Experiences from both shores of the Charles River, MA
BIH Lecture Series | Frontiers in Translational Medicine – Scientific and Structural Challenges
The successful translation of innovative technologies into new enterprises requires factors that are both internal and external to the entrepreneurial team. The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University has developed a unique model that draws the most innovative ideas from blue-sky research in leading academic groups throughout the Boston area, and then de-risks these technologies to create impactful product opportunities with the guidance of industry experts both inside and outside the walls of the Institute. The thoughtful assembly of a diverse team of many fully engaged stakeholders is equally important as the product development process in bringing a technology forward into the hands of patients or other end-users.
Combining entrepreneurial experience with her leadership responsibilities at the Wyss Institute, Dr. Fretzen will elaborate on the Wyss’ model and explore what she sees as the keys to the successful translation of technologies that have the ambitious goal of measurable positive impact on society.
Dr. Angelika Fretzen is a product development executive with over 20 years of experience in academia and biotech.
After training as organic chemist and earning a diploma from the Julius Maximilians Universität in Würzburg followed by a doctoral degree from the Université de Genève in Switzerland, Dr. Fretzen completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Gregory L. Verdine at Harvard University, where she witnessed the take-off and trajectory of the biotech sector in one of the leading innovation hubs in the world. Dr. Fretzen took the opportunity to join a team of young entrepreneurs at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals where she became Vice President of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Development, key inventor and member of the R&D team that successfully launched Linzess, for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. She then joined Catabasis as Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development, overseeing the progression of edasalonexent from discovery to Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In 2019, Dr. Fretzen became part of the Executive Leadership Team at the Wyss Institute, assuming product and business development responsibilities, and she is currently transitioning into the role of the Institute’s Chief Operating Officer.
Registration
Due to the current situation regarding the BIH Lecture will be held Online via GoToMeeting. To participate in the BIH Lecture, please register in advance. The registration will be open until maximal participant capacity is reached.
Login via GoToMeeting
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Discussion via Chat Room
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Recording
The BIH Lecture will be recorded for the documentation on our website. If you do not wish to be recorded, please make sure your camera and microphone are turned off at any time.