In this episode of The Healthcare Theory, we’re joined by Dr. Arpit Rao, oncologist and co-founder of Ankr Health, a Y Combinator-backed startup using AI to transform cancer care.
We explore his path from running FDA clinical trials to launching a platform that predicts treatment-limiting side effects before they happen. He also discusses the startup’s go-to-market journey, including their first major deal with AstraZeneca, and how they’ve built a solution tailored specifically for the pharma industry. This conversation is a powerful look into how machine learning can improve outcomes, reduce patient drop-off, and reimagine the future of oncology care.
Timestamps:
00:00 – From oncology to founding Ankr Health
01:40 – Early med school startup and first exit
03:00 – Running FDA trials and five drug approvals
04:50 – Why clinical trials take 10+ years
08:30 – $3B problem: patients stopping treatment early
10:45 – The origin story of Ankr Health
13:00 – Predicting side effects with GSEM-4
15:00 – Business model: selling to big pharma
20:10 – Closing Ankr’s first pharma deal with AZ
23:50 – Advice for aspiring non-technical founders