Inside the Biotech Frontier: Chris Burns on Amplia’s Vision and Cancer Drug Development
In this episode of Biotech Leaders on OncoDaily, Shushan Hovsepyan speaks with Chris Burns, CEO of Amplia Therapeutics, to explore his journey in the biotech world, from his early days in drug discovery to his leadership in advancing innovative treatments for cancer and fibrotic diseases. Chris shares his unique perspective on how research integrity, patient outcomes, and strategic vision align to shape the future of oncology.
Key highlights:
- Chris’s path from Pfizer to leading Amplia Therapeutics.
- How drug discovery background influences leadership in biotech.
- The rewarding impact of their drug, Narmafotinib, in pancreatic cancer treatment.
- The mission of Amplia to address unmet needs in oncology and fibrotic diseases.
- Insightful personal leadership experiences, including tough decisions and core values.
- Chris’s recommended books that shaped his career and philosophy.
0:00 Introduction
00:40 Career journey: From PhD in chemistry to Pfizer, academia, and biotech leadership
02:08 How a scientific background shapes strategic leadership in oncology
03:17 Overview of Amplia’s lead drug, Narmafotinib, and its clinical development
05:08 The potential of FAK inhibition in combination with chemo and immunotherapy
07:02 Targeting pancreatic and ovarian cancers through tumor microenvironment remodeling
09:22 Plans for clinical expansion, partnerships, and future directions
11:06 A message of hope to patients, caregivers, and the oncology community
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