Sounds of Science

FOXG1 Research Foundation CEO Nasha Fitter returns to Sounds of Science with extraordinary updates: FDA Fast Track designation, IND clearance, and the first‑ever clinical trial for a FOX G1 gene therapy now within reach. In this episode, hear how science, community, and a mother’s determination are rewriting what’s possible. Show Notes Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO Solutions | Charles River Viral Vector Manufacturing \ Charles River AAV Production for Rare Disease Therapies: From Challenge to Solution | Webcast Rare Disease | Charles River Rare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles River FOX G1: A Mom’s Mission | Podcast

Charles River scientist Nicole Hoekstra, herself a US Navy veteran, used her employer-supported sabbatical to help out local Oklahoma based nonprofit Inner Circle Mental Health, which focuses on aiding veterans and first responders who are struggling with their mental health. I am joined by Nicole and ICMH founder Kate Cooper to discuss what this service means to both of them, how we can support family who are reluctant to accept help, and how the COVID pandemic impacted the mental health of first responders.

When Dalila Sabaredzovic’s sons were diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition, she faced more questions than answers. But through resilience, advocacy, and the power of collaboration, her family's story has become a beacon of hope in rare disease research. In this deeply moving episode of Sounds of Science, Dalila shares her journey from despair to discovery—and how a global village of scientists came together to pursue a personalized treatment that could change everything.Show NotesTaking a Customized and Collaborative Approach to Therapeutic DevelopmentDrug Discovery Services | Charles RiverASO Screening Services | Charles RiverRare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles RiverTwo in Eight Billion | Eureka blog

In this episode of Sounds of Science, learn how the Retrogenix® platform is reshaping drug development by identifying off-target risks earlier, reducing animal use, and gaining traction with regulators—now as part of the FDA’s ISTAND pilot program. Guests Nick Brown and Mark Aspinall-O’Dea from Charles River Discovery Services share real-world insights on their role in advancing NAMs and supporting safer, faster therapeutic development.Show Notes Maximize Safer, Targeted Biologic Development with Smarter NAMs-Based Off-Target Screening Paving the Way for Enhanced Drug Development A Status Report on Cell-Based Protein Arrays Retrogenix® Human Protein Library Retrogenix®: The Screen Door of Drug Development Retrogenix® CAR Specificity Testing Charles River Launched New Retrogenix Non-Human Protein Library

For this exciting conversation, I am joined by NanoPalm CEO and co-founder Dr. Ali Alhasan and by Charles River Executive Director Ramin Baghirzade, who joins us to talk about Charles River’s incubator program for startups like NanoPalm. Alhasan and his co-founder, Dr. Samar Alsudir, began NanoPalm to help reach rare disease patients who could benefit from advanced gene therapies. NanoPalm is the first company to conduct a gene therapy clinical trial in Saudi Arabia, with plans for many more treatments in the works. Listen now to learn about the trial, Charles River’s incubator program, and about the current state of biotech startup in Saudi Arabia.

Join me, Charles River’s Miriam Guest, and independent consultant Vanessa Figueroa as we tackle the role of a microbiologist in drug manufacturing. Who is keeping patients safe from contamination, and how are they making sure our life saving drugs are not contaminated? How is manufacturing like yoga? Find out by listening now!

Join Charles River experts Sandy Kimber, Charlotte Cumper, and Claire Richards from our Portishead site for a discussion on what makes some viruses more contagious than others, how viruses can trick your immune system, and how vaccines can affect viral spread.