Patent Attorney and Founder
Artificial intelligence is changing industries across the globe, but nowhere is its potential more exciting than in healthcare and biotechnology. In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Michael Holden, Ph.D., founder of Fabricogen, to discuss how AI is transforming protein engineering, drug discovery, and the future of pharmaceutical innovation.
Michael shares his journey from academic research on Alzheimer’s disease to leading scientific teams in the biotech industry before launching Fabricogen. He explains how his company combines proprietary AI models with laboratory validation to dramatically accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic proteins.
Along the way, the conversation explores entrepreneurship, intellectual property, commercialization, and why protecting innovation with patents remains essential in emerging technologies. Whether you’re an inventor, startup founder, scientist, or entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into building breakthrough technology in one of the world’s most complex industries.
Key Takeaways
- AI is dramatically reducing the time required to discover and test new therapeutic proteins.
- Michael Holden founded Fabricogen after identifying an opportunity to combine advanced AI with laboratory validation.
- Patent protection plays a critical role when developing cutting-edge biotechnology.
- Commercial relationships and industry expertise can be just as valuable as the technology itself.
- The future of pharmaceutical innovation will increasingly rely on AI-assisted discovery while maintaining rigorous scientific validation.
Bold Inventor Show Transcript
Welcome Back
J.D. Houvener:
Welcome to the Bold Inventor Show! I’m J.D. Houvener, joined as always by my co-host, Matt Kulseth. Great to have you back, Matt.
Matt Kulseth:
It’s great to be back. We just returned from a month-long family trip to Japan. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and even spent time in the mountains. It was an incredible experience. The culture is so respectful, organized, and different from what we’re used to in the United States.
J.D. Houvener:
Meanwhile, we’ve been finishing a backyard pool project at home. It’s been quite an adventure watching a massive crane lift the fiberglass pool over the house!
Community Q&A
What Happens If You Don’t Respond to a Trademark Office Action?
J.D. Houvener:
One of our viewers asked what happens if someone ignores a trademark objection.
Matt Kulseth:
If the USPTO issues an Office Action, you must respond within the required deadline. If you don’t, the trademark application will generally become abandoned. In some situations, applicants may petition to revive an abandoned application, but it’s much better to respond before the deadline passes.
Should You Sell or License Your Patent?
J.D. Houvener:
Another viewer asked whether it’s better to sell a patent outright or receive royalties over time.
It really depends on your goals and your tolerance for risk. A lump-sum payment provides certainty, while a royalty arrangement can potentially earn more over time. However, royalty agreements usually require ongoing management and enforcement.
The important thing is recognizing that if someone wants to license or purchase your invention, you’ve already accomplished something significant by creating technology with real commercial value.
Interview with Michael Holden, Ph.D.
Introducing Fabricogen
J.D. Houvener:
Today we’re joined by Michael Holden, Ph.D., founder of Fabricogen. Michael, tell us a little about yourself and what led you to start the company.
Michael:
I earned my Ph.D. studying protein folding and Alzheimer’s disease before spending several years in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist and research leader.
After my previous company went through a reduction in force, I reached a crossroads. Rather than relocating my family again, I decided to begin consulting. That consulting work eventually led to inbound opportunities, new ideas, and ultimately the creation of Fabricogen.
Our company combines advanced AI protein models with laboratory validation. Many companies excel at artificial intelligence but lack laboratory capabilities, while others have exceptional labs but limited AI expertise. We’re bringing those two worlds together.
What Exactly Is Protein Engineering?
J.D. Houvener:
Let’s assume I know absolutely nothing about proteins. What exactly are we talking about?
Michael:
Proteins are chains of amino acids that fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Those structures determine how proteins function throughout the body.
They’re responsible for much of the structure and function inside every cell. Understanding how proteins fold and behave allows scientists to design new therapies, improve existing medicines, and solve biological problems much more efficiently.
AI Is Speeding Up Drug Discovery
J.D. Houvener:
Give us the elevator pitch. What makes Fabricogen different?
Michael:
We’ve created a closed-loop system where our proprietary AI models generate protein designs, those designs are tested in the laboratory, and the resulting data immediately improves the models.
Traditionally, discovering therapeutic antibodies can take years. With our approach, many of the earliest discovery steps can happen in hours instead of months.
The goal isn’t replacing science, it’s dramatically accelerating it.
The Future of Pharmaceutical Innovation
Matt Kulseth:
What excites you most over the next five to ten years?
Michael:
Beyond designing proteins, AI will improve clinical trial design, patient recruitment, and many of the slowest parts of the drug development process.
The biggest opportunities aren’t just creating molecules faster, they’re improving every stage of bringing therapies to patients.
Global Innovation
Matt Kulseth:
Is the United States still leading innovation?
Michael:
American universities continue producing world-class research, but competition is increasing globally. Countries like China have become extremely efficient at scaling research and rapidly commercializing new technologies.
Innovation is becoming increasingly competitive worldwide.
Why Patents Matter
J.D. Houvener:
Tell us about your patent strategy.
Michael:
We’re preparing to file a provisional patent application covering our core technology. Filing early gives us a priority date while allowing us to continue developing and refining the invention over the following year.
Patent protection also allows us to confidently discuss the technology with potential partners under appropriate confidentiality agreements while pursuing licensing opportunities.
Advice for Inventors
J.D. Houvener:
Even experienced scientists benefit from working with patent professionals. Filing correctly from the beginning can make a tremendous difference later.
A provisional application establishes an early filing date, but it should be followed by continued product development, customer discovery, and refinement before filing the full utility application.
Final Thoughts
Michael Holden’s story demonstrates how deep scientific expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong intellectual property strategy can work together to create meaningful innovation. By combining artificial intelligence with laboratory science, Fabricogen is working to shorten drug discovery timelines and help accelerate the development of future therapies.
As AI continues reshaping biotechnology, inventors who understand both the science and the importance of protecting their ideas will be well positioned to lead the next generation of innovation.
If you’re developing breakthrough technology and wondering how patents fit into your commercialization strategy, the team at Bold Patents is here to help. Schedule a free discovery call to learn how protecting your intellectual property today can create opportunities for tomorrow.