Blazing Trails In Biotech

“As a doctor, I learned to listen and empathize. Finance taught me strategy and data-driven decision-making. Together, these skills shape how I lead today.” — Dr. Shalabh Gupta

Shalabh Gupta’s journey is anything but typical. From a childhood inspired by his father’s medical practice in India to founding and leading Unicycive Therapeutics in the U.S., the physician-turned-entrepreneur has defied expectations at every step. 

“My father didn’t just treat illnesses—he transformed lives,” Gupta says. “Watching him listen to patients and connect with their concerns showed me that healthcare is about compassion as much as it’s about science.” This philosophy became the foundation of Gupta’s career.

Growing up in India, Gupta received a world-class medical education at one of the country’s top schools. At the same time he saw the harsh realities of healthcare disparities. In the 1970s, India’s poverty rate was notably high. In 1973-74, nearly 55% of the population - roughly 321 million people - lived below the poverty line.

As such, advanced diagnostic technologies like MRIs were often out of reach, and access to care varied widely. 

That desire to help people led him to move to the U.S. where he found new opportunities—and new challenges. Gupta knew he’d have to prove himself in a highly competitive system. “I told myself that if I worked harder than anyone else, I’d succeed. That mindset carried me through,” he says.

Gupta’s early experiences as a physician laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial vision. 

Frustrated by the inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system, he decided to tackle them head-on. To prepare himself, Gupta pursued a Master’s in Public Administration at NYU, focusing on Health Care Finance and Management. 

This education became a cornerstone of Gupta’s leadership philosophy. “Blending public service values with financial acumen has allowed me to create solutions that prioritize patient care while being fiscally responsible,” he said in an August 2024 interview.

"An extraordinary mix of roles"

His professional path is marked by an extraordinary mix of roles. He’s been a practicing physician, a Wall Street analyst, and now a biotech CEO. Each chapter of Dr. Gupta's career added a layer to his leadership approach.

The transition from medicine to biotech wasn’t without challenges. Gupta faced skepticism about his unconventional background. “I didn’t have an undergraduate degree or a formal business education. I was rejected over and over,” he recalls. But he didn’t let those rejections deter him. “I focused on what I could control—convincing people I could bring value, even if my path was different.”

This determination paid off when Gupta founded Unicycive Therapeutics (NASDAQ: UNCY) in 2018, a company dedicated to developing treatments for rare diseases. The company is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on treatements for rare diseases. Unicycive’s mission is clear: to bring life-changing medicines to market, particularly for conditions with limited treatment options. The company’s lead drug, Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC), exemplifies this approach. Previously shelved by another company, OLC caught Gupta’s attention as a compound with untapped potential. OLC is an investigational phosphate-binding agent designed to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis.

“I saw an opportunity to breathe new life into OLC,” Gupta says. “But convincing investors wasn’t easy. We had to prove its value and chart a path for expedited development.”

Gupta’s team approached the FDA early to explore accelerated pathways. “We used creative strategies to move the needle, and that mindset has been key to our progress,” he explains.

Focusing on rare diseases is more than a business decision for Gupta—it’s a personal mission. “These patients are often overlooked, and their options are limited. That drives me to find solutions,” he says.

Innovate, Innovate, Innovate

Before starting Unicycive, Gupta worked at Genentech, a period he describes as transformative. “Genentech showed me how culture drives innovation,” he says. “The environment there encouraged collaboration and risk-taking. I’ve carried those lessons with me ever since.”

At Unicycive, innovation isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. Gupta views biotech development as a “relay race,” where each phase demands a specialized focus. “Success comes from knowing when to pass the baton and staying disciplined,” he says.

The company also fosters a culture of continuous learning. “We align our work with scientific advancements and market trends to ensure we’re always at the cutting edge,” Gupta shares.

Gupta has ambitious plans for Unicycive’s future. “In the next five to ten years, I see us leading the charge in rare diseases and nephrology,” he says. “We want to transform patient care and build lasting partnerships across the healthcare landscape.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Gupta offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to start small. Stay humble, work hard, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.”

Gupta isn’t just focused on profits—he’s thinking about the legacy he’ll leave behind. “I want to build treatments that truly improve lives and create a company culture driven by purpose,” he says.

Gupta’s impact extends beyond the lab. His global perspective, shaped by experiences across continents, influences how he approaches healthcare. “Having worked in different systems, I understand the importance of culturally sensitive and accessible solutions,” he says.

Gupta draws inspiration from many sources, including gardening, books, and family. One standout is Phil Knight’s biography, Shoe Dog. “It taught me that success often comes down to resilience and believing in your mission,” he shares.

Despite his demanding schedule, Gupta prioritizes his family. Gardening and learning guitar with his son offer him a chance to recharge. “Gardening teaches patience, which is invaluable in drug development,” he says. His family provides the grounding he needs to navigate the highs and lows of running a biotech company.

He also finds meaning in small, incremental progress. “Whether it’s gardening or running an IPO, breaking things down into manageable steps keeps you moving forward,” he says.

Through his work at Unicycive, Gupta aims to leave a legacy that blends innovation with empathy. “I want to make a real difference in patients’ lives,” he says. “And I want to build a team that’s driven not just by success but by a shared sense of purpose.”

From overcoming rejections to driving breakthroughs in biotech, Dr. Shalabh Gupta exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and determination. His story proves that with the right mindset, you can redefine the future of healthcare—and inspire others to do the same.