BIO from the BAYOU · 2026-05-27
What does it take to move a scientific idea from the bench to patients, especially in some of biotech’s most challenging therapeutic areas? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Gareth Willis, PhD, COO of Otologic Pharmaceutics and CEO of Exosla Therapeutics, for a candid conversation about translational science, biotech leadership, and the realities of drug development. Drawing from his experience across academia, Big Pharma, and startups, Gareth shares lessons from working in the biotech ecosystem, leading complex biologics programs, and developing therapies for hearing loss and tinnitus. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why translational science and patient impact became the driving force behind Gareth’s move from academia into biotech. How emerging technologies like AI are reshaping drug discovery and development timelines. What separates successful preclinical programs from the ones that fail, and why patient-centered thinking matters from day one. Tune in to learn how biotech leaders are navigating the highs and lows of drug development while working to bring meaningful therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. Links:
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