Peter Tummino, President of R&D at Nimbus Therapeutics – Drugging the Undruggable, The TYK2 Success Story, and Overhyping AI in Drug Discovery

In this episode, I talked with Peter Tummino, President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, where he discussed what it takes to build a successful biotech R&D engine. Peter shares his insights on company culture and its impact on drug discovery, the challenges of targeting difficult-to-drug proteins, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in pharma and biotech. He also reflects on leadership in R&D, the evolution of drug discovery strategies, and what excites him most about the future of the industry.

Here's what you are in for:

• How does company culture influence scientific innovation in biotech?
• What are the biggest challenges in drug discovery, and how can teams overcome them?
• What lessons has Peter learned from his time at GSK, AstraZeneca, and Nimbus?
• What does the future of small molecule drug development look like?

Timestamps:

01:09 Career Journey

05:15 Challenges and Lessons Learned

08:33 Overview of Nimbus Therapeutics

10:14 Exciting Clinical Trials at Nimbus

11:39 Culture at Nimbus Therapeutics

15:25 Industry Observations and AI

19:16 Recruitment Insights and Experiences

25:06 Quick Fire Questions

About Peter

Dr. Peter Tummino is the President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech that designs and develops novel small molecule medicines targeting difficult-to-drug proteins. He has been in small molecule drug discovery for over thirty years, including the past 6 with Nimbus.

While at GSK, he contributed to the discovery of the approved oncology drugs (Dabrafenib, Trametinib, and Daprodustat for chronic kidney disease).  At Nimbus, he led discovery during the development of Zaso-ci-tinib, which is currently in Phase 2 & 3 for psoriasis and other I&I clinical indications.

Connect with Peter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-tummino-7496753/

Nimbus Therapeutics: https://www.nimbustx.com/ 

About me

My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.

In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/

Website: https://www.discera-search.com/

Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.