EP 112: Making the leap: the scientists collaborating to transform genetic targets into next generation treatments, with David Ochoa

The Genetics Podcast

This week on The Genetics Podcast Patrick is joined by David Ochoa, Platform Coordinator at Open Targets. They discuss how the Open Targets platform is enabling game-changing collaboration between academic research and big pharma. Working with partners including Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech and Pfizer, Open Targets powers collaboration between some of the world’s biggest drug development pioneers and most renowned academic institutions with the goal of accelerating production of effective drug treatments.
But while the pre competitive approach enables huge time and money savings for all stakeholders, it relies on effective coordination and alignment - David explains how Open Targets tackles the inherent challenges to allow this world-leading consortium to build the future of next generation treatments.

00:03 Introduction

04:33 The types of data sets used for target discovery

08:08 Managing the heterogeneity of data sets

13:29 David Ochoa's career trajectory, and entry into Open Targets

18:28 Addressability of diseases and targets by different modalities

22:24 Retrospective analysis of genetic evidence in drug approvals

36:58 Future focus on revamping Open Targets genetics

39:54 Exploring somatic variation and mutational scanning

42:49 Clinical trial stoppage

48:22 Closing remarks