Running biotech startups differently with Kaja Wasik
In this episode, our guest Kaja Wasik, co-founder of two genomics biotech companies, including Variant Bio, shares her journey in the biotech startup industry. We delve into how Kaja has managed to ethically collect genetic data from more than 20 intriguing populations worldwide. We explore her unique approach to conducting genetic research within diverse communities, discuss specific studies undertaken by Variant Bio, and the company’s current standing and future opportunities. It was a great pleasure to speak with Kaja, a globe-trotting changemaker and former classmate of ours :)
Timeline Summary:
00:00 Introduction to our guest, Kaja Wasik, co-founder of two biotech startups.
1:34 An overview of Variant Bio's modus operandi: Identifying unique populations for genetic research.
4:38 Discussion on ethical considerations in conducting genetic research with diverse communities.
8:14 Kaja shares the story of founding Variant Bio.
13:25 A look at the number of projects that Variant Bio has conducted.
14:24 The importance of traveling to the populations and the challenges involved, including those posed by COVID-19.
18:34 Community engagement: short-term and long-term benefit-sharing with the populations being studied.
24:35 Exploring the connection between Gencove and Variant Bio.
26:24 Understanding where Kaja draws her distinctive ideas for supporting the communities under study.
29:55 Navigating the complexities of community engagement during research and collective decision-making.
35:21 How Variant Bio selects a project, disease, and community for their studies.
36:51 Kaja shares her experience studying gout in French Polynesia.
42:24 The role of intuition in empowering research and driving change.
44:02 A surprising discovery from a Kenyan population suffering from chronic dehydration.
49:07 The crucial role anthropologists play in genomics research.
51:29 How Variant Bio wears many hats: from innovative genetic data collection methods to complex scientific analyses and therapeutic research and development.
1:00:17 Kaja's experience as an entrepreneur, including spinning out her first company Gencove, and reasons why one might want to venture into startups.
1:04:01 Discussion on Kaja’s professional journey and what inspired her unique path.
1:08:33 How to connect with Kaja and support her incredible mission at Life Science Cares.
Links & Resources:
Kaja is clearly amazing and she could use our help, please consider donating! Support Kaja’s fundraiser at Life Science Cares to lift people out of poverty and help kids who are interested in studying life sciences: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraisin...
Variant Bio: https://www.variantbio.com/
French Polynesia video: https://vimeo.com/683490754
Faroe Islands video: https://vimeo.com/705567729
ASHG interview with Kaja from 2021: https://www.ashg.org/publications-new...
Twitter: @kajawasik: / kajawasik
LinkedIn: / kaja-wasik-8a8aa26b
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