NYC Gazette

Big pharmaceutical companies may have their names on patients’ prescriptions, but they have become increasingly reliant on academic medical centers and small companies to create the drugs they sell. Collaborations like the one between Weill Cornell Medicine and the Katz School’s M.S. in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship have emerged as catalysts for developing the next generation of drugs, devices, and services.

At the 2024 Symposium on Science, Technology, and Health, Yining Zhang explained his research on antifreeze proteins and peptides made by organisms that allow cells to survive in sub-zero conditions. “The relationship is very symbiotic,” said Dr. Rana Khan, program director of the Katz School’s biotechnology program. “Students work in a consultative capacity with life science startups for the development of new therapies and medical devices. Most important, they can apply what they’ve learned in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.”

Weill Cornell Medicine focuses its research on cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, childhood illnesses, and infectious diseases, especially those that significantly impact the developing world.

In addition to Weill Cornell Medicine, several life science companies and academic programs—Albert Einstein College of Medicine, BIOGVIR, EpiStemyx, Frezent, Biological Solutions, Growmics, and Lucerna—sponsored graduate student capstone research this spring. Each student worked on a project proposed by the client through the 15 weeks of the semester. Projects ranged from an in-depth landscape analysis of mRNA synthesis services to developing bi-specific antibodies for cancer treatment to creating novel games for stroke rehabilitation patients.

Shriya Jitendra Kalburge used software called COMSOL Multiphysics to create simulations showing how temperature changes on the surface of and inside biological samples will improve understanding of freezing processes in food. “Such experiences are the crux of a student’s professional and academic growth,” said Dr. Khan. “I’m grateful to these companies for providing mentoring and guidance to our students during a real-world, hands-on experience.”

This spring, Katz School student Chaya Kestenbaum worked with representatives of Enterprise Innovation at Weill Cornell Medicine to research the feasibility of establishing a centralized hub dedicated to nurturing women’s health innovations. She conducted a market analysis of existing support structures for FemTech innovations at universities, medical centers, and private companies in New York City and throughout the United States. She also compiled information on Weill Cornell Medicine’s proposed hub's uniqueness and relevance and venture capital availability for women’s health initiatives.

“Chaya expanded our understanding of services that are available and the capabilities that already exist in the marketplace,” said Loren Busby, director of Weill Cornell Medicine’s BioVenture eLab. “Katz students are very energetic and very inquisitive. I’m always so impressed by how detailed they are and the high quality of their work. Their entire program is very impressive.”

Sapience Therapeutics has created a new peptide called JunAP important in cancer development and immune suppression. To develop JunAP for medical use, Christine Chery performed an analysis that helped focus on using it for bladder and endometrial cancers. They also found that JunAP might be useful for cancers caused by HPV.

Another Katz School student, Sharon Borenstein is conducting market research for a potential Weill Cornell Medicine spinout proposing various treatments from stem cells. She focuses on understanding how combining therapies can bolster the immune system in treating cancer while researching existing immuno-oncology therapies in anticipation of developing a new cancer drug.

Graduates of Katz School’s M.S. in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship are “prepared to become leaders in innovation,” said Dr. Khan as research analysts; policy analysts; business development associates; clinical trial specialists; regulatory specialists; project managers; among others. The program teaches students how to commercialize biomedical products through specialized coursework and hands-on experiences like those with Weill Cornell Medicine through its capstone course.

“We’re very thankful for this long-standing relationship with the Katz School,” said Busby. “Dr. Khan and I are looking for ways to expand the relationship.”