Episode 30: Chris Barbazette on Biotechnology Commercialization and Global Health

The DNA of Things with Dr. Jeremy Koenig

In this episode of The DNA of Things, Dr. Jeremy Koenig sits down with Chris Barbazette, an experienced leader in biotechnology commercialization, to explore his journey in scaling life sciences and advancing molecular technologies globally. Chris shares his unique career path, starting at Affymetrix and evolving into roles where he champions innovative healthcare solutions, particularly in diagnostic and genomic tools. Together, they discuss the future of personalized medicine, the importance of global access to biotech, and the transformative potential of democratizing genomic technology. This episode provides invaluable insights into how biotechnology is moving toward personalized health solutions on a global scale, impacting everything from cancer research to agricultural genomics and beyond.
What You'll Learn:

• Chris Barbazette emphasizes the importance of bridging science and commercialization to make biotech innovations accessible globally.
• Personalizing medicine through genomics is pivotal in improving health outcomes, as shown by advancements in diagnostic and genomic tools.
• Democratizing access to biotechnology can transform healthcare by making diagnostic tools and genomic information available in underserved areas worldwide.
• Chris’s career path highlights the value of unconventional backgrounds in biotechnology, especially when bringing fresh perspectives to commercialization.
• Collaborative global efforts, particularly in emerging markets, can drive innovation in areas like agricultural genomics and precision medicine.
• Physician and community education on genomics is crucial to maximizing its impact in healthcare, as many professionals require training on the applications and benefits of genomic technology.
• Key projects in genomics include developing technologies for personalized cancer treatment and early detection, offering more targeted options for patients.
• Chris’s work with emerging companies like Backstitch DNA showcases how new DNA stitching technologies may revolutionize fields from agriculture to synthetic biology.

Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-barbazette-98193a3/

LINKS:
https://www.drjeremykoenig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjeremykoenig/
https://www.youtube.com/@drjeremykoenig