The BioHub - by Avetix

We were delighted to welcome Dr. Christina Coughlin, CEO of Avacta Therapeutics, onto The BioHub! Avacta are a clinical-stage biotech pioneering next-generation oncology therapies.With a remarkable career spanning top pharmaceutical companies and cutting-edge biotech — from Immunocore and Rubius Therapeutics to Tmunity and CytoImmune — Christina brings a unique blend of medical expertise, scientific insight, and leadership acumen. At Avacta, she is driving the development of groundbreaking therapeutics, leveraging proprietary platforms like pre|CISION™, with the goal of bringing life-changing treatments from lab to clinic.In this episode, we’ll explore her journey from clinician-scientist to biotech executive, the vision and science behind Avacta, and the challenges and opportunities in developing innovative cancer therapies in today’s evolving regulatory and commercial landscape.

Welcome to another Episode of The BiohubToday, I’m joined by Jill Howe, Chief Financial Officer at Lineage Cell Therapeutics, a company developing groundbreaking allogeneic cell therapies for conditions like dry AMD, spinal cord injury, and hearing loss.Jill’s career spans more than 20 years across some of biotech’s most successful companies, helping take both Receptos and Gossamer Bio public before stepping into her current role at Lineage.We talk about what inspired her to join the company, how shehelps shape and protect Lineage’s culture, what excites her most about their pipeline, and her perspective on leadership and women in biotech.Let’s get into it.

Welcome back to another episode of The BioHub, we were thrilled to introduce a guest whose career lies at the cutting edge of cell therapy, biotech leadership, and real-world impact. Abigail Jenkins is a visionary biotech CEO whose journey has taken her from pioneering the development of cell therapies to leading companies at the forefront of regenerative medicine.Before stepping into her current role, Abigail served as CEO of Gamida Cell, where she guided the company through pivotal stages of clinical development, advanced its pipeline of therapies, and championed innovation in cell-based treatments for patients in need. Her leadership helped bring new hope to people suffering from life-threatening diseases — all while navigating the complexities of regulatory approval, scientific uncertainty, and market pressures.

On this episode we welcomed Cameron Turtle, CEO of Spyre Therapeutics during the Jefferies Healthcare conference.Spyre are developing next-generation antibodies, engineered for prolonged activity in the body and formulated for delivery as monotherapies or combination therapies to validated inflammatory targets. Their approach has the potential to deliver uncompromising efficacy and convenience for patients in a number of autoimmune indications. This podcast was recorded in November 2025. Comments made during this podcast contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to Spyre Therapeutic, Inc.'s (“Spyre”) expectations regarding Spyre’s product candidates including their potential safety and efficacy, business and clinical trial plans, milestones and timelines. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. For further details concerning these risks and uncertainties, please refer to Spyre's SEC filings, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements are only as of the date they were made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. Spyre does not undertake or accept any duty to make any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements. 

Today we’re joined by one of Europe’s most respected builders of biotechnology companies — Luc Dochez.Luc is a scientist-turned-entrepreneur whose career has helped shape the next generation of therapies in oncology, rare diseases, and genetic medicine. Over the past two decades, he has co-founded and led multiple biotech companies, including Vico Therapeutics, Montis Biosciences, and Pharvaris, and he served as CEO of Tusk Therapeutics, guiding it all the way to its acquisition by Roche.Before becoming a serial entrepreneur, Luc held senior leadership roles at Prosensa, TiGenix, and other pioneering biopharma firms, building a reputation for turning cutting-edge science into real therapeutic opportunities. Today, as a Managing Partner at DROIA Ventures, he invests in and mentors the startups pushing the boundaries of precision medicine.With a background that spans pharmacy, business strategy, company formation, and venture capital, Luc brings a uniquely holistic perspective on how breakthrough therapies go from idea to impact.

On this episode we're joined by Andrea DiMella - VP & Head of Talent at Atlas Venture - to get her insight into the evolving talent landscape in biotechnology.We talk through Andrea's transition from a laboratory scientist into a transformative TA leader through roles with Genentech, Biogen, Third Rock, and now Atlas Venture. Her learnings throughout this journey are shaping the TA strategy of some of the most exciting biotechs in the Atlas portfolio. Tune in to hear more about Andrea's perspective on building influential teams & company creation, when to provide hands-on support & when to let C-teams 'fly solo', and of course, Andrea's take on AI in talent acquisition.

Rita is the CEO of Muna Therapeutics, a biotech company focused on discovering and developing therapies that restore the function of diseased neurons and slow or stop neurodegeneration.In this conversation, we explore Rita’s career journey and what inspired their move into biotech leadership, as well as what first drew them to Muna Therapeutics. We talk about Muna’s scientific focus, how their approach to neurodegenerative diseases stands apart, and what it takes to lead a globally distributed team.We also dive into the culture they’re building at Muna — one that encourages innovation and resilience — and look ahead at what’s next for the company over the coming year.

Today on The BioHub, I’m joined by Robert Hoffman, Chief Financial Officer of CytoDyn.Robert is a true industry veteran — with decades ofexperience leading finance and strategy across some of biotech’s most recognizable names, from Arena to Heron and Kintara. Over his career he’s guided IPOs, spin-offs, fundraises, and M&A, all while serving on the boards of multiple biotech companies.Now at CytoDyn, Robert is helping steer the company as itadvances its lead monoclonal antibody program.This conversation is about leadership, staying motivated inbiotech’s toughest cycles, and the big vision for CytoDyn’s future.

Today, we’re joined by an extraordinary leader who has spent her career at the intersection of science, innovation, and human potential — Dr. Sheila Gujrathi.Sheila is a physician, scientist, engineer, and biotech entrepreneur whose journey embodies both precision and purpose. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and her M.D. from Northwestern University, before completing her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School and fellowships in Allergy and Immunology at UCSF and Stanford.Her career has been defined by bold leadership and groundbreaking innovation — from leading global immunology programs at Bristol-Myers Squibb, to serving as Chief Medical Officer at Receptos, where she helped advance the drug Zeposia® to approval for multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. She went on to co-found and serve as CEO of Gossamer Bio, and today she chairs the boards of Ventyx Biosciences and Lila Biologics, while serving as a director at Janux Therapeutics.But beyond her professional success, Sheila is known for her authenticity, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in biotech, and her belief in leading with empathy, curiosity, and courage. Through her writing and mentorship, she challenges us to bring our whole selves to our work — reminding us that science and leadership are at their best when they’re deeply human.