Cut the Chat Life Science Insider

A practical conversation on how biotechs can read RFPs differently, avoid the fluency trap, challenge assumptions, and choose vendors that can actually deliver.

Every biotech faces this moment: the RFP looks perfect, polished, aligned, convincing. But does it actually signal readiness?

In this episode, Seuss+ CEO Kieran Engels joins Julia Vassiliadou (F2G) to break down why a beautiful proposal can mislead sponsors, what real signals of vendor readiness look like, and how biotechs can tailor the selection process to avoid costly mistakes.

Together, they unpack:

Clinical systems compliance sounds like a box to tick, until the box breaks your trial.

In this episode, Seuss+ CEO Kieran Engels and Lauren Alani, Director of Digital Innovation, reveal the blind spots many biotechs miss when it comes to system validation and data integrity.

From “fake data” to AI oversight, they unpack why compliance is not just about regulation these days, it’s about protecting the science, the patients, and the investment.

🎙️ Listen now to Beyond the Checklist: The Hidden Risks in Clinical Systems Compliance

📄 Read the whitepaper: Uncovering Hidden Risks in Clini...

Quality isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a biotech differentiator.

What does “quality” really mean in biotech? And why does it so often get treated as a box to tick instead of a strategic advantage?

In this episode of The Life Science Insider, Sabine Hutchison speaks with Sandra van Loon about the realities of quality in biotech and clinical development. Together, they unpack why quality is more than compliance, what happens when it’s neglected, and how founders and leaders can make it a real driver of trust, execution, and long-term success.

🔹 Topics include...

In this episode, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison sits down with Klaas Zuideveld, CEO of Versameb, to discuss the scientific, clinical, and societal implications of RNA-based therapies targeting stress urinary incontinence, a condition affecting hundreds of millions of women worldwide. Klaas shares his insights into Versameb’s lead program, VMB-100, and how their regenerative mRNA platform aims to transform women’s health by offering scalable, minimally invasive solutions. From novel anatomy discoveries and IND clearance to market misconceptions and funding barriers, this conversation unpacks the urgency, and opportunity of driving innovation in underserved therapeutic areas. Together, they explore why...

A look inside the proposal engine room - and how sponsors can rethink pricing, pressure, and partnership.

Why do so many biotech sponsors feel blindsided by CRO proposals and change orders?

In this episode of The Life Science Insider, Kieran Canisius speaks with Joel White, Founder of Marketcap Consulting, about the mechanics behind clinical trial budgets, how CRO pricing actually works, and why misalignment happens.

Joel shares what he’s seen across 70+ pricing strategy projects, including blind spots in sponsor-CRO relationships and equipping teams to better manage expectations and minimize downstream issues.

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In this episode of The Life Science Insider, Kieran Canisius speaks with Limor Ben Har, COO of Prilenia Therapeutics, about what it takes to lead through complexity. Together they unpack the true meaning of biotech resilience - how a science-driven, patient-focused team turned unexpected data into a strategic partnership and renewed momentum.

Limor offers candid insight into neurodegenerative development, market expectations, and the power of staying mission-aligned through it all.

🎧 Subscribe to The Life Science Insider and follow Seuss+ for more behind-the-scenes biotech leadership stories.

The Life Science Insider is back with a brand-new video-first format — and this kickoff episode gets real fast.

In this raw, unscripted premiere, Seuss+ Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Kieran Canisius and Sabine Hutchison flip the script and interview each other—no prep, no pitch, just real talk about what’s quietly breaking biotech programs.

With decades in the biotech trenches, they expose the often-overlooked missteps in vendor selection, investor dynamics, and clinical execution that derail even the most promising studies.

You’ll hear:

In this episode, Christina Busmalis and Sabine dive deep into the evolving intersection of AI and drug development. They explore the challenges and opportunities posed by digital endpoints, AI in drug discovery, and the growing role of sensors in clinical trials. Christina discusses the complexities of integrating AI in scientific processes, emphasizing the importance of trust in AI-generated data and the validation required to make these tools effective in real-world applications. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of hiring in the biotech sector, highlighting how new graduates are bringing fresh perspectives and a willingness to embrace technology...

We explore the transformative potential of digital endpoints in clinical trials, emphasizing their role in revolutionizing data collection for patients, regulators, and payers. Despite the FDA's recent qualification of the first digital endpoint, widespread adoption faces hurdles like unclear benefits, lack of use cases, and implementation complexities.

The Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) addresses these challenges through the "Building the Business Case for Digital Endpoints" initiative. This collaborative effort, involving nearly 40 organizations, aims to develop a framework to demonstrate the value of digital endpoints, aligning them with business goals and industry standards. The initiative provides open-source resources to...

In the second episode of season 2, host Sabine Hutchison, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder, is joined by the dynamic Kirsten Detrick, whose extensive experience in biotech and pharma comes through in her insightful advice to listeners.

Many biotechs think they don't need to focus on the commercialization aspect of the business because they’re planning to sell the asset or partner with another organization to take it to market. Others believe they’ve got such a great molecule it will sell itself. Kirsten doesn’t agree. This episode takes a different look at commercialization, particularly exploring why it’s crucia...

Sabine Hutchison talks to the inspiring investor Stephanie Oestreich.

In the first episode of season 2, host Sabine Hutchison, Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder, is joined by the inspiring Stephanie Oestreich, whose work at the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF) involves applying financial investment, scientific knowledge and valuable connections to reach a cure for every single Myeloma patient.

At MIF, Stephanie uses the investment and drug development knowledge and skills she has gained in several leadership roles in biotech and big pharma.

In this engaging conversation, Sabine talks to Stephanie about the challenges involved in running...

Sabine Hutchison sits down with the incredible Viviënne van de Walle a highly respected principal investigator who brings her wealth of experience to the table, blending clinical research with patient care. As they explore the critical role of communication in successful collaborations, Viviënne shares her insights, stories, and even a bit of humor.

In Episode 4 of "Cut the Chat," host Sabine Hutchison engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Ben Osborn, a prominent figure in the biopharma industry and President of the Europe Eastern Cluster at IDM. This episode explores the dynamic interplay of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The DE&I landscape is vast, intricate, and undeniably crucial, touching on various aspects such as gender, religion, family status, education, nationality, and work background.

Join Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison as she sits down with the accomplished Dr. Allison Jeynes-Ellis, a visionary leader whose journey spans medicine, oncology, and the life sciences. With over three decades of experience, Allison has held key positions in esteemed institutions and collaborated with pharmaceutical giants like Roche, AstraZeneca, and J&J. In this episode, they delve into Allison’s remarkable journey from practicing medicine to assuming the role of CEO at Avillion LLP. Renowned for its innovative life sciences investment approach, Avillion co-develops and finances late-stage pharmaceutical projects. Allison’s insights, cultivated through her extensive career, provide a un...

Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison delves into the remarkable growth strategy and remarkable journey of Agenus Bio, a standout player in the competitive Biotech industry. This unique organization chooses to be purposefully different. Jennifer reveals the story behind their success, discussing the importance of in-house capabilities, a patient-focused approach, and strategic collaborations that have set them apart in this heavily regulated field. Sabine and Jennifer explore the captivating world where science and creativity unite. Discover their secrets to success and get inspired by the boundless possibilities that emerge when these two forces intertwine. Tune in for a riveting...

Seuss+ CEO and Co-Founder Sabine Hutchison is joined by Alan Morgan. Alan has worked as a leader in the industry for 25 years and sits down with Sabine to discuss the importance of measuring what truly matters in clinical trials and the significance of smart Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Biotech companies.