Nucleate Singapore Pulse

Dr. Peter Fedichev is the co-founder and CEO of GERO, a Singapore-based biotech startup that uses physics-informed AI and massive human health datasets to discover drugs aimed at slowing down aging and treating age-related diseases.In this episode, explains his transition from a decade in theoretical physics to longevity biotech, motivated by applying physics tools to complex living systems and discoveries like the naked mole rat’s lack of mortality acceleration. He contrasts biology’s case-control, fact-collecting culture with physics’ search for universal variables, arguing aging is a universal, chronic-process problem well suited to physics-style modeling. Peter describes Gero’s approach as building predictive, generative AI models from large-scale medical records and omics data to capture the “equations of motion” of health over time. He critiques hallmark-of-aging narratives and emphasizes “functional decline” (functional span) over healthspan, noting very old people can be disease-free yet severely impaired. Using thermodynamics as an analogy, he argues aging involves entropy-like, stochastic damage that is hard to reverse but potentially possible to slow or stop by targeting fundamental control variables.Host: John Joson NgEditors: Dillon Chew, Chi Dam, Vasilina Gedzun00:00 Meet Peter Fedichev00:23 From Physics to Biology02:30 Non Aging Animals Spark04:27 Physics Lens on Aging06:21 Why Gero Exists09:46 Modeling Health Dynamics10:49 Beyond Lifespan Healthspan12:43 Functional Decline Focus16:07 Thermodynamics Meets AI18:56 Entropy Limits Reversal22:02 Temperature and Lifespan25:12 Modeling to Speed Drugs27:20 Closing Why Aging First

Dr David M. Epstein is the co-founder and president of PairX Bio, a company that specializes in the next generation of cancer selective biologics.In this episode, David shares his experience and journey from working in various biotech companies and big pharma institutions to eventually building his own companies. One of these is Pairx Bio, a company specializing in the next generation of cancer biologics. David stresses the importance of how being able to follow the science and being transparent and open with the discussions on data collected from research projects plays a key role in the success of a company. He also touches on the success of targeted cancer therapies, some of which has led to an increase in lifespan, as well as the limitations in terms of the range of diseases that can be treated with this therapy. He also highlights the future of therapeutics in general, discussing the push in biotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics and expanding the horizon where these new innovative treatments can be effective. Lastly, he touches on the importance of how to handle IP matters and protecting one’s IP.Host: Aakash S/O Naresh KumarEditors: Hana Maldivita Tambrin, Dillon Chew, Jessie Wong, John Joson NgThe show notes and transcripts for the episode can be found on nucleatesingapore.substack.com. For feedback or recommendations on who we should talk to next, please reach out to the team via singapore@nucleate.org.01:01 Introduction05:10 Origins of Pairx Bio and Key Characteristics For a Successful Startup13:18 Key differences in the process of IP patenting18:22 Singapore VS USA Biotech Ecosystems20:51 Future of Singapore’s Biotech Ecosystem

Loong Wang is the CEO and Co-Founder of QDX, a company specializing in computational drug discovery using quantum mechanics and supercomputing. In this episode, Loong discusses his journey from supercomputing at the Australian National University to founding multiple startups in distributed computing and blockchain—before making a significant pivot to biotechnology. His deep dive into quantum chemistry aims to address complex drug discovery challenges by simulating atomic and molecular behaviors at a fundamental level. He also touches on the potential for quantum chemistry to revolutionize high-throughput screening methods that big pharmaceutical companies currently rely on, making these processes faster, cheaper, and more precise. He emphasizes understanding the nuances of biomedical problems and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in developing groundbreaking solutions.Host: John Joson NgEditors: Jessie Wong, John Joson NgThe show notes and transcripts for the episode can be found on nucleatesingapore.substack.com. For feedback or recommendations on who we should talk to next, please reach out to Joson Ng via johnjoson.n@nucleate.org.01:02 Introduction06:16 Understanding Quantum Mechanics in Drug Discovery18:53 Challenges in Biotech: Collaboration and Simulations26:30 Entrepreneurship, IP Strategy, and Scaling Up42:22 Advice for Non-Traditional Entrants to Biotech

Dr. Lisa Ooi is the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Hummingbird Bioscience, a leading biotech company in Singapore focused on antibody therapeutics. In this episode, Dr. Ooi discusses her journey from her PhD at Stanford to her current role, highlighting her experience in biomedical research and corporate strategy. She delves into Hummingbird Bioscience's innovative platform for developing antibody-based therapies, sharing insights on the company's strategic direction, the challenges of drug development, and the potential impact of their work on cancer treatment and beyond. Dr. Ooi also explores the reasons behind Hummingbird Bioscience's success in attracting investment and the unique advantages of being based in Singapore.Host: Jessie WongEditors: Jessie Wong, John Joson Ng The show notes and transcripts for the episode can be found on nucleatesingapore.substack.com. For feedback or recommendations on who we should talk to next, please reach out to Joson Ng via johnjoson.n@nucleate.org. 01:00 Introduction10:06 Establishing Hummingbird Bioscience in Singapore14:22 Innovative Antibody and ADC Development Strategy23:37 Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Dual Payload ADCs28:56 Hummingbird Bioscience's Role in Singapore's Biotech Ecosystem

Who are the stakeholders in Singapore's biotech ecosystem? What's it like to build a startup here in Singapore? And how have Singaporean founders blazed new trails locally or overseas in the biotech space? Find out the answers to these questions here on Nucleate Singapore Pulse, Singapore’s premier podcast on the biotech ecosystem. Whether you’re a student thinking about creating your own startup or an industry professional looking for diverse perspectives, this is the podcast for you. Nucleate Singapore Pulse is available on Substack, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The show notes and transcripts can be found on nucleatesingapore.substack.com. Subscribe and follow us to keep your finger on the pulse of Singapore’s biotech ecosystem. Host: John Joson Ng (MD-PhD Candidate, Duke-NUS Medical School)