Juho Jalkanen is the CEO of Faron, a biotechnology company on a mission to bring immunotherapy to as many patients as possible. Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to attack the disease, circumventing the need for more destructive treatments like chemotherapy.
Juho’s dual expertise as a vascular surgeon and business leader enables him to make the business case for their most promising findings and treatments. He discusses how Faron does research, procures investment, and keeps pharmaceutical companies updated as they “de-risk” the product through clinical trials. While many biotech companies shed the research in favour of a safer business model, Juho frames Faron’s steadfast commitment to research as its greatest asset. If the science is strong, they can find the next groundbreaking treatments.
Juho also describes his motivation behind the biggest decision of his career: moving from the surgery to the board room. Ultimately, Faron’s mission is to bring immunotherapy “far on,” from the science lab to the patient, so that as many patients as possible can be saved.
Check out the Faron website.
A special thanks to Norman Broadbent’s Luke Horrigan for suggesting this conversation!
Supported by Norman Broadbent.
Juho Jalkanen
