Category: Carnivores

By Chelli Miller Biotech Lead Partner @ Content Carnivores |

We all say it, but it’s true: the drive behind life sciences innovation, the relentless pursuit of cures, is deeply personal. You don’t just work in this field; you invest your heart and soul. My connection to Pacylex Pharmaceuticals and the journey they’re on with AML is a perfect example of a rare intersection of the personal and the professional.

Professionally, this journey started with Pacylex’s CEO, Michael Weickert, Ph.D, someone I’ve known since the very beginning of my two decades in healthcare. I remember his work at Sea Medical, inspired by his family’s experience with extensive hospitalization of their new baby. His emotional personal experience, coupled with his scientific knowledge, helped make the Sea Medical story resonate with me. That same passion fueled Pacylex’s work on a novel approach to treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a particularly brutal cancer, especially for children.

AML, as I’ve come to understand it more deeply, is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It’s an aggressive disease where immature blood cells rapidly accumulate, hindering the production of normal blood cells. It’s particularly devastating in children. Pediatric AML, pediatric cancer in general, presents unique treatment challenges. Children’s bodies metabolize drugs differently than adults, making it difficult to adapt adult treatment protocols. AML in children can be especially aggressive, and relapse is a significant concern. Finding effective therapies for relapsed or refractory AML – when the cancer doesn’t respond to initial treatment – is a major hurdle. Even then, adults are treated first, and only when safety and efficacy is determined, would a child be treated with a new treatment modality. The harsh reality is that the toxicity of existing chemotherapies takes a greater toll on growing children. This is a huge reason we need novel therapies that can also treat our young!

Content Carnivores started working with Pacylex when they were in the preclinical stage. They were developing a completely new way to attack AML. Their lead drug, zelenirstat, is a first-in-class N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor (NMTI). It works by inhibiting myristoylation, a fatty acid modification crucial for certain proteins to function in cancer cell survival and proliferation. In simpler terms, zelenirstat targets key cancer-driving processes that depend on myristoylation, which kills cancer cells at drug levels that don’t harm normal cells. Think of it like this: Cancer cells use myristoylation to help them grow and spread. Zelenirstat is designed to stop that. It’s a novel approach, targeting the disease in ways other treatments don’t.

At about this time, life threw me a cruel curveball. A dear friend, someone I’ve known since I was practically a kid myself, called me. This was a friend whose family I adore – I even named my son after her daughter and son. She told me her 12-year-old granddaughter had been diagnosed with AML. As a new grandmother, myself, the news hit me like a ton of bricks.

My friends are a brilliant family living in the Chicago area. They assembled a team of researchers and experts, leaving no stone unturned. They fought tooth and nail to get their granddaughter into every treatment modality and clinical trial possible. We watched as her little body endured round after round of treatments, hoping against hope for a positive response.

A few devastating years passed for my friends, and Pacylex continued its work. I watched every avenue and every potential treatment be exhausted. Then, just before this beautiful girl’s 16th birthday, she, with heartbreaking grace and acceptance, planned her 16th birthday party or her funeral. There was nothing left to try. Her body was just too weak. I tear up just thinking about this!

And that’s where Pacylex’s work became even more significant to me. Their novel mechanism was something her body hadn’t encountered before. Preclinical studies suggested AML cells, including AML stem cells, are particularly sensitive to zelenirstat. It’s designed to trigger apoptosis and cell death in AML. But it was too late. She had run out of time. We attended her 16th birthday, which was also her funeral. That experience, that loss, is seared into my memory and my heart.

Personally, this child’s diagnosis and battle with AML created a powerful connection to my professional work with Pacylex. I wish that the treatments being developed by Pacylex Pharmaceuticals had been advanced to the point where she might have participated in their trials. This was a perfect case for a Compassionate Use Designation – an FDA designation that allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access investigational drugs or medical devices outside of clinical trials when no other treatment options are available. Zelenirstat data continues to indicate the need for the designation for AML as well as other tumor types.

Fortunately, the company is advancing, meaning others like her will have a fighting chance against this devastating disease.

Today, Pacylex is making real progress. They have clinical data. A published Phase 1 dose escalation safety and tolerability study in 29 heavily pre-treated patients showed that zelenirstat was well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild gastrointestinal side effects. The study also showed that zelenirstat prolonged cancer progression-free and overall survival in solid tumor patients receiving the recommended Phase 2 dose. They’re moving into Phase 2, and the results are promising.

I still see my friends on Facebook, still actively supporting other families battling AML, still organizing blood drives in their daughter’s name. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. Every time I see this, I am reminded of the family’s desperate quest to find trials, novel treatments—anything to help the medical team save their loved one.

This isn’t just a professional interest for me anymore. It’s deeply personal. It reinforces why we do what we do in healthcare. Cancer is personal. We all know someone who’s lost the battle, and we all know countless lives could be saved with the right innovation. We need multiple innovations because each body, at every age, is different.

I’m incredibly proud to be involved in getting the word out about Pacylex’s work. It’s more than just marketing and PR; it’s about advocating for the funding and support companies and families desperately need. We need to accelerate the pace and funding of innovation because every day counts. Every child, every parent, deserves a chance. And that’s why I’m here, telling this story, because it’s not just their story; it’s part of mine.

Marketing is weird. You head in one direction, ie, attempting to foster clinical trials between two countries. And you wind up at an International Film Festival with an all access press pass. I guess that’s why we love it! And why we have multiple agency affiliations connected by our partners and their varied interests. So here’s how a science company ended up doing some non-science related storytelling.

The Background

An ongoing dialogue between BioUtah and various UK trade organizations, including representatives of the British government, continues to strengthen ties between the two regions. Initiated by a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding focused on supporting biotech companies, these discussions have fostered a valuable connection. The program has been designed to create a flow of business ideas and relocations for companies looking to expand into the UK, or vice-versa. Content Carnivores partner, Chelli Miller, has been a part of the progress and has co-authored a proposal for leveraging clinical trials as a ‘first step’ in bringing the MoU to fruition.

The Twist

This burgeoning relationship recently led to a unique opportunity at the Sundance Film Festival. Content Carnivores, a BioUtah Member and a participant in these ongoing discussions, was invited by the UK/Wales Trade Association to film the premiere of “Brides,” which they helped fund. The Carnivores team, including their relationship with film company Rare Sightings, captured the excitement of the premiere at The Egyptian Theatre, the film’s after-party, and the vibrant energy on Main Street. This collaboration exemplifies the unexpected possibilities emerging from this transatlantic partnership. Stay tuned for future developments in the Life Sciences chapter of this evolving story! And the role that Content Carnivores plays in promoting global collaboration.

The Results

BRIDES at Sundance

CHICAGO and PARK CITY, UT – January 5, 2025 – Content Carnivores, a leading healthcare communications firm, is proud to announce its 18th consecutive year participating in the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference and Biotech Showcase in San Francisco. These concurrent events, taking place this January, represent the largest gathering of healthcare, biotech, medtech, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

In general, the Carnivores leadership team will navigate the busy roads at this landmark healthcare intersection to facilitate awareness, meetings, and thought leadership.

On a community level, Carnivores principals will moderate company presentations at Biotech Showcase, presenting emerging and established companies to a global audience.

Clients Taking Center Stage:

Content Carnivores is proud to support several clients who will be present at the conferences during JPM Week, including:

Read the full release here. https://www-contentcarnivores-com.reportablenews.com/pr/contact-carnivores-celebrates-18-years-at-jp-morgan-healthcare-conference-and-biotech-showcase?_gl=1*1qdaws6*_gcl_au*OTA1MDczNjgyLjE3MzU4NTc4MzM.

For years, science companies have struggled to maintain a consistent and engaging social media presence. The long periods between milestones, the difficulty of communicating complex scientific concepts, and the lack of “virality” inherent in this field create unique challenges.

But what if there was a better way?

Based on years of experience and analysis of millions of social media impressions, Content Carnivores developed SPEAR, a system for science communication that keeps your message fresh, relevant, and engaging.

What is SPEAR?

SPEAR is an acronym that stands for:

How SPEAR Works

SPEAR is more than just a content calendar; it’s a philosophy of continuous engagement and relationship building. By focusing on the different aspects of your company and its audience, SPEAR ensures that you’re always providing valuable and interesting content.

Data-Driven Insights

We’ve developed a unique data model that analyzes patterns in social media engagement, allowing us to identify the most effective visuals, keywords, concepts, and posting times. This data-driven approach ensures that your content is optimized for maximum impact.

Visual Storytelling

Science can be complex, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be visually appealing. We use infographics, videos, and other visual elements to bring your science to life and make it more accessible to a wider audience. We also tailor visuals to resonate with different audience segments within the SPEAR framework.

Humanizing Science

We believe that science is ultimately about people. Whether it’s the researchers making groundbreaking discoveries or the patients benefiting from new treatments, we strive to humanize our content by incorporating personal stories and highlighting the real-world impact of your work.

Interactive Engagement

We encourage audience participation through interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, and live events. This helps to build a sense of community and keep your audience engaged.

The SPEAR Advantage

By implementing the SPEAR system, science companies can:

Ready to take your social media to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about the SPEAR method.

Imagine walking into a business with outdated decor, faded posters, and dusty furniture. What impression would you get? Probably not a great one. Your website is the digital face of your company, and just like a physical storefront, it needs a refresh every now and then. But how do you know when it’s time for a website redesign? And how much time, effort, and budget should you allocate?

Many businesses struggle with this decision. Sometimes a rebranding with a new logo and color palette makes it obvious. Other times, a major shift in the company’s direction necessitates a complete overhaul. But what about those times when you’re still offering the same products or services, but your website is starting to show its age?

The 7-Second Rule

Studies show you have just 7 seconds to make a first impression online. Is your website making the most of those precious seconds? An outdated website can convey a lack of innovation, damage your brand image, and even cost you customers. Think about it: if your website looks like it’s from 2015, visitors might assume your business practices are just as outdated.

Signs Your Website Needs a Facelift:

The Website as a Dynamic Tool:

Your website is more than just an online brochure. It’s a dynamic tool that should evolve with your business and the ever-changing digital landscape. Here’s how we approach website revamps to ensure they are efficient and impactful:

Our Unique Process:

  1. Content Audit and Enhancement: We analyze your existing content, identify gaps, and incorporate new information to ensure it’s fresh, relevant, and engaging.
  2. Competitive Analysis: We research your industry and competitors to understand current trends and best practices in website design and messaging.
  3. Visual Refresh: We update your website’s look and feel with modern design elements, high-quality images, and intuitive navigation.
  4. SEO Optimization: We conduct keyword research and implement on-page optimization strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search results.
  5. User Experience Focus: We prioritize user experience (UX) by ensuring your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and accessible to all users.

The Benefits of a Website Revamp:

Investing in Your Online Presence

While a website revamp requires an investment of time and resources, it’s a crucial step in maintaining a strong online presence. A modern, engaging website can pay dividends in the form of increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and ultimately, business growth.

Ready to give your website the refresh it deserves? Contact us for a free website assessment!

Utah’s Life Sciences industry is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by a unique spirit of collaboration. A new video, commissioned by key players like the Governor’s office, the Mayor’s office, state trade associations, university systems, and the financial community, captures the essence of this thriving ecosystem. This video aims to showcase how Utah fosters success in biotech, medtech, and pharma through collaborative partnerships.

The Challenge:

Contact Carnivores was tasked with crafting a narrative that not only highlighted this collaborative environment but also emphasized Utah’s unique strengths. The video needed to:

The Solution:

To achieve these goals, Contact Carnivores implemented a strategic approach:

Honesty, Integrity, and Uniqueness

In a world saturated with information, honesty, integrity, and uniqueness are paramount in video storytelling. This project prioritized authenticity, portraying the genuine collaborative spirit and the real people driving Utah’s life sciences success. By showcasing the unique aspects of Utah’s environment, lifestyle, and community support, the video stands out from generic promotional materials.

The Outcome:

The resulting video is a powerful testament to Utah’s collaborative approach and the thriving Life Sciences community. It will be used for:

Key Takeaways:

This project exemplifies the power of video to tell a compelling and authentic story. By combining strategic filming, diverse interviews, stunning visuals, and a commitment to honesty and uniqueness, Contact Carnivores successfully captured the essence of Utah’s Life Sciences ecosystem and its unique appeal. This video is poised to play a crucial role in driving future growth and success for the state’s life sciences industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated almost every industry, and drug discovery is no exception. The promises are tantalizing: faster development times, reduced costs, and potentially even the discovery of new drugs for previously untreatable diseases. But amidst the hype and excitement, crucial questions remain: Is AI drug discovery truly delivering on its promises? What are the challenges faced by companies in this space? And how are some companies, setting themselves apart?  

The Current State of AI Drug Discovery in the US

AI is making waves in the US drug discovery landscape. Several major pharmaceutical companies and biotech startups are actively using AI to streamline their drug discovery processes. Some examples include:  

While the exact number of AI-developed drugs on the market is limited, the potential is vast. Several AI-developed drugs are currently in various stages of clinical trials, raising hopes for breakthroughs in the near future.  

Public Perception and Challenges

The public perception of AI in drug discovery is largely positive, with many seeing it as a powerful tool for accelerating drug development and improving patient outcomes. However, there are also concerns. Some people worry about the potential for job losses in the pharmaceutical industry due to automation. Others raise concerns about the ethical implications of AI in medicine, particularly around issues of data privacy and bias.

Companies in the AI drug discovery space face several challenges:

Expert Insights

Experts in the field acknowledge both the potential and the challenges of AI in drug discovery. Here are some notable quotes:

Differentiating Through Data and Experience

In a crowded AI drug discovery landscape, Salt Lake City-based Moleculern is carving out a unique niche. Their strategy focuses on “developing drugs differently”, emphasizing their proprietary data library, extensive experience, and proven track record of success.

Moleculern’s founders bring a wealth of experience, having developed multiple drugs and founded successful companies in the pharmaceutical space. Their AI discovery platform is powered by a unique combination of wet lab data and other assets, allowing them to significantly reduce drug development time. Their focus on “differently” extends beyond speed, encompassing the quality and potential of the compounds they develop.

Their revamped website, launched in July 2024, reflects this focus. It’s a streamlined, user-friendly platform that tells a clear story about their approach. They acknowledge the sobering statistic that only one in 10,000 drugs reaches FDA clearance, and their mission is to improve those odds.

The Future of AI Drug Discovery

AI drug discovery is undoubtedly a rapidly evolving field. While challenges remain, the potential benefits are enormous. Companies like Recursion, with their unique data-driven approach and focus on quality, stand poised to make significant contributions to the future of medicine. It’s not simply about developing drugs faster; it’s about developing them differently, with a greater chance of success and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The AI drug discovery gold rush is here, and it’s not just hype – it’s a real opportunity to revolutionize the way we develop medicines.

In the ever-evolving world of biotech, staying afloat requires more than just groundbreaking science. It demands resilience, adaptability, and a knack for storytelling. This is the story of GeoVax ( $GOVX ), a company that emerged from the crucible of the AIDS crisis, weathered the storms of public opinion, and ultimately found its footing by embracing a consistent and strategic approach to communication.

Early Days and Reinvention: GeoVax emerged from Emory University during the AIDS crisis, armed with a promising technology platform that had the potential to revolutionize vaccine development. Early trials even hinted at a possible cure for AIDS. However, funding for AIDS research was scarce, and the company faced an uphill battle. Going public added to the pressure, and the politicized nature of the AIDS crisis further complicated their efforts. To survive, GeoVax needed to reinvent itself. They shifted focus to their versatile platform, which was based on the science behind the smallpox vaccine. Despite the potential, public interest in vaccines was low, and the anti-vaccination movement presented a significant challenge.

The Social Media Strategy: To navigate this challenging landscape, GeoVax partnered with Content Carnivores to develop a comprehensive communication strategy. They recognized the need to stay in the public eye and connect with retail investors who were uncertain about the company’s future. The strategy centered around creating a series of engaging social media posts and LinkedIn presentations. These posts featured original images that showcased the science behind their platform and highlighted its potential applications. They also leveraged company press releases and actively engaged with affinity groups affected by various diseases.

Riding the Waves of Public Interest: GeoVax cleverly linked their content to disease outbreaks that captured public attention. When the Zika virus threatened pregnancies in South America, they were there to discuss their platform’s potential for developing a vaccine. Similarly, they addressed concerns about Ebola in Sudan and the ongoing fight against malaria. This strategy allowed them to demonstrate the broad applicability of their technology. The turning point came with the COVID-19 pandemic. GeoVax was perfectly positioned to contribute to the global fight against the virus. They actively pursued government grants and continued to refine their technology. While mRNA vaccines took center stage, GeoVax remained persistent, sharing their progress and engaging with investors on social media and LinkedIn.

Building Momentum and Trust: GeoVax’s efforts started to pay off. They secured tens of millions of dollars in funding from investors who had been following their journey. The company successfully uplisted to NASDAQ from the OTC market, fueled by the renewed interest in their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move further boosted their credibility and allowed them to generate even more compelling content, showcasing the growing interest and investment in their technology. With increased funding, they advanced their clinical trials, generating proof of concept and expanding to multiple trial sites. This provided a continuous stream of positive news to share with investors and further solidified their position in the biotech industry.

The Payoff: GeoVax’s perseverance ultimately led to a major breakthrough. After countless grant applications and networking efforts, they were awarded a $350 million BARDA grant to pursue next-generation COVID-19 vaccines. Their consistent online presence also allowed them to capitalize on the monkeypox outbreak, raising additional capital as their vaccine showed promise. All of these successes were built on a foundation of consistent communication, strategic opportunism, and a commitment to staying engaged with their audience.

Key Takeaways:

Social Media is a Powerful Tool: Use it to tell your story, connect with investors, and build brand awareness.

The anti-obesity drug market is booming. Big Pharma companies like Eli Lilly & Co (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) are racing to develop and acquire products that target the GLP-1 receptor system, the key mechanism behind blockbuster drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. With Goldman Sachs forecasting the market to reach a staggering $100 billion by 2030, the competition is fierce. But amidst these giants, a small Utah-based company called Biolexis is poised to disrupt the landscape with a fresh perspective and a promising pipeline of “metabolic longevity” products.

Shedding Old Skin: A Website as a Catalyst for Change

Biolexis, despite its strong scientific foundation and innovative approach, initially struggled to communicate its unique vision. Their website, a relic of past ventures, lumped them in with countless other companies vying for attention in the crowded biotech space. It was a confusing mix of information about oncology, longevity, metabolic products, and AI drug discovery – a digital hodgepodge that failed to convey a clear message or differentiate Biolexis from the competition.

This lack of clarity hindered their ability to attract investors and partners, crucial for a small company looking to make a big splash in a rapidly growing market. They needed a way to stand out, to tell their story effectively, and to establish themselves as a serious contender.

Content Carnivores to the Rescue: A Digital Transformation

Enter Content Carnivores, a marketing agency with a proven track record of helping companies find their voice and connect with their audience. Recognizing the potential of Biolexis’s preclinical obesity drug and the urgency of the market opportunity, Content Carnivores embarked on a digital transformation.

They understood that in today’s digital age, a company’s website is often the first impression, a virtual storefront that can make or break a deal. As Forbes magazine puts it, “Without a clearly communicating website, people may question your legitimacy as a business. Having a website is an opportunity to make a great first impression and give people comfort that you’re a real business.”  

Content Carnivores stripped away the clutter and confusion, crafting a website that focused on the human aspect of longevity. They shifted the narrative from just weight loss to the broader concept of metabolic longevity, highlighting the interconnectedness of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia. The new website presented a compelling story about Biolexis’s approach to health and aging, using human images combined with scientific visuals to create an emotional connection with visitors.

This strategic shift aligns with Biolexis’s development of multiple products that leverage GLP-1 but extend beyond simple weight loss. As their website explains, “Also in their metabolic pipeline is AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) which is emerging quickly as an additional target for obesity, as well as overall health, and longevity.” This broader approach positions Biolexis not just as a player in the anti-obesity market, but as a pioneer in the emerging field of metabolic longevity.

The GLP-1 Gold Rush: A Market Ripe for Disruption

The current market leaders, Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have seen explosive growth driven by their GLP-1 drugs. Novo Nordisk, for example, reported that GLP-1 drugs accounted for over 55% of its total revenue in 2023, with sales doubling to $18 billion. Lilly is experiencing similar success with tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

But Biolexis believes it has a key advantage: oral delivery.

The Advantages of Biolexis Begin with Delivery

Biolexis has a GLP-1 agonist in preclinical studies that management believes could be best-in-class. There are two key differentiators of the Biolexis drug. First, Biolexis’ drug is an oral small molecule, whereas drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are peptides given via a subcutaneous injection. And second, unlike most GLP-1 agonists, Biolexis has a unique chemical structure from the majority of other oral small molecule agonists in development.

This is a crucial differentiator in a market dominated by injectable medications. By offering an oral alternative, Biolexis can potentially capture a significant share of the market by appealing to patients seeking convenience and ease of use.

On the website, showing a pill an underscoring this difference is a simple but critical difference between the old site and the new site. Many such clarifications were executed to make the company stand out on its strengths.

Beyond the Pill: A Vision for the Future

Biolexis’s commitment to innovation and its focus on metabolic longevity position the company as a potential leader in this rapidly evolving field. By combining cutting-edge science with a human-centered approach, Biolexis is poised to not only compete with the big players but also to redefine the future of metabolic health. And with a website that clearly communicates its vision and values, Biolexis is well-equipped to attract the attention and investment needed to achieve its ambitious goals.