Better Cancer Drugs for Kids: Julie Grant and Sam Blackman on The Long Run

Today we have a pair of guests on The Long Run — Julie Grant and Sam Blackman.

Julie Grant, co-founder, Day One Biopharmaceuticals; general partner, Canaan Partners

Julie is a venture capitalist – a general partner at Canaan Partners. Sam is a pediatric oncologist and drug developer. After a routine business meeting, they realized they had something in common. They both believed that the pharmaceutical industry can — and should – find a way to do a better job of developing cancer drugs for kids.

So they did what scientific entrepreneurs do. They took a gamble, and tried to figure out how to do something that hadn’t been done before. They poured a lot of time and energy into fleshing out a concept of a purpose-built precision oncology company that puts the needs of children first. That concept became San Francisco-based Day One Biopharmaceuticals. Julie is the board chair, and Sam serves as chief medical officer.

Sam Blackman, MD, PhD; co-founder and chief medical officer, Day One Biopharmaceuticals

I wrote about the company a couple times for Timmerman Report a couple times before it went public, and subscribers can go back and read those articles from May 2020 and February 2021. The company now has a market valuation of more than $1.5 billion on the day of this recording. Side note here–if Day One is successful, its work could spill over and benefit adult cancer populations as well – but I digress.

Julie and Sam are creative, tireless people committed to helping kids with cancer. I think you’ll enjoy hearing them talk about this new journey in applying science for the betterment of human health.

Before we get started, here’s a word from the sponsor of The Long Run.

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Watch Leonardo read his amazing love letters at thermofisher.com/GibcoLoveYourCells.

Now please join me and Julie Grant and Sam Blackman on The Long Run.