) Challenges faced by Inherent Biosciences, particularly in clinical trial recruitment and fundraising.
Product Development and Clinical Trials (00:14:16) The timeline and process of developing their diagnostic product and the expected duration of clinical trials.
Lessons Learned and Team Dynamics (00:20:02) Insights and advice on the importance of team dynamics and physical proximity in a startup environment.
Feedback from Customers (00:21:30) The importance of customer feedback and iterative loop for success in business.
Unexpected Meaningful Conversation (00:22:12) The hosts express appreciation for a valuable conversation during the trip.
Stress Relief Gift (00:22:50) A light-hearted moment with the presentation of a stress relief item for the hosts' trip.
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