Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

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The Collapse of the Antibiotics Sector

Mon, October 4, 2021
Dinner Program
Ryan Cirz

Antibiotics were heralded as a turning point in medicine in the mid 20th century. Today, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a growing and formidable challenge to the future of 21st century medicine. Yet, despite this looming danger and demonstrated medical need, the antibiotic drug development sector has deteriorated over the past twenty years, with a rapidly accelerated breakdown starting in 2019. The development of new antibiotics presents scientific challenges that require significant, sustained investment. Ryan Cirz, a biochemist and entrepreneur with a background in molecular biology and genetics, will discuss the scientific, societal, and economic hurdles of developing new antibiotics today.

Ryan Cirz is the CEO/CSO of Revagenix, Inc., a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of life-changing and life-saving medicines. Previously, he was founder and vice president of research at Achaogen where he oversaw the early-stage (pre-investigational new drug) pipeline and provided intellectual insight/support to all things related to infectious diseases, including late-stage development, commercialization, and medical affairs. Achaogen focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative antibacterials to treat multi-drug resistant infections.

Cirz earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Scripps Research Institute and his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology from Penn State University.

 

View Video: YouTube with Ryan Cirz

Food for Thought: Podcast with Ryan Cirz

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

Claremont McKenna College
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Claremont, CA 91711

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