In this discussion, Dr. Adam Watson, Co-founder and CEO of MeCo Diagnostics, shares the personal and professional experiences that led him to focus on cancer research and, ultimately, to launch his own company. From the profound influence of his family’s battle with cancer to the long and complex journey of developing the MeCo Score™, he walks us through the challenges of translating academic research into a commercial product. Dr. Watson offers insights into the realities of working with a tech transfer office, the hurdles of bringing a biomarker test to market, and the tough decision of leaving academia to pursue entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the knowledge gaps he faced as a first-time founder and the strategies that helped MeCo gain credibility in an industry dominated by large pharmaceutical companies. Finally, we discuss the broader biotech landscape—how LA’s biotech ecosystem can better support startups like MeCo, and what it will take for non–big pharma breakthroughs to gain traction in the market. Whether you're a scientist considering a leap into entrepreneurship or someone interested in the future of precision medicine, this conversation offers valuable lessons in perseverance, innovation, and the intersection of science and business. https://mecodiagnostics.com/ RSVP for BCLA 10th Annual Healthcare Summit: https://lu.ma/pecqtqut
In this discussion, Dr. Adam Watson, Co-founder and CEO of MeCo Diagnostics, shares the personal and professional experiences that led him to focus on cancer research and, ultimately, to launch his own company. From the profound influence of his family’s battle with cancer to the long and complex journey of developing the MeCo Score™, he walks us through the challenges of translating academic research into a commercial product. Dr. Watson offers insights into the realities of working with a tech transfer office, the hurdles of bringing a biomarker test to market, and the tough decision of leaving academia to pursue entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the knowledge gaps he faced as a first-time founder and the strategies that helped MeCo gain credibility in an industry dominated by large pharmaceutical companies. Finally, we discuss the broader biotech landscape—how LA’s biotech ecosystem can better support startups like MeCo, and what it will take for non–big pharma breakthroughs to gain traction in the market. Whether you're a scientist considering a leap into entrepreneurship or someone interested in the future of precision medicine, this conversation offers valuable lessons in perseverance, innovation, and the intersection of science and business.
https://mecodiagnostics.com/
RSVP for BCLA 10th Annual Healthcare Summit: https://lu.ma/pecqtqut