# Episode 190 - Sean MacDonald - CEO Kainova Therapeutics

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-biohub-by-avetix-7252289/episode-190-sean-macdonald-ceo-kainova-therapeutics
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-biohub-by-avetix-7252289/episode-190-sean-macdonald-ceo-kainova-therapeutics.md
Podcast: [The BioHub - by Avetix](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-biohub-by-avetix-7252289)
Published: 2026-06-17T17:50:22+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/max-brennan4/episodes/Episode-190---Sean-MacDonald---CEO-Kainova-Therapeutics-e3ktoos
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/f0076084/podcast/play/121610460/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-5-17%2F426334933-44100-2-a00bf559478a4.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-biohub-by-avetix-7252289/episodes/episode-190-sean-macdonald-ceo-kainova-therapeutics
Duration seconds: 1873

## Resource

In this episode of The BioHub Podcast, Max sits down with Sean MacDonald, CEO of Kainova Therapeutics. Sean has spent more than two decades in biotech, helping build companies through strategy, fundraising, business development, and corporate leadership. Today, he leads Kainova Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company focused on unlocking the potential of GPCR biology in immuno-oncology and inflammatory diseases. In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of Kainova from Domain Therapeutics, the thinking behind the company's rebrand, and why GPCR drug discovery is generating renewed excitement across the industry. We also explore leadership, company culture across international teams, the lessons Sean has learned from decades of partnerships and dealmaking, and what's next for Kainova as the company advances its pipeline.

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## Transcript

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