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VITALS

VITALS

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 VITALS, the pulse of Georgia life sciences, brings together the leaders, the thinkers, the movers, and shakers who are putting Georgia firmly in a leadership position for what is widely known as "the biology century."

These closely curated conversations are led by the President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, Maria Thacker Goethe. Whether it is exploring topics from policy matters and venture funding to legislative matters and artificial intelligence, Maria expertly navigates and explores to flesh out actionable information from world class guests.

VITALS is brought to the community by Georgia Life Sciences in conjunction with Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media.

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  • S2 Ep5 | Lynn Durham, President & CEO, Georgia Core, A Neutral Party In Cancer Care: Collaboration, Clinical Trials, and Quality of Life

    S2 Ep5 | Lynn Durham, President & CEO, Georgia Core, A Neutral Party In Cancer Care: Collaboration, Clinical Trials, and Quality of Life
    Jan 13 2026
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, who discusses her journey from government and politics to leading a nonprofit focused on cancer care. Georgia Core, founded in 2003, aims to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy. The organization collaborates with healthcare systems across Georgia, emphasizing patient-centered care and clinical trials. Durham highlighted the importance of diversifying funding sources, including federal grants and industry partnerships. She also mentioned the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program and a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign. Durham's personal experiences with cancer and her commitment to improving cancer care drive her work.Lynn Durham's Journey and Role at Georgia CoreMaria introduces Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, and highlights the importance of her work in the oncology space.Lynn shares her career journey, starting with her work at Georgia Tech in government and politics, and her transition to becoming the president's chief of staff.Lynn discusses her personal connection to cancer, having survived thyroid, breast, and chronic myeloid leukemia, and her involvement with Georgia Core's survivorship advisory board.Lynn explains how she was asked to lead Georgia Core after the previous president retired, despite her initial plans to pursue higher education.Georgia Core's Mission and StructureMaria asks about the meaning of "core," which stands for the Center for Oncology Research and Education.Lynn explains that Georgia Core was founded in 2003 by Governor Roy Barnes to ensure Georgians had access to cancer care without leaving the state.Georgia Core works with doctors, hospitals, and healthcare systems to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy.The organization is not patient-facing but focuses on connecting researchers, providers, and patients to improve cancer care outcomes.Collaboration and Advocacy EffortsLynn emphasizes the importance of collaboration among physicians, administrators, and researchers to improve cancer care in Georgia.Georgia Core has a strong board of 20 members, mostly oncologists, who work together to benefit Georgians.The organization works with various healthcare systems across the state, including Northside, Emory, and Valdosta, to address different cancer care needs in different regions.Lynn highlights the role of advisory boards and regional cancer coalitions in ensuring patient voices are integrated into research and care delivery.Funding and DiversificationLynn discusses the funding sources for Georgia Core, including state funds, federal grants, and industry partnerships.The organization has diversified its funding sources to include federal grants and industry sponsorships, reducing dependence on state funds.Georgia Core also generates funds through license plates and a state income tax line for cancer research.The organization funds seed grants for university researchers and supports nonprofits to provide cancer screenings and other services.Policy and Advocacy ChallengesLynn addresses the challenges posed by uncertain federal and state policies on healthcare access, research funding, and drug pricing.The uncertainty has impacted Georgia Core's ability to plan and secure funding for long-term projects.The organization has had to adapt to changes in funding availability, including the need to hire clinical research nurses and navigators.Lynn emphasizes the importance of advocacy and working with legislators to ensure continued support for cancer care initiatives.Workforce Development and Oncology TalentLynn discusses the challenges of workforce development in the oncology field, including recruitment and retention in rural areas.Georgia Core has established a Cancer Care Access Committee to address workforce issues, including oncology nurses, PAs, and navigators.The organization is working with the Technical College System of Georgia and AHEC to introduce students to oncology careers and develop apprenticeship programs.Lynn highlights the need for legislative support to provide loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals working in rural areas.Innovative Programs and InitiativesLynn introduces the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program, which helps patients and caregivers find clinical trials for various cancer types.The program has received over 90 referrals and is proving to be a valuable resource for patients and researchers.Georgia Core has launched a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign targeting people aged 25 to 54, aiming to increase awareness and early detection.The campaign includes creative elements like "weird looking stools" in bars and coffee shops to raise awareness about colorectal cancer symptoms.Personal Motivation and Future OutlookLynn shares her ...
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    34 Min.
  • S2 Ep4 | Samir Patel, CEO, Moonlight Therapeutics, Homegrown Innovation: Microneedle Stamps for the Food Allergy Epidemic

    S2 Ep4 | Samir Patel, CEO, Moonlight Therapeutics, Homegrown Innovation: Microneedle Stamps for the Food Allergy Epidemic
    Dec 16 2025
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Dr. Samir Patel, President and CEO of Moonlight Therapeutics, who discusses the company's development of a micro-needle stamp for food allergy treatment. The technology, which aims to reduce side effects and improve patient adherence, is currently undergoing clinical trials. Moonlight has raised $9 million in SBIR funds and secured additional support from the NIH and the DoD. Patel emphasized the importance of simplifying product design and understanding regulatory requirements. He also highlighted the need for better ecosystem support in Georgia, advocating for more active networking and marketing of local innovations.Introduction and Background of Dr. Samir PatelMaria Thacker introduces the podcast and welcomes Dr. Samir Patel, President and CEO of Moonlight Therapeutics.Dr. Patel shares his background as an engineer turned entrepreneur, co-founding ClearSide Biomedical.He discusses his educational background, including his PhD from Georgia Tech and dual Bachelor's degrees from UC Berkeley.Dr. Patel explains his initial interest in the tech world and his pivot to the life sciences after a co-op at a J&J company.Moonlight Therapeutics and Food Allergy FocusDr. Patel talks about his move to Georgia and his interest in food allergies, which led him to start Moonlight Therapeutics.He describes the initial challenges and the unmet need in the food allergy space.Dr. Patel shares how he connected with a Georgia Tech professor to start researching food allergies.The company officially formed in 2019, focusing on a micro-needle stamp approach to food allergy care.Technology and Clinical TrialsDr. Patel explains the microneedle stamp technology and its benefits over existing food allergy treatments.He discusses the current approved therapy for food allergies and its limitations.The microneedle stamp aims to deliver allergens through the skin, avoiding GI side effects and making the treatment more convenient.Dr. Patel highlights the importance of user experience and simplicity in product design.Regulatory Challenges and Investor LandscapeDr. Patel shares insights on the regulatory process and the importance of understanding FDA requirements.He discusses the challenges of being a combination product and the impact on investor interest.Dr. Patel explains how the regulatory landscape has influenced his approach to product development.He emphasizes the need for efficient use of capital and resources in the regulatory process.Clinical Trial and Future PlansDr. Patel talks about the upcoming clinical trial for Moonlight Therapeutics, focusing on safety and efficacy.He explains the importance of finding a safe dose and monitoring immune markers in patients.The trial will be conducted in Georgia, with sites in South Carolina and other Southeastern states.Dr. Patel shares the company's long-term goals, including expanding the treatment to other allergens and developing combination therapies.Advice for First-Time FoundersDr. Patel provides advice for first-time founders, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property and market understanding.He discusses the need for a clear regulatory pathway and the role of non-dilutive funding in early-stage development.Dr. Patel highlights the importance of networking and advocating for the company within the ecosystem.He shares his experience with government grants and the value of leveraging multiple funding sources.Impact of Non-Dilutive FundingDr. Patel explains how non-dilutive funding, such as SBIR grants, can support early-stage companies.He discusses the challenges of balancing research and product development to attract investors.Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of using government grants to move the product through the development process.He shares his experience with the DoD grant and the need for creative funding strategies.Georgia Ecosystem and Future GoalsDr. Patel discusses the strengths and gaps in the Georgia life sciences ecosystem.He emphasizes the need for better marketing and advocacy for Georgia's research and innovation.Dr. Patel highlights the importance of networking and engaging with larger ecosystems to attract investment and support.He shares his vision for the future of Moonlight Therapeutics and the broader impact on food allergy treatment.Personal Insights and Final ThoughtsDr. Patel shares a personal anecdote about gardening and its connection to starting companies.He explains the parallels between growing plants and developing successful products.Dr. Patel expresses his gratitude for the support and opportunities in Georgia.Maria Thacker concludes the podcast, thanking Dr. Patel and the listeners, and highlighting the importance of community engagement and advocacy.About Georgia Life SciencesAs the leading advocate for the state’s dynamic and diverse life sciences ...
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    32 Min.
  • S2 Ep3 | Mike Walker, Exec Director, Microsoft, Augmenting and Accelerating Life Sciences Innovation With AI

    S2 Ep3 | Mike Walker, Exec Director, Microsoft, Augmenting and Accelerating Life Sciences Innovation With AI
    Dec 2 2025
    WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Mike Walker, Vice President of Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft, for a rubust discussion on the integration of AI in the life sciences industry. He emphasized the importance of focusing on non-sexy use cases like SOPs and document generation to enhance productivity and compliance. Walker highlighted the need for trustworthy data, governance, and a zero-trust architecture to ensure regulatory compliance. He also stressed the importance of AI in talent retention and acquisition, particularly in small and mid-size biotech companies. Looking ahead, he predicted significant advancements in biohacking and quantum computing, and advocated for a proactive approach in building the "factory of the future."IntroductionMaria Thacker introduces the podcast and welcomes Mike Walker, Vice President of Health and Life Science at Microsoft.Mike Walker shares his background in corporate strategy, innovation management, and his time at Gartner as VP of Technology Innovation and CTO Strategy.Mike discusses his role at Microsoft, emphasizing his work as a strategic advisor, a bridge between Microsoft and partners, and his experience in writing books and speaking at events.Maria highlights the importance of AI in the life sciences industry and the growing manufacturing capacity in Georgia, mentioning companies like Takeda, Burning Rock, and J&J.AI in Life Sciences: Use Cases and Non-Sexy ApplicationsMaria asks Mike about the role of AI in the life sciences industry, specifically in pharma and biotech.Mike advises focusing on non-sexy use cases like SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and document generation for regulatory submissions.He emphasizes the importance of data trustworthiness and the need to upskill talent within organizations to adopt AI.Mike suggests avoiding advanced autonomous agents unless the organization is a leading innovator in AI.Generational Divide and AI IntegrationMaria clarifies that Mike is referring to AI tools and not human agents when discussing the generational divide.Mike explains the integration of AI tools like Copilot in Microsoft 365 and the importance of creating a platform of intelligence within organizations.Maria shares a TikTok example of a woman discovering AI tools in her new company and the potential for AI to create efficiencies and save costs.Mike discusses the architectural approach of creating a platform of intelligence and the importance of having AI capabilities accessible like an app store.Regulatory and Geopolitical Forces Driving AI AdoptionMaria asks why life sciences companies should care about AI, especially in a regulated industry.Mike explains the amplification of workforce productivity through AI and the importance of AI in regulatory compliance and geopolitical aspects.He discusses the impact of regulatory changes, tariffs, and high-risk jurisdictions on supply chain networks and the role of AI in optimizing operations.Mike highlights the aging population and the need for AI to supplement workforce efforts and create a framework for talent retention and acquisition.AI in New Product Introduction and Tech TransferMaria and Mike discuss the importance of AI in new product introduction (NPI) and tech transfer.Mike explains the challenges of hitting a patent cliff and the need for AI to maximize patent life cycles and improve NPI processes.He emphasizes the role of AI in creating repeatability and reducing the time to onboard new drugs.Maria and Mike agree on the importance of AI in small and mid-size biotech companies to stay competitive and agile.Credibility and Governance of AI in Life SciencesMaria asks about the credibility of AI and the need for guardrails and fallback systems.Mike emphasizes the importance of trustworthy data, governance, and zero-trust architecture to ensure regulatory compliance.He discusses the need for AI systems to be evergreen and agile in adapting to new regulatory requirements.Maria and Mike agree on the importance of having SOPs in place to track data and ensure compliance.Practical Steps for Small Companies to Integrate AIMaria asks about practical steps for small companies to integrate AI.Mike suggests starting small, using AI to help with upskilling and adopting AI tools like Copilot.He recommends hiring AI digital natives to shadow existing employees and share best practices.Mike emphasizes the importance of investing in talent and upskilling the existing workforce to leverage institutional knowledge.Future of AI in Life Sciences: Short-Term and Long-Term ImpactMaria asks about the future of AI in life sciences and its impact on patients and the industry.Mike predicts that biohacking and quantum computing will have significant impacts in the next 5-10 years.He discusses the potential of biohacking to create meaningful data and human augmentation.Mike ...
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    46 Min.
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