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Episode #268 Controlling Pandemic Threats, With Marilyn Bruno, PhD, JD

On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast

What would happen if a lawyer and a scientist ran a business? Welcome back to Public Health Epidemiology Conversations! Joining us on this episode is scientist, lawyer, CEO, and women entrepreneur of the year, Marilyn Bruno. She discusses the dangers of biofilm and how her company, AEQUOR, is fighting it. You’ll hear all about what inspired Marilyn to focus on public health, her company’s mission and vision, how AEQUOR’s journey has evolved since it was started, and why they haven’t reached their full potential yet. Marilyn also talks us through the challenges they are facing, namely needing partners, funding, and chemists to synthesize their product. She even talks about what it was like to work with the UN before discussing the differences in risk between viruses and bacteria. Next, Marilyn shares some words of wisdom for people interested in working in this particular area of public health. Finally, we discuss the impact AEQUOR has managed to make so far and what needs to happen in order for them to be FDA-approved. Thank you for listening in!

Meet Marilyn Bruno

Marilyn Bruno, Ph.D., J.D. had a 20-year career in international business and law, for which she was featured in Bloomberg/Business Week and named Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. She then served 16 years in the State Department Foreign Service, managing an Economic Affairs portfolio that included pandemic threats, biodefense and One Health. In 2006, she co-founded Aequor Inc. and joined full-time in 2008 as CEO, focusing on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on Earth and in Space. She coordinates closely with co-founder, Cynthia Burzell, Ph.D., investors, Aequor's Scientific and Business Advisory Boards and contractors assembled to implement the Company’s go-to-market plan to develop new drug candidates to combat AMR pandemic threats. Marilyn is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, New York University and New York Law School.

Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast

Conversation Highlights

An introduction to our guest, Marilyn Bruno.
How Marilyn became interested in public health.
Marilyn tells us what AEQUOR is and what they do.
What AEQUOR focused their attention on early on.
Why AEQUOR’s chemical isn’t being used more.
A challenge the company is facing: needing a good chemical partner.
Why they need large quantities of their chemicals that can be synthesized reliably.
Marilyn tells us about her experience working with the United Nations.
Why bacteria is more dangerous than viruses.
The challenge of partnering AEQUOR is facing right now.
Why biofilm is so dangerous.
Marilyn shares some advice for anyone who is interested in this particular niche.
How AEQUOR has made an impact and success so far.