Cut the Chat Life Science Insider

About Cut the Chat Life Science Insider

An informative podcast series designed quite literally cut the unnecessary talk and get straight to the point and heart of many life science and Biotech conversations that need to happen for our industry to evolve, innovate and get smarter—faster. We’ll facilitate the conversations you’ve been dying to hear and tackle the real crux of our industry’s challenges while addressing the subjects of what we can do as life science leaders to be more successful in a shorter period of time, conversations that might actually help each other when we dare to open up. Hear directly from some visionary global biotech and life science leaders. Discover more about Seuss+ (https://www.seuss.plus/cut-the-chat-life-science-insider-podcast/)

Publisher

Seuss+

Category

health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jun 2023

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Building Biotech Teams That Can Execute: Ross Pettit on Clinical Development, Vendors & Trust

   A candid conversation on how small biotechs can build lean clinical development teams, decide what to keep in-house, work smarter with vendors, and protect their critical path without overbuilding. How do you build a biotech team that is lean, accountable, and ready to execute? In the first episode of Season 4 of Cut The Chat, Life Science Insider, Sabine Hutchison speaks with Ross Pettit, Chief Development Officer at Kestrel Therapeutics, about the practical realities of building a clinical development function in a small biotech. Ross brings more than 30 years of clinical development experience across pharma and biotech, and in this conversation, he shares a clear view on what small sponsors should keep close, what they should outsource, and why senior experience early can make all the difference. Together, Sabine and Ross discuss: why biotechs should outsource scale, not accountability how to decide which roles to hire and when why program management and financial planning are often underestimated what makes consultants feel like true team members how vendor relationships depend on trust, transparency, and healthy tension why clinical operations is a strategic function, not just execution This episode is for biotech leaders, clinical operations teams, and anyone thinking about how to build the right team around an asset without burning runway on the wrong structure.

2. 

   15 Dec 2025

   The Myth of Vendor Fit: How to Read RFPs Beyond the Polish

   A practical conversation on how biotechs can read RFPs differently, avoid the fluency trap, challenge assumptions, and choose vendors that can actually deliver. Every biotech faces this moment: the RFP looks perfect, polished, aligned, convincing. But does it actually signal readiness? In this episode, Seuss+ CEO Kieran Engels joins Julia Vassiliadou (F2G) to break down why a beautiful proposal can mislead sponsors, what real signals of vendor readiness look like, and how biotechs can tailor the selection process to avoid costly mistakes. Together, they unpack: Why we confuse polish with capability The four signals that a vendor is genuinely ready How to challenge assumptions during bid defenses Why risk-based thinking (ICH E6 R3) should shape sponsor decision-making How governance, oversight, and setup determine long-term CRO success Whether you’re selecting your first CRO or refining your next vendor strategy, this conversation gives you the tools to see beyond the surface and choose smarter. 🎧 Listen now and don’t let polish fool you.

3. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Beyond the Checklist: The Hidden Risks in Clinical Systems Compliance

   Clinical systems compliance sounds like a box to tick, until the box breaks your trial. In this episode, Seuss+ CEO Kieran Engels and Lauren Alani, Director of Digital Innovation, reveal the blind spots many biotechs miss when it comes to system validation and data integrity. From “fake data” to AI oversight, they unpack why compliance is not just about regulation these days, it’s about protecting the science, the patients, and the investment. 🎙️ Listen now to Beyond the Checklist: The Hidden Risks in Clinical Systems Compliance 📄 Read the whitepaper: Uncovering Hidden Risks in Clinical Systems Compliance (https://www.seuss.plus/blog/biotech-mini-white-paper-hidden-risks-in-clinical-systems-compliance/)

4. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Quality as Culture: Why Biotechs Can’t Afford to Get It Wrong

   Quality isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a biotech differentiator. What does “quality” really mean in biotech? And why does it so often get treated as a box to tick instead of a strategic advantage? In this episode of The Life Science Insider, Sabine Hutchison speaks with Sandra van Loon about the realities of quality in biotech and clinical development. Together, they unpack why quality is more than compliance, what happens when it’s neglected, and how founders and leaders can make it a real driver of trust, execution, and long-term success. 🔹 Topics include: The difference between compliance and true quality Why quality failures cost more than quality systems How biotechs can embed quality early without slowing down Leadership lessons for building patient- and partner-ready organizations

5. 

   15 Aug 2025

   Innovation, Execution, and Equity in RNA-Based Women’s Health

   In this episode, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison sits down with Klaas Zuideveld, CEO of Versameb, to discuss the scientific, clinical, and societal implications of RNA-based therapies targeting stress urinary incontinence, a condition affecting hundreds of millions of women worldwide. Klaas shares his insights into Versameb’s lead program, VMB-100, and how their regenerative mRNA platform aims to transform women’s health by offering scalable, minimally invasive solutions. From novel anatomy discoveries and IND clearance to market misconceptions and funding barriers, this conversation unpacks the urgency, and opportunity of driving innovation in underserved therapeutic areas. Together, they explore why executional clarity and equity are essential for unlocking the future of RNA in clinical development.

6. 

   17 Jul 2025

   Inside the Bid: What Sponsors Need to Know About CRO Pricing, Pressure & Proposals

   A look inside the proposal engine room - and how sponsors can rethink pricing, pressure, and partnership. Why do so many biotech sponsors feel blindsided by CRO proposals and change orders? In this episode of The Life Science Insider, Kieran Canisius speaks with Joel White, Founder of Marketcap Consulting, about the mechanics behind clinical trial budgets, how CRO pricing actually works, and why misalignment happens. Joel shares what he’s seen across 70+ pricing strategy projects, including blind spots in sponsor-CRO relationships and equipping teams to better manage expectations and minimize downstream issues. You’ll hear: The behind-the-scenes realities of proposal creation What sponsors unintentionally get wrong about pricing How better sponsor inputs can prevent painful change orders

7. 

   19 Jun 2025

   Resilience in Neurodegeneration: Prilenia’s Journey in Huntington’s Disease Drug Development

   Limor Ben Har, COO of Prilenia Therapeutics, discusses the company's Huntington's disease drug development journey and the importance of resilience in biotech, in an interview with Kieran Canisius.

8. 

   22 Apr 2025

   Two Questions, Zero Prep: What We’d Ask Each Other (If We Were the Guests)

   The Life Science Insider is back with a brand-new video-first format — and this kickoff episode gets real fast. In this raw, unscripted premiere, Seuss+ Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Kieran Canisius and Sabine Hutchison flip the script and interview each other—no prep, no pitch, just real talk about what’s quietly breaking biotech programs. With decades in the biotech trenches, they expose the often-overlooked missteps in vendor selection, investor dynamics, and clinical execution that derail even the most promising studies. You’ll hear: What vendors are still getting wrong in bid defense How “First Patient In” pressures can distort decisions Why poor vendor selection quietly unravels biotech success What needs to change—and what success actually looks like 💬 This episode is for biotech leaders, VCs, clinical ops professionals, and anyone tired of the trial-and-error approach to trial execution. 🔗 Learn more about Seuss+: https://www.seuss.plus (https://www.seuss.plus)

9. 

   16 Oct 2024

   AI in Biotech: Hype, Reality, and the Future of Drug Development

   In this episode, Christina Busmalis and Sabine dive deep into the evolving intersection of AI and drug development. They explore the challenges and opportunities posed by digital endpoints, AI in drug discovery, and the growing role of sensors in clinical trials. Christina discusses the complexities of integrating AI in scientific processes, emphasizing the importance of trust in AI-generated data and the validation required to make these tools effective in real-world applications. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of hiring in the biotech sector, highlighting how new graduates are bringing fresh perspectives and a willingness to embrace technology in scientific research. The episode concludes with insights on fostering collaboration between tech and science teams, with Christina sharing her experiences in bridging the gap between these two worlds at BenevolentAI.

10. 

    4 Sept 2024

    Transforming Clinical Trials: How Digital Endpoints Are Leading the Way

    We explore the transformative potential of digital endpoints in clinical trials, emphasizing their role in revolutionizing data collection for patients, regulators, and payers. Despite the FDA's recent qualification of the first digital endpoint, widespread adoption faces hurdles like unclear benefits, lack of use cases, and implementation complexities. The Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) addresses these challenges through the "Building the Business Case for Digital Endpoints" initiative. This collaborative effort, involving nearly 40 organizations, aims to develop a framework to demonstrate the value of digital endpoints, aligning them with business goals and industry standards. The initiative provides open-source resources to encourage adoption and showcase the tangible benefits of digital strategies. The episode features insights from Victoria Bangieva of DiMe and Lauren Alani of Seuss+, who discuss operational challenges and validation hurdles in deploying digital endpoints. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, robust validation, and a research-driven approach to implementation. The discussion highlights the significant ROI associated with digital endpoints, such as shorter trial durations and reduced recruitment costs, achieved by capturing real-time data in natural settings. This enhances the likelihood of successful clinical trials and encourages further investment and collaboration in the field.

11. 

    7 May 2024

    Navigating the Commercialization Journey: Insights from Science to Market

    In the second episode of season 2, host Sabine Hutchison, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder, is joined by the dynamic Kirsten Detrick, whose extensive experience in biotech and pharma comes through in her insightful advice to listeners. Many biotechs think they don't need to focus on the commercialization aspect of the business because they’re planning to sell the asset or partner with another organization to take it to market. Others believe they’ve got such a great molecule it will sell itself. Kirsten doesn’t agree. This episode takes a different look at commercialization, particularly exploring why it’s crucial from the start. In a conversation jam-packed with insights, Sabine and Kirsten cover product differentiation, target product profiles, commercialization, and more. You won’t want to miss this episode: Kirsten mines her three decades of experience acquiring and launching multi-billion-dollar blockbusters and shares four areas for biotechs to focus on. One fact becomes clear: commercialization isn’t just something to think about at the end of a successful clinical trial, it should be embedded from day one. Listen to this episode to find out why and how. Kirsten Detrick Bio Kirsten Detrick is a senior biotech executive who pursued a distinguished career with Fortune 10 biopharma organizations and who now serves as a strategic adviser for life sciences start-ups in the US and Europe as the Founder of Parke-Hadley Advisors LLC. Detrick has more than 30 years of experience as an established P&L leader, a strategic marketing and sales expert, and a general manager. She has successfully commercialized and launched multiple new therapeutics and built corporate drug pipelines for global biopharma organizations including Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Takeda. In total, Kirsten estimates that if you added up the annual revenue from the "peak" sales on the drugs she's led or launched, it would total more than $26.5 billion. Remember - that would be just ONE year of revenue! More importantly, Kirsten's proud of the work she'd done to help hundreds of thousands of patients fight grievous illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, acute coronary syndromes, osteoporosis... the list of categories in which Kirsten has worked is very, very long. Join the discussion and listen to the full episode here.

12. 

    3 Apr 2024

    Bridging the Gap, Accelerating the Path to Cure with Strategic Funding Solutions

    Sabine Hutchison talks to the inspiring investor Stephanie Oestreich. In the first episode of season 2, host Sabine Hutchison, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder, is joined by the inspiring Stephanie Oestreich, whose work at the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF) involves applying financial investment, scientific knowledge and valuable connections to reach a cure for every single Myeloma patient. At MIF, Stephanie uses the investment and drug development knowledge and skills she has gained in several leadership roles in biotech and big pharma. In this engaging conversation, Sabine talks to Stephanie about the challenges involved in running a specialty fund, and what she looks for in potential investments. Stephanie shares that MIF’s North Star is finding a cure for patients, and why it’s valuable for investors to visit clinical trial sites to see their work in action. Stephanie Oestreich – Bio Stephanie Oestreich is Managing Director of the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF). She serves on the boards of the German American Business Council in Boston and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Network and is the chair of the McCloy Alumni Association. She is also on the faculty of MIT, a member of the Launchpad Venture Group, an advisor at grIP Venture Studio, to Biognosys (a Bruker company), Invitris, CART company CelineTx and to the drug development and investment company OrangeGrove Bio, Additionally she works on the W20 Entrepreneurship task force, the official engagement group of the G20. Stephanie has held several leadership roles in biotech, including Chief Business Officer at Galecto, Vice President at cell therapy company Mnemo Therapeutics, Venture Partner at RA Capital and Executive Vice President at Evotec, where she built its North American investment arm and started an incubator with Samsara BioCapital. She has worked as International Business Leader at F. Roche Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and for Novartis in Business Development and in Commercial. Stephanie conducted the research for her Ph.D. in biochemistry in the lab of a Nobel Prize winner at Harvard Medical School and obtained an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is also a semi-professional violinist, performing with Philharmonic orchestras in Carnegie Hall and other international venues and conducting workshops with live orchestras, demonstrating the similarities between teams and leadership in music and management. Join the discussion and listen to the full episode here.

13. 

    29 Nov 2023

    Mastering the Art of Collaboration: Principal Investigator and Biotech Dynamics

    Sabine Hutchison sits down with the incredible Viviënne van de Walle a highly respected principal investigator who brings her wealth of experience to the table, blending clinical research with patient care. As they explore the critical role of communication in successful collaborations, Viviënne shares her insights, stories, and even a bit of humor.

14. 

    25 Oct 2023

    Cross-Pollination and DEI Strategies with Ben Osborn

    In Episode 4 of "Cut the Chat," host Sabine Hutchison engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Ben Osborn, a prominent figure in the biopharma industry and President of the Europe Eastern Cluster at IDM. This episode explores the dynamic interplay of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The DE&I landscape is vast, intricate, and undeniably crucial, touching on various aspects such as gender, religion, family status, education, nationality, and work background.

15. 

    13 Sept 2023

    Cracking the code: Navigating the Ever-Changing Biotech Landscape

    Join Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison as she sits down with the accomplished Dr. Allison Jeynes-Ellis, a visionary leader whose journey spans medicine, oncology, and the life sciences. With over three decades of experience, Allison has held key positions in esteemed institutions and collaborated with pharmaceutical giants like Roche, AstraZeneca, and J&J. In this episode, they delve into Allison’s remarkable journey from practicing medicine to assuming the role of CEO at Avillion LLP. Renowned for its innovative life sciences investment approach, Avillion co-develops and finances late-stage pharmaceutical projects. Allison’s insights, cultivated through her extensive career, provide a unique perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Dr. Allison Jeynes-Ellis – Bio After qualifying as an MD, Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis spent time practising medicine and specialising in oncology, working at various NHS institutions, including The Royal Marsden, London, before moving into the life sciences industry predominantly within research and development. Now with over 30 years’ experience, she has led the strategic direction of Avillion LLP as its CEO since 2014 and has a proven track record of delivering results. Avillion LLP is a boutique Life Sciences investment firm who fund and operationalise clinical trials for other companies. Avillion historically has invested in post POC Co-Development deals from $50m to $250m taking all the clinical & regulatory risk around approval but is currently evolving into early phases of development and consulting. Prior to Avillion, Allison held a range of senior roles, including Medical Director for Wyeth for 6 years and International Project Team Leader for many compounds in development, leading global Phase III programmes through to successful US and EU filings. Allison sits on the Board of Directors of Agenus and Anaveon and is the Non-Executive Chair of Oxsonics. Allison is also a Senior Advisor to Blackstone Life Sciences.Join the discussion and listen to the full episode here.

16. 

    9 Aug 2023

    Innovation Unleashed: Exploring the Intersection of Science and Creativity – An Unconventional Growth Strategy

    Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison delves into the remarkable growth strategy and remarkable journey of Agenus Bio, a standout player in the competitive Biotech industry. This unique organization chooses to be purposefully different. Jennifer reveals the story behind their success, discussing the importance of in-house capabilities, a patient-focused approach, and strategic collaborations that have set them apart in this heavily regulated field. Sabine and Jennifer explore the captivating world where science and creativity unite. Discover their secrets to success and get inspired by the boundless possibilities that emerge when these two forces intertwine. Tune in for a riveting discussion that illuminates the path to a future shaped by the transformative synergy of science and creativity in biotechnology. Jennifer Buell – Bio Dr. Jennifer Buell is the Chairman, Executive Council at Agenus and the President and CEO at MiNK Therapeutics, with over 27 years of biopharmaceutical experience. She has led teams through discovery to clinical development and commercialization. Previously, she served as President and COO at Agenus, overseeing research, clinical development, manufacturing, and more, transforming the company into a global biotech with strategic partnerships. Before that, she held leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Harvard Clinical Research Institute (Baim), contributing to development strategies for clinical programs. Dr. Buell earned her Ph.D. in Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Biochemistry, along with an M.S. in Biostatistics from Tufts University.Join the discussion and listen to the full episode here.

17. 

    29 Jun 2023

    Smart KPIs for Biotechs

    Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison is joined by Alan Morgan. Alan has worked as a leader in the industry for 25 years and sits down with Sabine to discuss the importance of measuring what truly matters in clinical trials and the significance of smart Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Biotech companies.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

40

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.