From Kerala to Pittsburgh: Manush Saydmohammed’s Journey in Wound Healing Innovation

TopHealth Media

29 May 2025

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Uprising Show, host Vivek sits down with Manush Saydmohammed, Ph.D., MBA, co-founder and CEO of ZEGENEX Inc., a Pittsburgh-based startup developing innovative wound healing solutions. Manush shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Kerala, India, through a career in biomedical research across India, Japan, and the US, to becoming an entrepreneur driven by the desire to translate cutting-edge science into real-world medical solutions. The conversation dives into how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired Manush to transition from academic research to the world of startups, and explores the science behind ZEGENEX’s groundbreaking small-molecule cream designed to accelerate healing in chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Manush candidly discusses the challenges of moving novel therapies from the lab to the clinic, the importance of patents and collaboration, and the regulatory hurdles unique to new drug entities. They also touch on the exciting future of health tech, from AI-accelerated drug discovery to gene editing and personalized medicine. Manush closes by sharing personal insights on entrepreneurship, including the importance of mindset, adaptability, and the inspiration he draws from innovators like Mark Cuban. Whether you’re passionate about science, startups, or healthcare innovation, this episode offers an inspiring look into the entrepreneurial journey and the potential to make a real impact in patient care. Timestamps: 00:00 From Kerala to the US: Research Journey 04:24 Navigating Transitional Unlearning 07:08 Pioneering Treatment for Chronic Wounds 11:44 Product Success: Feasibility and Viability 16:04 Zebrafish: Ideal Heart Regeneration Model 19:45 Patents Ensure Product Credibility 22:43 New Drug Device Regulatory Pathway 26:46 AI in Drug Discovery 30:27 Stem Cell Industry Exploration 31:33 Diabetic Foot Ulcer Study Phases 36:50 Change Habits, Mark Cuban Inspiration 38:30 "Challenging Fundraising, Hopeful Future" The Uprising Show Website: https://theuprisingshow.com/ Vivek Nanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveknanda1/ Vivek Nanda's Twitter: https://x.com/vickks TopHealth Media Website: https://tophealth.care/ “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”