Episode 130 - Barry Quart - CEO Connect Biopharma

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Barry Quart, CEO of Connect Biopharma and one of the most experienced biotech leaders in the industry.

Barry’s career spans more than three decades across biotech and pharma, including founding Ardea Biosciences (acquired by AstraZeneca) and leading Heron Therapeutics, where he helped bring multiple drugs through development and approval. Across his career he has played a role in nine FDA-approved medicines.

In this conversation, Barry shares the lessons he’s learned building biotech companies, what it really takes to develop successful drugs, and how he thinks about leadership in an industry defined by risk and long timelines.

They also dive into Connect Biopharma, the company’s strategy in inflammatory diseases, and the potential of their lead program targeting the IL-4 pathway in asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It’s a conversation about building companies, developing medicines, and navigating the realities of biotech.