Welcome to The Uprising Show, where today, we're diving deep into the world of biotech and AI with a truly inspiring guest, Dr. Pranam Chatterjee. At just 32 years old, Pranam has already accomplished an impressive array of achievements. He's a professor at Duke University, a co-founder of multiple biotech companies, and a trailblazer in the fields of genetic engineering and AI-driven biology.
In this episode, we'll explore Pranam's fascinating journey from a small town in Georgia, where he grew up in a family of scientists, to becoming a pioneer at the forefront of biotech innovation. Pranam will share how his early interest in religion transitioned into a passion for science and AI, leading him to groundbreaking advancements in genome and proteome editing.
We'll also hear about his exciting work with companies like Gameto and UbiquiTx, aiming to revolutionize fertility treatments and cancer therapeutics. Plus, Pranam opens up about the ethical implications of gene editing and the incredible potential of AI in solving some of the world's biggest challenges. Tune in to discover how Pranam Chatterjee is changing the future of biotechnology and what drives his relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Generative AI in Biotech Innovations
06:10 AI Transforming Biotechnology Journey
09:31 "Modern Media Company Evolution"
10:43 AI Innovations in Biotechnology
14:10 Advancements in CRISPR Gene Editing
17:24 Targeting Disease-Causing Proteins
20:41 Targeted Cancer Therapy Innovation
25:17 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
28:44 Breakthrough in Stem-to-Ovarian Cell Conversion
32:02 Reproductive System Trial Success?
35:26 Founder Supporting Scientific Ventures
37:19 "Academic Innovation to Startups"
41:20 Gene Editing: Easy But Risky
44:47 AI-Driven Antiviral Drug Development
47:32 Popular Music Transformed for String Quartet
50:26 Embracing Vulnerability for Growth
Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps:
AI's Role in Solving Big World Problems: "But I knew what I wanted to do, vivek, was to solve as many of the big world problems as I could. Therapeutics, obviously, disease, climate change, sustainability, all of those, you know, great, you know, outcomes."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:06:46 → 00:07:01]
"AI Revolutionizing Biotechnology": "Your generative models, gen large language models, those same principles that are good for text generation, for organization, for image generation, those same algorithms have been so good at designing molecules that can cure a pediatric cancer or you know, produce proteins that can bind heavy metals and reduce pollution."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:10:43 → 00:12:04]
"Revolutionizing Gene Editing": "Gene editing has been one of the greatest technologies of the last, you know, few decades. It's going to allow us to not only, you know, fix and cure genetic diseases, but to grow better crops, to improve bioenergy solutions, change our environment and all that."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:14:11 → 00:14:28]
Regenerative Medicine Breakthroughs: "This ability to say, here's I've, you know, I. My heart or my lungs are deteriorating. Can I regenerate lung cells and lung tissue? Could I regenerate a new knee?"
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:25:40 → 00:25:51]
"Revolutionizing Reproductive Science: The Promise of New Trials": "See the thing about working the reproductive system as opposed to like say the cardiovascular system or the neuronal, you know, system or nervous system is that the only way to evaluate whether it works is to actually see the baby being born."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:32:35 → 00:32:51]
"Deciding Not to Run Your Own Startup": "The decision I made was that I was not going to do that, right? I was going to found the company, I was going to support the company scientifically for as long as they needed me."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:36:09 → 00:36:19]
Embracing Multi-Domain Innovation: "And that's the beauty of I think an academic job for me is that my ability to prototype across many different problems, gene editing, proteome editing, cell engineering, and be able to create solutions for all of them."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:37:26 → 00:37:42]
AI vs. Viral Threats: "If like a new virus comes, we can quickly design a drug that could basically, if a patient got that virus that someone created, we could quickly design an antidote."
— Pranam Chatterjee [00:45:22 → 00:45:34]
Groundbreaking Advances in IVF and Biotechnology: Insights from Pranam Chatterjee
In a fascinating episode of "The Uprising Show" hosted by Vivek, guest Pranam Chatterjee, a professor at Duke University and a trailblazer in biotechnology, shares remarkable advancements in IVF and gene editing. Let’s delve into the highlights of this captivating conversation.
Revolutionizing IVF Success Rates
Pranam Chatterjee discusses a pivotal shift in focus that led to the development of a groundbreaking technology capable of improving IVF success rates. Traditionally, IVF processes face high failure rates and substantial costs, with single cycles ranging from $12,000 to $15,000. Patients often endure multiple attempts, totaling up to $50,000.
Chatterjee’s innovation involves creating ovarian cells from stem cells, which are then used to mature eggs for IVF. This technological leap, now in phase three trials, hinges on an algorithm that identifies proteins essential for converting stem cells into ovarian cells. This advancement promises to enhance the quality of eggs, potentially reducing the number of necessary IVF cycles and significantly cutting costs.
From Scientific Breakthroughs to Clinical Trials
Pranam has played a crucial role in turning laboratory breakthroughs into real-world applications. One success story includes a "Gameto baby" born from ovarian cells generated from stem cells, marking a new era in reproductive medicine. His work at companies like Gameto and UbiquiTx showcases how academic innovations can transition into practical solutions, making a substantial impact on healthcare.
The FDA has already cleared phase three IND for this IVF technology, and it’s poised to become available in clinics soon, offering hope to many couples struggling with infertility.
Pioneering Proteome Editing
Beyond IVF, Pranam is also at the forefront of proteome editing—a field he believes might surpass genome editing in therapeutic potential. While genome editing targets DNA, proteome editing focuses on modifying disease-causing proteins. This approach could revolutionize treatments, especially for complex conditions like cancer.
UbiquiTx, co-founded by Chatterjee, is working on technologies that specifically target and remove harmful proteins. The goal is to create targeted treatments to replace broad and often toxic therapies like chemotherapy. By using advanced algorithms, they aim to precisely identify and address disease-driving proteins.
Ethical Considerations and the Role of AI
The episode also touches on the ethical implications of rapidly advancing biotechnology and AI. Both Chatterjee and Vivek emphasize the need for careful regulation and community efforts to ensure responsible use of these powerful technologies. The potential for misuse, such as creating harmful viruses, underscores the importance of ethical considerations in scientific progress.
Pranam highlights the role of AI in accelerating drug development and diagnostics, and even in developing new viral antidotes swiftly. The power of AI to process vast datasets quickly is transforming research, making it possible to innovate at an unprecedented pace.
Personal Reflections and the Power of Music
Amidst his professional achievements, Pranam shares personal insights on self-doubt and the importance of recognizing one’s strengths. He reflects on his decision to focus on scientific innovation rather than running companies, believing in the power of specialization. Additionally, music plays a significant role in his life, providing balance and fostering creativity.
Pranam's journey from studying religion to pioneering in biotechnology exemplifies a profound commitment to understanding and improving the world through science.
Conclusion
Pranam Chatterjee’s insights in this episode underscore the transformative potential of biotechnology and AI in health and medicine. His work in IVF and proteome editing represents a beacon of hope for progress in treating complex diseases and improving reproductive health. As we look to the future, the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility becomes ever more critical, ensuring these advancements benefit humanity as a whole.
Pranam Chatterjee - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranamanam/
Gameto - https://www.gametogen.com/
UbiquiTx - https://www.ubiquitx.com/
The Uprising Show Website: https://theuprisingshow.com/
Vivek Nanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveknanda1/
Vivek Nanda's Twitter: https://x.com/vickks
TopHealth Media Website: https://tophealth.care/
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