About this episode
Can the Dark Genome have the answer to any disease?And if you are wondering, what is the dark genome, you are not alone. And it is absolutely fascinating.Some scientists believe that the dark matter of the genome – previously called junk genome – might have the answer to many, many diseases.With the potential to cure them completely.Today we are speaking about heart fibrosis and also:the richness of the regulatory genomeits function: as a kind of software for the human bodyRNA therapies that are targeted, non-toxic, fast in developmentan absolutely new approach to drugsDr. Samir Ounzain is the CEO of HAYA Therapeutics. A molecular biologist who’s researched dark genome and its roles for over 15 years. While a postdoc at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), he discovered hundreds of long-non-coding RNAs.HAYA Therapeutics selected one of them, called Wisper, to develop a highly targeted drug to address cardiovascular disease. That's for starters. They already work on lung fibrosis, cancer microenvironment, liver, pancreas, and kidney. 3 months after we aired this interview, they signed $1 billion multi-year collaboration with Eli Lilly to target obesity and related metabolic conditions. They are based in both Lausanne, Switzerland and San Diego, US.https://www.hayatx.com/Timestamps:0:00 Dr. Samir Ounzain and HAYA Therapeutics1:14 Over 90% of Human Genome is Called Dark Genome7:12 What is the Dark Genome8:12 What is Epigenetics11:41 Why Are Humans Different from a Fly17:56 Most of Chronic Diseases Are Found in Dark Genome20:17 Types of RNA: Messenger RNA, Non-Coding RNA26:40 Building the Atlas of Cardiovascular Disease Dark Genome30:30 Fibrosis and the RNA Called Wisper38:33 How Can RNAs Be Used As Medicine42:37 Pre-Clinical Results in Heart Fibrosis: When You Block Wisper RNA45:22 Start of Studies in Humans of First in Biology Drugs47:21 HAYA's Atlas of Dark Genome and Search Engine51:28 HAYA in both Switzerland and the US58:34 Thank You, Follow HAYA59:42 Follow X-Health.show, Disclaimer If you've enjoyed listening, you'll make us happy by clicking "Follow" on X-Health.show and leaving a review.The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your healthcare practitioner. The opinions on the show are Alex's or her guests. The podcast does not make any responsibility or warranties about guests statements or credibility. While the podcast makes every effort to ensure that the information shared is accurate, please let us know if you have any comments, suggestions or corrections.
