INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Kurt R. Brunden, Ph.D
Sr. Vice President, Biopharmaceuticals
Athersys, Inc.
1. What is your job title? What are your job responsibilities?
My job title is Sr. Vice President of Biopharmaceuticals.
In this role, I am responsible for the implementation and oversight
of the
company’s small molecule and antibody drug discovery programs.
Departments contributing to the company’s drug discovery efforts
include Pharmacology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology.
2. What is your background? (education and training)
I received a B.S. degree with both biology and chemistry majors
from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from
Purdue University. I also did post-doctoral studies in neurochemistry
at the Mayo Clinic.
3. Where are you employed? Can you tell me something about the company
you work for?
I am employed at Athersys, Inc., which is a local biotechnology-biopharmaceutical
company that is developing therapies targeted to diseases for which
existing treatments are inadequate. In particular, Athersys has programs
directed toward identifying novel drugs to treat obesity, memory
and learning deficits, and asthma. Moreover, the company has a novel
adult stem cell technology that is being optimized for the potential
treatment of a variety of conditions, including cardiovascular, immune
and nervous system disorders.
4. What is a typical day at work like for you?
A typical workday starts around 7:30 a.m.
and ends between 6:00-6:30 p.m. In that time, I perform a variety
of scientific, management
and administrative duties. While I no longer perform “bench” science,
I meet on a regular basis with the various drug discovery project
teams to monitor progress, troubleshoot problems and prioritize future
research. Other aspects of my job include managing external collaborations
that Athersys has with other companies, overseeing the conduct of
contracted research projects and preparing various written reports,
manuscripts and patent applications. Finally, as a member of the
company’s senior management, I often find myself on the road
discussing our research programs with investors and potential future
collaborators.
5. Can you tell me about any particular projects that you are currently
working on?
We are particularly excited about the progress we have made in our
obesity drug discovery program, where we now have a drug development
candidate undergoing formal safety and toxicological testing with
the hope of advancing the compound into clinical testing in 2006.
We are also making good progress in our program to identify a drug
to treat cognitive disorders, such as dementia. Finally, our earlier
stage asthma project looks quite promising.
6. What general work skills do you use on a daily basis?
I wear several hats in my job. Scientifically, I have to be able
to converse with and provide guidance to pharmacologists, chemists
and cell/molecular biologists. An important aspect of my job is making
sure that the programs remain focused and are moving as efficiently
as possible towards the end goal of identifying novel drugs. Thus,
organizational and communication skills play an important role in
my daily life. Finally, good written skills are essential since I
am involved in the preparation of manuscripts, research grants, patents
and other company documents.
7. What advice do you have for someone who wants to pursue a career
in biotechnology?
The term “biotechnology” encompasses
many scientific disciplines, ranging from microbiology to medicinal
chemistry. An
individual can have a successful biotechnology career by concentrating
on any one of these disciplines, or by obtaining a specialized biotechnology
degree. What is important is that the individual acquire a sound
scientific grounding in their respective discipline, have a passion
for science and improving healthcare, are willing to work hard, and
are good team players who recognize that talented scientists working
together can accomplish much more than individual scientists working
alone.
8. Where do you see opportunities in Biotechnology in the next 5-10
years in Northeast Ohio?
I have been in the biotechnology sector in Northeast Ohio for almost
15 years. Unfortunately, during that time there has been only modest
growth in the number of biotechnology jobs and opportunities in the
region. It will be a significant challenge for Northeast Ohio to
build the critical mass needed to be a competitive biotechnology
center that can compete with the Boston, San Francisco or San Diego
areas. Success will depend on the concerted efforts of state and
local governments working with leading academic institutions. My
hope would be that progress can be made in the next 5-10 years, and
I see areas of promise such as the state initiative to advance stem
cell research and a variety of medical device start-ups that are
emerging from local research institutions.
