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."<br /><br />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. <br /><br />VITALS is brought to the community by Georgia Life Sciences in conjunction with Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media.<br /><br /><b>About Georgia Life Sciences </b><br /><br /><br /><b>About Cloudcast Atlanta and Cloudcast Media</b>
Podcast Overview
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."<br /><br />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. <br /><br />VITALS is brought to the community by Georgia Life Sciences in conjunction with Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media.<br /><br /><b>About Georgia Life Sciences </b><br /><br /><br /><b>About Cloudcast Atlanta and Cloudcast Media</b>
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Publishing Since
3/5/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 10, 2026
GLS Vitals Podcast Episode 10: Building the Future - Biotech Leadership & Global Impact
<b>WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCES</b><br /><br />David Dodd, CEO of Geovax, discussed the evolution of Georgia's life sciences ecosystem, emphasizing the persistence and collaboration of various stakeholders over decades. Geovax's focus is on developing the Geo MVA vaccine for monkeypox and smallpox, leveraging a platform with no contraindications. The company aims to establish advanced MVA manufacturing in Georgia, initially employing 25-50 people, expanding to 100+. Dodd highlighted the critical need for sustained investment in vaccine innovation and manufacturing to ensure global health security. He also stressed the importance of education and workforce development in fostering a robust life sciences ecosystem.<br /><br /><br /><b>David Dodd's Journey and Georgia's Life Sciences Ecosystem</b><ul><li>Maria Thacker introduces David Dodd, CEO of Geovax, and highlights his long-standing involvement in Georgia's life sciences community.</li><li>David Dodd reflects on the persistence and commitment of people in building Georgia's life sciences ecosystem over decades.</li><li>David emphasizes the importance of resilience, capital scarcity, and long timelines in the biotech industry.</li><li>Maria and David discuss the evolution of Georgia's life sciences hub, noting increased connectivity and awareness of Georgia's opportunities.</li></ul><b>David Dodd's Career Path and Personal Journey</b><ul><li>David Dodd shares his career journey, starting in 1977 with Abbott Laboratories and progressing through various roles in big pharma, including Bristol Myers Squibb and Wyeth.</li><li>David highlights his experience as CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals and his role in transforming the company's value from $100 million to $2.5 billion.</li><li>David discusses his transition to NASDAQ companies and his involvement with Geovax, eventually becoming its CEO in 2018.</li><li>David mentions his multiple attempts to retire and his current satisfaction with his work and the support of his wife.</li></ul><b>Geovax's Evolution and Endurance</b><ul><li>David explains Geovax's evolution from a single-product HIV vaccine focus to a broader infectious disease vaccine platform.</li><li>He highlights the relevance of Geovax's vaccine platform, which was used to eradicate smallpox and has been repurposed for other infectious diseases.</li><li>David discusses the challenges of adapting to changing markets, funding environments, and public health priorities.</li><li>He emphasizes the importance of disciplined prioritization, scientific credibility, and the ability to adapt in a challenging environment.</li></ul><b>Manufacturing Challenges and Preparedness</b><ul><li>David elaborates on the infrastructure-intensive nature of vaccine development and the unique challenges of manufacturing vaccines.</li><li>He discusses the critical role of quality systems, regulatory alignment, and supply chain depth in vaccine manufacturing.</li><li>David highlights the importance of sustained investment in preparedness between crises to avoid rebuilding capacity during emergencies.</li><li>He provides examples of the impact of the monkeypox outbreak and the need for a global supply of vaccines.</li></ul><b>Geovax's Focus on Geo MVA and Clinical Trials</b><ul><li>David outlines Geovax's current focus on Geo MVA, a vaccine candidate for monkeypox and smallpox preparedness.</li><li>He explains the expedited regulatory path granted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Geo MVA.</li><li>David details the manufacturing process and the challenges of producing MVA vaccines quickly.</li><li>He discusses the company's plans to establish advanced MVA manufacturing in Georgia and the support from state and federal legislators.</li></ul><b>Georgia's Role in Vaccine Innovation and Biosecurity</b><ul><li>David emphasizes the importance of Georgia's role in vaccine innovation and biosecurity.</li><li>He highlights the state's potential to become a hub for vaccine...
June 10, 2026
GLS Vitals Episode 9 - Building What Matters: Leadership, Manufacturing & Growth in Life Sciences
<b>WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCES</b><br /><br />Scott Rizzo, Vice Chair of Georgia Life Sciences, discussed his career journey from the automotive industry to pharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting his roles at Hoffman Roche, Barrier Therapeutics, and Recrow Pharma. He emphasized the importance of local government support and the recent $20 million expansion of Bend, a CDMO in Gainesville, Georgia, which will create additional jobs. Rizzo stressed the need for collaboration among life sciences companies, effective supply chain management, and the integration of AI to enhance drug development and manufacturing. He also underscored the importance of workforce development and communication with educational institutions to foster a robust life sciences ecosystem in Georgia.<br /><br /><br /><b>Scott Rizzo's Career Journey and Role in Georgia Life Sciences</b><ul><li>Maria Thacker introduces Scott Rizzo, highlighting his leadership in the manufacturing space for life sciences.</li><li>Scott shares his career journey, starting in the automotive industry in the late 80s and early 90s, then moving to consulting and eventually to the pharmaceutical industry.</li><li>Scott details his roles at Hoffman Roche, Barrier Therapeutics, J Nipper, and Recrow Pharma, leading to his current position as a board member and COO.</li><li>Scott mentions the significant impact of a strong cup of coffee in his decision to move to Georgia in 2015.</li></ul><b>Educational Background and Industry Insights</b><ul><li>Scott discusses his educational background, including a degree in political science and an MBA with a focus on supply chain and finance from Penn State.</li><li>Maria emphasizes the diverse backgrounds in the life sciences industry and the importance of various educational paths.</li><li>Scott provides more details about the history of Recrow Pharma and its evolution through acquisitions and rebranding.</li><li>Scott highlights the welcoming and supportive environment he experienced in Georgia, particularly in Gainesville, which influenced his decision to contribute to the life sciences industry in the state.</li></ul><b>Bend's Expansion and Investment in Georgia</b><ul><li>Maria and Scott discuss Bend's recent groundbreaking for a significant expansion in Georgia, highlighting the $20 million investment and additional jobs.</li><li>Scott explains the strategic fit of bringing commercial spray drying technology to Gainesville, leveraging the site's existing expertise and infrastructure.</li><li>The expansion is seen as a positive step for the company and the state, with strong support from local government and community.</li><li>Scott emphasizes the importance of the state's infrastructure, including the Port of Savannah and the Blue Ridge Connector, in supporting the expansion.</li></ul><b>Bend's Role as a CDMO and Industry Trends</b><ul><li>Scott explains Bend's role as a CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and its capabilities in commercial manufacturing and development projects.</li><li>Bend has a balance between commercial and development projects, working with small clients and providing a range of services.</li><li>Scott discusses the importance of capacity, technology, and understanding customer pipelines in the CDMO space.</li><li>Scott highlights the increasing demand for onshoring and the importance of speed and communication in the industry.</li></ul><b>Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Manufacturing</b><ul><li>Scott elaborates on the concept of "ready to scale" and the complexities involved, including supply chain management and communication with clients.</li><li>He emphasizes the importance of having systems in place to manage risks and ensure consistency in manufacturing.</li><li>Scott discusses the evolving role of AI in the pharmaceutical industry, from procurement to creating optimal formulas and personalized medicine.</li><li>The focus on AI should always be on...
June 10, 2026
GLS Vitals Episode 8 - Smart Capital Wins: Funding Strategy & Leadership In Life Sciences
<b>WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCES</b><br /><br />Courtney Law, Vice President of Innovation Economy at J.P. Morgan, discussed her career journey from PhD training to her current role, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem building and leveraging resources. She highlighted the positive investment environment in the Southeast, noting a significant uptick in biopharma venture funding and the highest med tech venture activity globally in Q4. Challenges include regulatory changes and funding gaps for early-stage companies. Law stressed the importance of communication, patience, and advocacy for early-stage funding. She also underscored Georgia's strengths, including a robust university system, talent pool, and the need for more affordable lab space to support growth.<br /><br /><br /><b>Role at J.P. Morgan and Scientific Background</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney explains how her scientific background helps her evaluate life science companies and their leadership teams.</li><li>She highlights the importance of establishing common ground with early-stage founders and company leads through her scientific understanding.</li><li>Courtney discusses the role of her current position at J.P. Morgan in leveraging internal resources to connect innovators.</li><li>Maria Thacker and Courtney discuss the importance of ecosystem building and the role of trade associations in supporting innovation.</li></ul><b>Current Investment Environment for Life Science Companies</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney provides an overview of the current investment environment for life science companies, focusing on biopharma and med tech.</li><li>She notes a significant uptick in venture funding in biopharma and a high volume of venture deals and money in the med tech space in Q4.</li><li>Courtney highlights the role of licensing and M&A activity in driving innovation and funding.</li><li>Maria Thacker and Courtney discuss the unique challenges faced by innovators in the current regulatory environment.</li></ul><b>Capital Strategies and Challenges for Early-Stage Companies</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney explains the divide in venture investment between pre-series A/series A and series B+ companies, with investors being more risk-averse.</li><li>She mentions early-stage companies looking to family offices and philanthropic dollars to bridge funding gaps.</li><li>Courtney discusses the importance of over-communication and patience for early-stage companies in navigating the current environment.</li><li>Maria Thacker and Courtney highlight the challenges of connecting with family offices and other resources in regions with fewer investors.</li></ul><b>Georgia's Life Sciences Landscape and Regional Strengths</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney assesses Georgia's life sciences landscape, noting the growth and momentum in the region.</li><li>She highlights the strengths of Georgia's university system, innovation engine, and talent pool.</li><li>Courtney discusses the overlooked aspect of people's love for living in Georgia and their desire to contribute to the ecosystem.</li><li>Maria Thacker and Courtney discuss the importance of access to affordable quality lab space and the need for new lab space in Georgia.</li></ul><b>Building and Supporting the Innovation Ecosystem</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney emphasizes the importance of building upon the existing community and access to capital in Georgia.</li><li>She discusses the role of new funds and lab space in supporting the growth of early-stage companies.</li><li>Maria Thacker and Courtney highlight the importance of government support and engagement with trade associations for early-stage funding.</li><li>Courtney encourages companies to advocate for themselves and explore different avenues for funding and support.</li></ul><b>Leadership and Resilience in Dynamic Markets</b><br /><ul><li>Courtney identifies over-communication and nimbleness as key attributes of resilient leadership teams.</li><li>She emphasizes the...
17 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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