Fractals: Life Science Conversations

With more than two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, translational research, and global industry leadership, Bracken Senior Partner Dr. Deepak Behera has actively shaped how radiopharmaceuticals are developed, evaluated, and delivered to patients. As President and CEO of Adaptive Research and Senior Partner at Bracken, Deepak is an expert in connecting science, strategy, and real-world execution.

In this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, Deepak and host Colin Miller discuss:

Mary Hardy, Chief Commercial Officer at SimpliFed, is helping reshape maternal health care with a virtual platform that supports families before birth and well beyond the baby’s first milestones. By combining lactation guidance, postpartum care, maternal mental health screening, and remote monitoring, SimpliFed is setting a new standard for holistic, accessible maternal care.

What if a nasal spray could switch off acute social anxiety in minutes—without systemic side effects?

Shawn Singh, CEO of Vistagen, joins Fractals to explain how pherines work: odorless intranasal molecules that tap the olfactory pathway to flip specific brain circuits on and off.

Highlights from the episode:

With more than four decades of experience in oncology, cardiovascular imaging, ultrasound, and radioligand therapy, Dr. François Tranquart has helped shape the field of molecular imaging from both sides of the table—first as an academic physician and researcher, and later as an industry leader driving global clinical development.

In this French-language episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, François joins host Paul Martinetti to share:

What does it take to lead successful drug development—whether at a global pharma giant or a small biotech start-up?

In this episode of SNiPs, Dr. David Krause joins Bracken CEO Dr. Colin Miller to reflect on three decades of experience spanning large organizations like GSK to fast-moving start-ups. From aligning clinical development with medical affairs to serving “many masters” in drug development, patients, regulators, providers, and marketers, Dr. Krause shares insights on how to keep the patient at the center while driving innovation forward.

Topics include:

With more than 30 years of experience spanning global pharma, emerging biotech, and the evolving field of personalized medicine, Bracken Senior Partner Dr. David Krause has helped shape the clinical and regulatory landscape across therapeutic areas—from vaccines and anti-infectives to neuropsychiatry and oncology.

As a physician, former Chief Medical Officer, and trusted development advisor, David brings a uniquely humanist and interdisciplinary lens to the science and strategy of drug development.

In this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, David and host Colin Miller explore:

Can AI help radiologists see what humans can’t—and speed up drug development in the process?

In this episode of SNiPs, Dr. Ben Larimer joins Bracken CEO Dr. Colin Miller to explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are redefining what’s possible in molecular imaging. From interpreting complex PET scans to designing radiopharmaceuticals faster than ever, the future of diagnostics is being shaped by intelligent tools.

Dr. Larimer shares real-world examples of how AI is already shaping radiopharmaceutical innovation and clinical trial design—and why the era of data-driven diagnostics is just getting started...

As a scientist, innovator, and CEO of CytoSite BioPharma, Dr. Ben Larimer has reshaped how we think about imaging immune response in cancer. His work on Granzyme B PET imaging is unlocking unprecedented insights into whether—and where—immunotherapies are working inside the body.

In this episode of Fractals, Ben joins host Colin Miller to discuss:

With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of biostatistics and biomedical imaging, Bracken Senior Partner Dr. David Raunig has been a driving force in biomarker development, validation, and regulatory strategy. From leading FDA biomarker qualification review teams to co-inventing imaging advancements and setting industry-wide standards through QIBA, David has played a pivotal role in defining how we measure—and trust—biological data in clinical trials.

In this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, David and host Colin Miller explore:

In drug development, the right biomarker can mean the difference between success and a missed opportunity. 

In this episode of SNiPs, Bracken Senior Partner David Raunig, PhD explores how imaging biomarkers—like DXA and the fracture risk score—are being used in new ways to assess efficacy in clinical trials, especially for rare and complex diseases. 

David breaks down the evolving landscape of FDA qualification, highlighting a flexible path that allows sponsors to leverage novel endpoints without requiring tens of thousands of patients. From muscle mass in aging populations to trial-specific biomarker strategies, he shares valuab...

Scientist, entrepreneur, and investor—three small words to describe the way Hatch BioFund Managing Partner Dr. Lorenzo Pellegrini has devoted his career to translating the cutting-edge into impactful solutions. From founding six biotech companies to driving investments in industry-shaping firms like Elevation Pharmaceuticals and Anacor, Lorenzo has consistently championed the necessity of fusion between innovation and practicality in the life sciences. In this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, Lorenzo and host Colin Miller take a wide-ranging deep dive on:

What does it take to balance bold innovation with prudent decision-making in biotech? Lorenzo Pellegrini, PhD, Managing Partner at Hatch BioFund, shares his perspective and experience on the strategic choices that define success—and survival—in the industry.

From securing $20M to $200M in funding, to grappling with the complexities of portfolio diversification, Lorenzo unpacks the critical factors biotech companies must consider. He discusses the nuances of resource allocation, the power of clear go-no-go decisions, and the trade-offs between focusing on a single asset or building a broader pipeline.

Lorenzo’s insights on navigating the high-s...

With career highlights including the launch of Ivermectin and NuvaRing, along with expertise spanning microbiome therapeutics, M&A, regulatory affairs, and clinical and non-clinical development, it’s no surprise that Bracken Senior Partner Dr. Graham Lumsden is striving to shift our approach to healthcare. Holding a doctorate in veterinary medicine, Graham takes an integrated approach that bridges the various facets of life sciences. He advocates for preventative medicine and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful changes in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With years of experience, Dr. Lumsden recognizes that the future of medicine is not just about treatment—it’s abou...

In the biopharmaceutical industry, groundbreaking discoveries may start in the lab—but to reach the market, they require more than just great science.

In this SNiP, life sciences veteran Dr. Graham Lumsden highlights an essential yet often overlooked step: identifying unmet medical needs before developing a solution. Drawing from decades of experience, Graham shares the value and necessity of a market-first approach, where science and business strategy align to drive commercial success. Especially relevant for researchers and investors seeking to bridge the gap between discovery and market adoption, Graham discusses the importance of anticipating customer needs and en...

One could describe Mary Costello as a world-class expert in international marketing, business initiatives, and leadership, with a background in patient advocacy, global marketing initiatives, and clinical trial solutions—and one would be correct. Her impressive career includes roles such as Head of Site and Investigator Network at Medable, Vice President of Clinic Development & Patient Advocacy at Elligo Health Research, and Vice President/Global Director of Marketing at leading life science organizations like eClinical Solutions, Fisher Clinical Services, and Covance.

But Mary is not just an accomplished leader; she’s also a skilled question-asker, with the unique abil...

When launching a product or service, it all comes down to one essential question: what problem are you really trying to solve?

In this SNiP, global marketing strategist and life science industry expert Mary Costello breaks down the essential steps to uncovering the root causes of a company’s marketing challenges. From the importance of understanding buyer behavior to the consequences of burning through time and money without validating demand, Mary shares the realities of marketing that every life science startup, large-scale company, and clinical research organization must face.

With practical advice on avoiding costly mi...

With expertise in pharmacology, due diligence, strategic planning, peptide-based therapeutics, and beyond, it’s no wonder that Bracken co-founder and Managing Partner Dr. Jim Gilligan is also leading the way in therapeutic psychedelic drug development. With 35+ years of expertise, Jim’s cutting-edge work is reshaping our approach to mental health and chronic pain management. This integrated approach combines clinical insight with scientific innovation, turning psychedelic research into practical, impactful treatments.

In this episode of Fractals, join Jim and host Colin Miller as they explore:

Imagine a world where therapeutic psychedelic drugs aren’t just visionary, but practical, scalable, and scientifically sound. That world is almost here. In this SNiP, Bracken Co-Founder and Managing Partner Jim Gilligan, PhD takes us behind the scenes of his groundbreaking advances in psilocybin treatment. Jim reveals how an integrated approach can turn bold ideas into commercial reality, with insights on regulating psilocin for therapy and advice for bringing revolutionary, patient-focused solutions to market—all in under 7 minutes.

Tune in now, and subscribe to Fractals for Jim’s full episode, releasing October 3rd, for a deep dive into p...

Medical doctor, digital software and hardware programmer, and professional trainer—Bracken Senior Partner Paul Martinetti continues to defy a singular career path. Paul exemplifies an integrated approach: leading collaborative efforts to invent, build, and implement innovative solutions, such as an online photo-based acne severity consensus tool and a clinical study t-shirt, setting new industry standards, and leveraging multimedia technology development to support oncology survivors in clinical trial settings. Paul utilizes his medical background, AI, and programming skills to problem-solve in both clinical and cyber spaces. 

In this episode of Fractals, join Paul and host Colin Miller as the...

Start your project early, communicate with regulatory bodies often, and begin with the validation in mind—that’s Dr. Paul Martinetti’s starting advice for aspiring life scientists looking to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare. Tune into our latest SNiP, a special segment of Fractals Life Science Conversations, to hear more. Listen now, and stay tuned for the full episode of Fractals, releasing later this month.

When you think about “people and platforms”, does “data analytics” come to mind? In this SNiP, our new special recurring segment of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, Bracken Senior Partner Ben Mitchell tells us exactly why data analytics, people, and platforms are the foundations for which life sciences thrives. Tune in to learn more about the importance of adopting an integrated approach to your data analytics; Not only is data essential to business—it's equally fundamental to the life sciences industry at large. 

It's not just about the deal—it's about what happens next. In this episode of SNiPS, Bracken COO Dawn Flitcraft uncovers the surprising reactions and feelings of life science CEOs after their companies are acquired. Learn how having an integration leader and providing executive support can make all the difference. Listen now to hear how 95% of the time, these transitions lead to success.

Yunu's co-founder and CEO, Jeff Sorenson, recognizes the pivotal role marketing plays in the life sciences sector, spanning brand communication and customer awareness. By prioritizing investments in streamlined user experience (UX), data-informed sales strategies, and cohesive messaging, the significance of marketing can reach new heights—and your company can reach a global audience. Hear more of Jeff’s insights in conversation with Colin Miller in this SNiP, a special segment of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, streaming now.

Listen to Fractals: Life Science Conversations via your preferred podcast service, and contact us today to learn more.

With a proven track record of transforming clinical trial imaging data and workflows, Fractals guest Jeff Sorenson knows what it takes to eliminate delays and accelerate results in the life sciences industry. As the co-founder and CEO of Yunu, Jeff collaborates with life science companies and cancer centers to revolutionize clinical trials, achieving faster time-to-market for sponsors and CROs. Join Jeff and host Colin Miller for a conversation on the world of medical imaging, including:

In this debut episode of SNiPs, a special recurring segment of Fractals: Life Science Conversations, Alexander (Sandy) J.B. McEwan, MB, MSc, FRCPC, Bracken’s in-house expert in nuclear medicine, returns to the audio stage. Dr. McEwan, who has served as Past President of SNMMI, Chief Medical Officer at Ariceum, and Vice President of Radiopharmaceuticals at Ipsen, brings a wealth of experience and academic knowledge. He and host Colin Miller discuss the anticipated technological advancements in the radiopharmaceutical field to take place over the next decade. Topics include the importance of dosimetry, the "external beam paradigm," treatment options, AI in...

Data analytics expert, systems and operations specialist, optimization and automation wizard—that’s our Senior Partner, Ben Mitchell. Previously the founder of tech startup The Brite Mind, then Vice President of Operations and Information Services and Analytics here at Bracken, Ben now works in a consulting capacity. Join Ben and host Colin Miller on this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations to discuss innovation across life science technology and data analytics, including:

What’s ahead for digital and omnichannel marketing? Why does crafting web and analytics framework in the life sciences matter to the industry at large? What purpose does generative AI serve in the biopharmaceutical arena? Enter Kurt Muller, Bracken’s in-house expert in all things digital and featured guest on Fractals: Life Science Conversations. Specializing in fractional Chief Digital Officer and Chief Innovation Officer services, Kurt excels in digital marketing, stakeholder segmentation, and CX journey mapping, among other areas critical to industry success. Join Kurt and host Colin Miller as they parse through the more philosophical questions pertaining to the...

A professional problem solver—that’s our Senior Partner, Marybeth Profrock. With a wealth of experience in accelerating growth for life sciences and digital health companies, Marybeth thrives on crafting innovative marketing solutions. Throughout her career, she’s specialized in digital innovation, B2B marketing, and content strategy, driving tangible results through analytical problem solving and meticulous execution. Tune in to the latest episode of Fractals to hear Marybeth and host Colin Miller turn the essential questions of life sciences marketing on their head, including:

Head of Regulatory Affairs, FDA communications expert, and Managing Partner: That’s Liz Bloss. Join us for this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations as we welcome Liz to the program. Liz brings a wealth of experience, from formulating early IND submission strategies to guiding companies through the complexities of NDA preparations. With a sharp focus on FDA communications and meeting readiness, Liz adeptly navigates milestone gatherings crucial for development program success. Her proficiency extends to maneuvering orphan drug submissions, providing US Agent support, and delivering invaluable regulatory feedback. Tune in to get the inside scoop on all thing re...

Groundbreaking science and entrepreneurial spirit go hand-in-hand with our latest guest: osteoarthritis expert and Senior Partner, Jon Larkin. With over two decades of research in pharma and biotech giants as well as his own startup, Jon shares insights on pioneering osteoarthritis therapies, leading clinical development efforts, and shaping the world of biopharma in academics, industry, and consortia alike. In this episode of Fractals, join Jon and host Colin Miller for valuable insights on:

Former Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Nuclear Medicine, and long-time academic physician—that's our in-house nuclear medicine expert, Dr. Sandy McEwan. From research and publications in the academic space to hands-on development of novel SRTs, Sandy’s expertise is as developed as it is broad. Join Sandy and host Colin Miller on this episode of Fractals to hear key insights on: 

At the forefront of digital healthcare technology, patient-centric initiatives, financial oversight, and integrated due diligence—that’s our accomplished Senior Partner, Martin Collyer. From orchestrating financial balance to crafting comprehensive due diligence strategies and addressing the pivotal need for personalized patient engagement in modern healthcare, Martin has consistently excelled at driving success with real results.

Join Martin and host Colin Miller in this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations to glean crucial insights on:

Nick Spring is no stranger to the complexity of both building and sustaining business across the life sciences. In fact, from the wide-ranging topic of due diligence to the hands-on work of creating diagnostic products and therapeutic solutions, Nick has his finger on the pulse on how to thrive in the life sciences. Join Nick and host Colin Miller on this episode of Fractals: Life Science Conversations to learn about strategizing for success, with key insights on:  

Andrew Beck’s impressive career has spanned various niches across the radiopharmaceutical development sphere. From utilizing a holistic path for building a successful strategy to the key pairing of pharmaceutical sales and patient advocacy, Andrew understands that an integrated approach is paramount to success. On this episode of Fractals: The Life Sciences Questionnaire, dig deeper into radiopharmaceutical development and hear Andrew’s key insights on:

Dr. Deepak Behera is no stranger to the puzzles of radiopharmaceutical development and life sciences marketing. That’s why, on this episode of Fractals: The Life Sciences Questionnaire, he shared his perspectives on holistic clinical development strategies and the importance of breaking siloed communication, as well as: 

Brad Wyman’s seen a few things over his 30-year career: the potential of medical imaging, the limits of biomarker development, and the struggles and successes inherent to translational medicine. Join host Colin Miller as Brad shares stories from the front lines of clinical development. 

With 50+ M&A deals to her name, Dawn Flitcraft knows what it takes to bring successful deals home, and spot problematic projects early on. Join host Colin Miller as Dawn serves as our Aristotle through the ethical landscape of M&A, with valuable takeaways at every turn: