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In this episode of The Uprising Show, host Vivek sits down with Manush Saydmohammed, Ph.D., MBA, co-founder and CEO of ZEGENEX Inc., a Pittsburgh-based startup developing innovative wound healing solutions. Manush shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Kerala, India, through a career in biomedical research across India, Japan, and the US, to becoming an entrepreneur driven by the desire to translate cutting-edge science into real-world medical solutions.

The conversation dives into how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Manush to transition from academic research to the world of startups, and explores the science behind ZEGENEX’s groundbreaking small-molecule cream designed to accelerate healing in chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Manush candidly discusses the challenges of moving novel therapies from the lab to the clinic, the importance of patents and collaboration, and the regulatory hurdles unique to new drug entities.

They also touch on the exciting future of health tech, from AI-accelerated drug discovery to gene editing and personalized medicine. Manush closes by sharing personal insights on entrepreneurship, including the importance of mindset, adaptability, and the inspiration he draws from innovators like Mark Cuban. Whether you’re passionate about science, startups, or healthcare innovation, this episode offers an inspiring look into the entrepreneurial journey and the potential to make a real impact in patient care.

Timestamps:

00:00 From Kerala to the US: Research Journey

04:24 Navigating Transitional Unlearning

07:08 Pioneering Treatment for Chronic Wounds

11:44 Product Success: Feasibility and Viability

16:04 Zebrafish: Ideal Heart Regeneration Model

19:45 Patents Ensure Product Credibility

22:43 New Drug Device Regulatory Pathway

26:46 AI in Drug Discovery

30:27 Stem Cell Industry Exploration

31:33 Diabetic Foot Ulcer Study Phases

36:50 Change Habits, Mark Cuban Inspiration

38:30 "Challenging Fundraising, Hopeful Future"

The Uprising Show Website: https://theuprisingshow.com/

Vivek Nanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveknanda1/

Vivek Nanda's Twitter: https://x.com/vickks

TopHealth Media Website: https://tophealth.care/