Recent Publications

Q: To start, can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue a career in clinical pharmacology?

I’ve always had a passion for science and medicine. Growing up, I was fascinated by how medications could alter the course of diseases and improve lives. This interest led me to pursue a degree in pharmacology at a university in the United States. The US has a very advanced pharmaceutical research environment, and I wanted to be part of that cutting-edge community.

Q: After graduating in the US, you made the decision to return to Poland. What motivated this move?

It was a combination of personal and professional reasons. I was born in Poland but moved to the US at the age of 14. Living in the US, I met great mentors whose guidance led me all the way to and past my doctoral studies. I never forgot my roots, and after 20 years in the US, I felt I wanted to contribute to the country where my family still lives. Professionally, I saw an exciting opportunity to be part of Poland’s growing biotech sector. The landscape here is rapidly evolving, and I wanted to be involved in that growth.

Q: That sounds like a significant change. What has your experience been like working in Poland compared to the US?

It’s been a very rewarding experience. There are definitely differences in the working environment and culture, but the scientific community here is very vibrant and innovative. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and a desire to push boundaries, which is very motivating. Additionally, being part of a smaller but rapidly growing industry means that there are many opportunities to make a significant impact.

Q: You’re currently working for Auxilius, a startup biotech company developing a new formulation drug for chronic stable angina. Can you tell us more about this project and what makes it unique?

Absolutely. Chronic stable angina is a condition that affects many people worldwide, and there is a need for more effective and convenient treatments. Our startup is developing a novel drug formulation aimed at improving the quality of life for these patients. What makes our approach unique is that we’re focusing on a novel formulation that optimizes the drug’s dosing and absorption while minimizing side effects. This could lead to better compliance and, therefore, management of the condition with fewer complications for patients.

Q: That sounds very promising. What stage is the project currently in, and what are the next steps?

We’re currently in the early clinical testing phase, where we’re assessing the pharmacokinetic profile of our formulation in clinical settings. The next steps involve advancing to clinical trials, where we can evaluate the drug in patients with chronic angina. This is a critical stage that will determine the viability of our formulation. If all goes well, we hope to move toward regulatory approval and eventually bring the drug to market.

Q: What challenges have you faced in this journey, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been securing funding. Startups often struggle with this, especially in the early stages. We’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of investors who believe in our vision. Another challenge is the regulatory landscape, which can be quite complex. However, we have a strong team with extensive experience in navigating these processes, which has been invaluable.

Q: Outside of your professional life, is there any fact about you that you’d like to share?

Sure, something fun is that I’m an avid hiker and photographer. Poland has some beautiful mountain ranges, like the Tatra Mountains, and I try to go hiking and photograph there whenever I get the chance. It’s a great way to unwind and find inspiration in nature.

Q: Hiking and photography sound like wonderful ways to relax. Finally, what advice would you give to young scientists who are considering a career in pharmacology or thinking about returning to their country of origin to work?

My advice would be to stay curious and open-minded. Science is all about exploration and innovation. For those considering a return to their country of origin, I’d say it can be as exciting and fulfilling as engaging and exploring a new scientific frontier. Bringing your expertise and perspective can enrich the local scientific community. It’s a chance to make a real difference and be part of something exciting.