Show Notes
How does a discovery scientist become a two-time biotech founder?
In the inaugural episode of Cancer Connections, Parker Moss sits down with Dr Simon Boulton, a world-renowned scientist whose work in DNA damage repair and telomere maintenance has transformed our understanding of how cancer develops—and how we can better treat it.
Although a research scientist by training, Simon recognised the therapeutic potential of his discoveries and went on to co-found Artios Pharma and, more recently, launch ALTx Therapeutics, taking breakthrough research from the lab towards meaningful patient impact.
Together, they explore what motivates someone to take that leap from academia into entrepreneurship, the importance of the people you work with, learn from, and build alongside, and what it really takes to translate cutting-edge science into new medicines for patients.
More from Cancer Connections
Can we finally treat one of the deadliest forms of cancer? Parker Moss sits down with Steve Pollard, Professor of Stem Cell and Cancer Biology at the University of Edinburgh and CSO of Trogenix, to explore why glioblastoma has remained one of medicine’s toughest challenges. Steve explains why brain cancer has resisted decades of drug development, from its remarkable ability to evolve and evade treatment to the barriers posed by the brain itself. Drawing on a career that began in development biology, he reflects on why understanding these failures is essential to finding the next breakthrough. Together, Parker and Steve discuss the science behind Trogenix’s first-in-human gene therapy trial, a bold new approach that aims not only to eliminate the tumour but also to establish long-term immune memory that could prevent recurrence, and what it takes to translate an academic discovery into a clinical-stage company.
Could a simple blood test revolutionise lung cancer care? Parker Moss sits down with Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Chief Medical Officer at The Royal Marsden and Professor of Thoracic Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, to explore the breakthroughs transforming lung cancer care. Sanjay discusses how precision medicine, targeted therapies and liquid biopsies are reshaping the patient journey, highlighting the role of the NHS as the first national health service to diagnose lung cancer using liquid biopsies. He also explores the promise of circulating tumour DNA and the future of blood-based cancer detection, and how early diagnosis remains one of the biggest opportunities in cancer care. Together, Parker and Sanjay discuss how research, innovation and collaboration have driven progress in lung cancer, and what the next generation of technologies, from personalised cancer vaccines to T-cell engagers, could mean for patients.
Have cancer vaccines finally had their breakthrough moment?
What if we could stop cancer before it starts?
How does a preclinical UK biotech get acquired for up to $1.5 billion by one of pharma’s giants?