In a recent discussion with Jared S. Taylor, Pouria Sanae, Co-Founder & CEO of ixlayer, shared insights into the company’s role in transforming diagnostic testing and his perspective on the future of healthcare. ixlayer is a pioneering enterprise platform that integrates numerous services and labs to support large-scale diagnostic testing in the biopharma and life sciences, as well as pharmacy retail and distribution sectors.
Key Highlights
- ixlayer, led by CEO Pouria Sanae, aims to transform diagnostic testing by integrating services and labs to improve patient access and experience.
- Positive industry outlook for 2024 discussed at the JPM event, with ixlayer at the forefront of promising biopharma conversations.
- Despite regulatory challenges, ixlayer sees opportunities in at-home diagnostics for early patient identification and health management.
- Strategic partnerships and innovative sample collection technologies are key to making health screenings more accessible and engaging for patients.
Q&A
Introduction and ixlayer’s Vision
Pouria Sanae: I’m Pouria Sanae, Co-Founder & CEO of ixlayer. Our company is at the forefront of enabling large-scale diagnostic testing with a focus on improving patient experience and accessibility. By integrating with over 42 services and 27 labs, we aim to simplify lab testing in complex settings, including at-home diagnostics.
Experience at JPM 2024 and Industry Sentiment
Pouria Sanae: The event was a bit quieter this year, which allowed for deeper, more intimate conversations. Despite the challenges of 2023, there’s a sense of optimism for 2024, especially within the biopharma space. Our discussions with both current and potential customers were very promising.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Diagnostic Space
Pouria Sanae: Diagnostics are key for patient engagement and acquisition, especially with the shift towards at-home testing. However, regulatory challenges, such as those from the FDA, can slow down progress. Despite these hurdles, there’s tremendous opportunity for diagnostics to improve early patient identification and save lives.
Most Exciting Developments at ixlayer
Pouria Sanae: I’m particularly excited about the new drugs and therapies that necessitate lab testing for identification. The shift towards patient education and direct-to-consumer initiatives by pharmaceutical companies marks a move towards a more patient-centric healthcare model.
ixlayer’s Approach to Partnerships
Pouria Sanae: Partnerships are crucial for us. We aim to empower organizations across various health conditions with our diagnostic testing platform, improving disease awareness, early detection, and management. This collaborative approach is central to our mission of making diagnostic testing more accessible.
The “Shiny Red Ball” ixlayer Decided NOT to Chase
Pouria Sanae: Initially we were heavily focused on genomics. However, we realized the broader application of our platform. During COVID-19, we pivoted away from focusing solely on COVID-19 testing to explore more sustainable opportunities aligned with our mission.
How to Decide Build vs. Buy
Pouria Sanae: Our decisions are mission-driven. We evaluate whether an opportunity aligns with our goal of making lab testing accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. The current economic environment has made us more cautious, emphasizing strategic investments that contribute directly to our core objectives.
Interesting Healthcare Investment Areas (Outside of ixlayer)
Pouria Sanae: I’m fascinated by the advancements in sample collection technology that enable at-home testing. This innovation is crucial for making routine health screenings more accessible and convenient, potentially transforming patient engagement in their own health management.
