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The Entrepreneur Behind a Cure: Martin Lehr’s Mission to Outsmart Cancer
Manage episode 483837921 series 2968425
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Cancer touches everyone. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or ourselves, the battle against this relentless disease is deeply personal, and Martin Lehr is on the frontlines. As co-founder and CEO of Context Therapeutics, a publicly traded biotech company, Martin is developing a powerful new class of cancer-fighting drugs known as T-cell engagers. These therapies aim to “uncloak” cancer cells, turbocharge the body’s immune response, and ultimately bend the mortality curve.
This episode isn’t just a technical dive into next-gen biotech, it’s a mission-driven conversation from a founder whose family and personal story fuels his fight. You’ll leave with a new perspective on innovation, resilience, and the next 25 years of cancer care.
Whether you're in healthcare, investing in biotech, or simply want hope for the future, this episode offers insights, strategy, and heart from someone doing the work where it matters most.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Science of T-Cell Engagers
What they are, how they work, and why they may be the key to treating solid tumors that remain incurable today.
The Entrepreneur’s Journey in Biotech
Martin’s career path from research labs to venture capital to founding Context Therapeutics and why he never originally set out to be an entrepreneur.
Personal Motivation Meets Scientific Innovation
How Martin’s family experience with cancer shaped his mission and why his company is betting big on hope-driven science.
The State of the Biotech Industry in 2025
Why one-third of publicly traded biotech companies might disappear and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Navigating Uncertainty and Staying Grounded
How Martin manages leadership challenges, regulatory shifts, and the emotional highs and lows of running a cancer-focused biotech startup.
The Vision for the Next 25 Years
Why the last 25 years of cancer treatment are just the beginning and what the future may hold for patients, doctors, and drug developers alike.
Memorable Quotes
“Cancer cells are clever. They go into stealth mode. T-cell engagers are designed to force them out of hiding.”
“We don’t do research in-house. We’re a development company. Our job is to take promising science and turn it into real-world therapies that work.”
“The biggest success? Every time a patient has a positive outcome with few side effects, that’s the win.”
“The high highs and low lows never last. That balance is the hardest part of being a founder.”
“We’ve made extraordinary progress since the Human Genome Project. The next 25 years will be even more transformational.”
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