Eating a healthy, balanced diet is no longer just about getting the right mix of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Now, it’s also about balancing one’s needs with the needs of the planet. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 best foods for the environment, which boast low carbon footprints, sup…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Joshua Cohen and Justin Klee, co-CEOs and co-founders of Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, a company developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Josh and Justin co-founded Amylyx Pharmaceuticals in 2013. Josh co-invented the oral, fixed-dose combination AMX0035 (known com…

The market for hemp beverages has been growing rapidly in recent years. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production, boosted the market, allowing companies to explore hemp as a primary ingredient. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the hemp beverage market, which has seen a steady influx of new pro…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Howard McLeod, PharmD, Director of the Center for Precision Medicine and Functional Genomics, Professor of Pharmacy and Medicine at Utah Tech University and Precision Medicine Advisor at the Geriatric Oncology Consortium; and Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, Chief Strategy and Science Officer at DoseMe, which is the world’s …

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Annie Simmons, Field Application Scientist at Neogen, an international food safety company that provides test kits and relevant products to detect dangerous substances in food. Annie starts by discussing her educational background and professional journey that led her to specia…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Brian Atwood, Chairman and CEO of CERo Therapeutics, a company pioneering a new generation of autologous T-cell-based therapies for both hematologic and solid tumor cancers. Prior to joining CERo, Brian Atwood served as Chairman of the board of directors of Phoenix Biotech Acquisition Corp., which merged with CERo…

Lab-grown meat bans are becoming more common as governments worldwide react to the burgeoning cultivated meat industry. Recent bans in Florida, Alabama and Italy highlight the growing resistance to these products. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the current state of lab-grown meat bans. Lab-grown meat has existed sinc…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Sam Lee, PhD, Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of Cocrystal Pharma, a company developing novel antiviral therapeutics against COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, influenza viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal Pharma leverages a unique structure-based drug discovery platform, complemented by Nobel Prize-winning…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Dirk Herdes, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sales at Crisp, a platform that connects CPGs to real-time POS and inventory data from 40+ retailers and distributors. Dirk gives an overview of Crisp's platform and discusses how it integrates with retailers and distrib…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with John Finn, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Tome Biosciences, a company developing programmable gene insertion (PGI) technology. PGI is a cutting-edge gene editing technology that allows for the insertion of large sequences of DNA with site-specific precision. PGI is a revolutionary approach for the development of…

Last year, the American fast-food industry experienced significant transformations. Several chains expanded their market reach and others innovated to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top 10 restaurant chains in America, ranked by their 2023 revenue. She not only highlights t…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Jeremy Levin, D. Phil, MB BChir, CEO and Chairman of Ovid Therapeutics Inc., and Meg Alexander, Chief Strategy Officer at Ovid. Ovid Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of medicines for epilepsies and seizure-related neurological disorders. Prior to founding Ovid, Dr. Levin was p…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Cally Edgren, a PFAS expert and the Senior Director of Sustainability at Assent, a leader in supply chain sustainability management solutions. Cally starts off by explaining what PFAS chemicals are and why they are so prevalent in the food industry. She delves into the details …

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine Health Policy and Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University; and Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, President and CEO at Immunize.org and Associate Professor of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Schaffner and Dr. Moore discussed t…

With roughly one-third of all food produced globally lost or wasted, the food industry is pivoting towards sustainable practices aimed at curbing these losses. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how different sectors within the food industry are combating food waste on Stop Food Waste Day 2024 and beyond. For example, te…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Robert Barrow, CEO and Board Director at MindMed, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. The company is developing innovative psychedelic-based product candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting neurotransmitter pathways…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Carly Schildhaus, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The NCA promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats, as well as lobbies the American government in favor of the confectionery …

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with John K. Celebi, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sensei Bio, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the discovery and development of next-generation therapeutics for cancer patients. Sensei Biotherapeutics specializes in creating conditionally active antibodies. These are engineered to operat…

The presence of lead in cinnamon has recently emerged as a significant food safety concern. This toxic element, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage and developmental delays in children. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the discovery of elevated lead levels in…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Howard Berman, PhD, Founder and CEO of Coya Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies targeting neurodegenerative, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Dr. Berman founded Coya Therapeutics in 2021. Dr. Berman has over 18 years of entrepreneurial and industry experie…

The recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows has taken the agricultural sector by surprise. This development, announced earlier this week, introduces a significant twist in the ongoing saga of the H5N1 virus, which has been affecting birds globally and in the US since early 2022. In this episode of the Xtalks Food …

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Margaret Froh, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). Margaret is also a lawyer by training. The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people recognized in s.35 of Canada’s Constitution. Métis communities have their own shared customs, traditions and collective identities that are rooted in kinship, their speci…

Keurig has taken a bold step forward with the unveiling of its first-ever 100 percent compostable coffee pods, dubbed “K-Rounds.” This innovation not only marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainability but also addresses the longstanding issue of plastic waste from traditional coffee pods. In this episode of the Xtalks…

This episode features an interview with Bruce Culleton, MD, CEO, ProKidney, a late clinical-stage biotech company focused on the development of a pioneering cell therapy candidate that aims to transform the treatment landscape for chronic kidney disease. Prior to joining ProKidney in 2023, Dr. Culleton served as Vice President and General Manager a…

In recent years, the food industry has faced growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of plastic packaging. This scrutiny has sparked significant interest and investment in alternative packaging solutions, with edible food packaging emerging as a particularly innovative and sustainable option. In this episode …

In marking National Kidney Month, this episode features an interview with Robert Perkins, MD, Vice President, US Medical Affairs (Renal) at Bayer who spoke about kidney health and diabetes-inflicted chronic kidney disease. National Kidney Month is observed every March in the US to raise awareness about kidney health and promote preventive action. I…

The Kraft Heinz Company made waves in the food industry by introducing vegan hot dogs and sausages under its well-known Oscar Mayer brand. This significant move marks the brand’s first foray into the plant-based arena with its NotHotDogs and NotSausages. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the new offerings, which were de…

In this featured episode of Xtalks People in Life Sciences, Ayesha spoke with Ashish Jain, Senior Director of Clinical Safety and Pharmacovigilance (PV) at Curis, a pioneering biotech company specializing in cutting-edge cancer therapies. Jain shared his journey into clinical safety and PV, highlighting key milestones along the way. Delving into hi…

March marks National Nutrition Month 2024 — a time when the food industry, health professionals and communities across the globe unite to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the history of National Nutrition …

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with Jordyn Playne, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council, a group of youth representatives from across Ontario who advocate on behalf of the concerns and interests of Métis youth at the provincial level. Jordyn is also a Clinical Consultant and Trainer at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, as wel…

In a pivotal move for the food industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled industry guidance for genome edited foods derived from plants. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about gene edited foods and how this landmark guidance aims to demystify the FDA’s risk-based approach towards both genome edited food…

In this episode, Ayesha spoke with H. B. Pierre Simon Jr., MBA, Vice President, Global Head of Marketing, Sight Sciences, about the evolving field of eye care. Sight Sciences is focused on developing and commercializing innovative solutions for eye diseases like glaucoma and dry eye disease to transform care and improve patients’ lives. Among some …

Each year, Product of the Year USA shines a spotlight on the most innovative products across various industries. The food and beverage sectors are particularly dynamic, with consumers always on the lookout for novel and healthier options. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the food and beverage products that stood out fo…

In this episode, Ayesha talked about Rare Disease Day 2024, a global movement held on the last day of February each year that focuses on raising awareness about rare diseases including their impact on patients’ lives. This year, Rare Disease Day falls on February 29, the rarest day in a leap year, making it even more special. Ayesha spoke about how…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Chad Pawlak, CEO of Genvor, a developer of sustainable plant health solutions. Recently appointed CEO, Pawlak discussed his vision for Genvor under his leadership, specifically in the context of sustainability. He highlighted Genvor’s recent partnership with the US Department o…

This episode features an interview with Amir Reichman, CEO of Scinai Immunotherapeutics, a biopharma company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing cutting-edge biological treatments within the inflammation and immunology (I&I) sector, with a primary focus on addressing autoimmune and infectious diseases. Scinai Immunotherapeutics…

The Good Food Prescription program, designed to combat diet-related conditions, combines expert clinical coaching, personalized meal planning and medically tailored grocery deliveries in partnership with Instacart. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this program from Good Measures, a company founded with a vision to revo…

This episode features an interview with Yang Liu, PhD, founder, chairman, CEO and chief scientific officer; and Abid Ansari, MBA, chief financial officer at OncoC4, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for cancer. This includes first-in-class immunotherapy products such as novel antibodies and CAR T-cell…

A groundbreaking piece of legislation, the School Lunch Integrity Act of 2024, has been introduced by US Senators Mike Rounds and Jon Tester. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this proposed bill, which specifically aims to exclude lab-grown meat from the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, thereb…

This episode features an interview with Carlos Doti, MD, Vice President, US Medical Affairs Oncology, AstraZeneca, about new breast cancer treatments. Dr. Doti is a hematologist by training and is passionate about developing treatments that have a real impact for people living with cancer across every aspect of their disease. Dr. Doti has worked in…

Steakholder Foods marks a pivotal moment in the seafood industry with its latest innovation: 3D printed fish in the form of plant-based shrimp. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about this breakthrough, which is set to transform the $60 billion shrimp market. Steakholder Foods has leveraged its unique DropJet printer, a marve…

This episode features an interview with Punit Dhillon, Chairman & CEO of Skye Bioscience, a pharmaceutical company developing proprietary molecules to treat diseases involving inflammatory, fibrotic and metabolic conditions. Skye Bioscience is at the forefront of exploring the endocannabinoid system for drug development. Punit brings two decades of…

As we step into 2024, the food industry is poised to be at the cusp of transformative changes, shaped by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the top food industry trends to look out for in 2024. She interviewed Are Traasdah…

In this episode, Ayesha talked about some of the trends in the life sciences to watch out for in 2024. From the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools in drug development to medically accurate health wearables, hear about the trends and innovations that will be shaping the life sciences this year. Aye…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with with Eric Taipale, CTO of Sentera, a global technology leader for in-season data, analytics and insights for growers. Taipale discussed how Sentera's technology specifically caters to the needs of growers and the agricultural community. He shared the benefits that generative AI prov…

This episode features an interview with Ben Sexson, CFA, Co-Founder, CEO, Monogram Orthopedics at Monogram Orthopedics, a company dedicated to revolutionizing orthopedic joint replacement through surgical robotics. Monogram is focused on developing patient-optimized orthopedic implants at scale by linking 3D printing and robotics with advanced pre-…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Norma Chu, founder and CEO of DayDayCook, a multi-brand company on a mission to promote Asian cooking globally. Over her 12-year journey at DayDayCook, Chu has implemented several successful brand strategies to reach global audiences, introduced an exclusive product line and used so…

This episode features an interview with Adam Kaplin, MD, PhD, Cofounder, President and Chief Scientific Officer at MIRA Pharmaceuticals, a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new molecular synthetic cannabinoid analogs for the treatment of anxiety and cognitive decline typically associated wi…

This episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast features an interview with Pat McCullough, CEO of ProducePay, a startup transforming the global produce industry into a more connected and sustainable movement. McCullough talks about his role at ProducePay as well as its startup story. He also shares his 2024 predictions for the food industry, focusing on bl…

This episode features an interview with vaccine scientists and executives from Vaccines Global Clinical Development at Merck, Dr. Heather Platt, MD, Distinguished Scientist and Pneumococcal Vaccine Lead; and Dr. Ulrike Buchwald, MD, Scientific Associate Vice President, Global Clinical Research and Pneumococcal Vaccine Section Head. Over the past te…