·S1 E5

How Lactiga Is Using Human Milk Antibodies To Change The Lives Of Patients Living With Immunodeficiencies

Aug 30, 2022

39 mins

Episode Description

In this episode of the Making Impact Series, Helen is joined by Viraj Mane, co-founder of Lactiga. Lactiga is an award-winning, venture-backed biotherapeutics company developing novel biologics to treat and prevent infections with a focus on improving the quality of life in patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.

Viraj earned a PhD in Human Genetics from Baylor College of Medicine then completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the U.S. FDA and the University of Maryland spanning immunology, virology, drug delivery and nanotechnology. His leadership of Lactiga’s research and intellectual property programs has led to 3 issued patents, registered trademarks, an NIH Emergency Award, several additional awards, and Sponsored Research Agreements with multiple research institutions.

Lactiga is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel biologics to tackle even the most severe mucosal infections in immunodeficient patients. They are unlocking the full therapeutic value of human milk to create the next generation of anti-infectives that can battle even the world’s most dangerous pathogens.Their technology targeting mucosal infections has the potential to address unmet medical needs in patients of all ages.

1:08 - Introduction to Lactiga & Their Origin Story

6:31 - Going From the Initial Idea to Creating a Business

9:46 - Education & Donations Around Milk Banks

17:10 - The Importance of Networking and Connections in Business

19:50 - Patents & the Venture Capital Process

22:40 - Where Lactiga is as a Company Now

25:25 - Funding Announcement for Lactiga

30:20 - Other Uses for Breast Milk Being Utilized

34:07 - The Future Vision for Lactiga

Resources

Laciga: https://lactiga.com/

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