Are AI in healthcare, genomics, epigenetics, and 3D genome architecture about to reset how You think about precision medicine?
Ewan Hunter, Chief Data Officer at Oxford BioDynamics Plc, joins GCS CEO David Bloxham on the GCS Connect Leader Series to unpack how 3D genome "loops," epigenetics, and precise biomarker discovery are moving from sci fi to clinical reality. You'll hear how Oxford BioDynamics uses algorithmic "anchor points" (think GPS for the genome) to cut cost and time vs. blind discovery—and how this translates into real-world impact like reducing PSA false positives in prostate cancer screening and predicting response to checkpoint inhibitors.
What you'll learn:
•Why the "dark genome" isn't junk: 3D DNA loops bring distant regions together to control gene expression—and often carry the signal diagnostics need
•OBD's edge: Using known 3D anchor points (~15M) as "GPS coordinates" to boost precision, reduce cost, and shorten turnaround time
•Real-world use cases: Prostate screening that lowers PSA false positives; tools to assess response to oncology checkpoint inhibitors
•AI, ML, and LLMs in life sciences: Where they add value today, and where rigorous validation is still essential
•Leadership in fast-moving biotech: Balancing long-term product vision with short-term operational demands; keeping one person always on product
•Go-to-market and adoption: Designing for clinical reality (cost, speed, clarity), building partnerships, and navigating NHS and funding challenges
•What's next: Scaling the tech stack, engaging more paying customers, and accelerating evidence generation
Episode highlights and chapters:
00:00 Intro and why this conversation matters
01:12 Meet Ewan Hunter (CDO, Oxford BioDynamics) + Oxford BioDynamics overview
03:33 From sci fi to clinic: Gattaca, genome sequencing, and real-world constraints
06:20 The "dark genome" explained: 3D architecture and epigenetic control
09:05 OBD's "GPS for the genome": Anchor points vs. blind discovery
12:30 Use cases: Prostate screening (reducing PSA false positives) and checkpoint inhibitor response
15:45 Data at scale: Cloud, containerization, MLOps, and multi omics pipelines
18:10 LLMs and reasoning tools in biology: promise and limits
21:00 Clinical adoption, NHS realities, and the evidence bar
24:00 Leadership when tech evolves fast: frameworks, regulation, and teams
27:15 Strategy in practice: Protecting long-term vision while shipping short-term wins
29:50 Team design: Computational scientists, software engineers, DevOps, statisticians, biologists
32:00 Commercialization: Partnerships, product-market fit, and scaling
34:40 The next 12 months: Priorities and milestones
36:00 Wrap-up and resources
Key takeaways:
•Precision beats volume: Known 3D genomic anchor points accelerate discovery and reduce waste
•Design for adoption: Cost, speed, interpretability, and clinical pathways matter as much as accuracy
•Keep product alive: Always have at least one person focused on product development
•Validate responsibly: Use LLMs for reasoning, but require auditable, clinically validated outputs
•Translate complexity: Clear UX, decision support, and glossaries drive clinician confidence
Guests:
Ewan Hunter, Chief Data Officer, Oxford BioDynamics Plc
Host: David Bloxham, CEO, GCS
Note:
This content is for information only and is not medical advice.
#Genomics #Epigenetics #3DGenome #PrecisionMedicine #AIinHealthcare #Diagnostics #Oncology #Biotech #DigitalHealth
