Franco Cavaleri, a biomedical researcher and true biohacker, transformed his life and career through self-experimentation, culminating in winning the IFBB Mr. North America title. His journey fueled his rise as a scientist, thought leader, author and entrepreneur in creating potent nutraceuticals to optimize the full potential of body and mind.
My career as a biomedical researcher has been shaped by a relentless drive to push boundaries, both in science and in life. From my earliest work in inflammatory disease to my recent focus on pharmacology and cancer research, I’ve always been driven by the desire to make a real impact on human health. Today, I find myself at an exciting new chapter—a groundbreaking international collaboration that combines my expertise with the brilliant mind of Professor Ritam Chatterjee of Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University (CBPBU) in West Bengal, India. Together, we are diving into the complex world of cancer research, armed with new ideas, innovative strategies, and a deep commitment to advancing healthcare.
This collaboration isn’t just another project for me—it represents a major step forward, not only in my career but also for the future of biomedical research. Professor Chatterjee, a recent recipient of the prestigious 2024 ZSK Research Excellence Award, has made incredible strides in cancer stem cell research. His findings have provided new hope in the fight against this devastating disease. When I first learned about his work, I immediately saw the potential to combine our efforts and take cancer research in a bold new direction.
My own work over the past 20 years has focused on enhancing natural medicines, engineering them for greater selectivity and potency. The goal has always been to target diseases with precision and reliability, pushing the envelope on what natural solutions can achieve. Now, we’re putting that work to the test, leveraging Professor Chatterjee’s cutting-edge research to develop new cancer treatment strategies. This partnership brings CBPBU into a new era of cancer research in collaboration with Biologic Pharmamedical Research, where I’ve been fortunate to serve the company as CEO and research lead.
But beyond the science, this collaboration means something more—it’s about breaking down barriers. The boundaries of countries, institutions, and disciplines should never limit our potential to make a difference. In fact, the most powerful discoveries often come from the blending of diverse perspectives and ideas. Working alongside Indian scholars and fostering global academic relationships is a key part of what I see as the future of healthcare.
In my role at Biologic Pharmamedical, we’ve made it a priority to create opportunities for aspiring researchers, and this partnership with CBPBU is a prime example of that mission in action. Indian post-doctoral scholars will soon have the chance to gain valuable experience in North American research environments, working directly in our cutting-edge laboratory in Vancouver. We’ll also help facilitate their placement in other North American academic institutions, expanding their horizons and giving them the tools they need to thrive in a global health landscape.
This is where the next generation of healthcare professionals will be shaped—through international collaboration, hands-on experience, and the freedom to explore new ideas. As we continue to push forward in cancer research, the ability to collaborate globally has never been more crucial. It’s these cross-border partnerships that will accelerate the pace of discovery and create opportunities for the researchers of tomorrow.
But this isn’t just about scientific progress. It’s also about addressing some of the systemic challenges I’ve observed throughout my academic and professional journey. Two key experiences in the academic world have driven me to this point. The first is the resistance—often active opposition—toward innovation that challenges conventional thinking. Too often, medical researchers and students are forced into a rigid framework that stifles creativity and discourages intellectual curiosity. They’re pressured to follow a predefined narrative, rather than pursuing knowledge and discovery with the freedom they deserve.
This is something I’ve experienced firsthand during my time at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine/ Experimental Medicine program. I faced numerous bureaucratic and systemic challenges, often because my simultaneous involvement in both commercial healthcare and academic research didn’t fit the mold. But I stayed the course. I believed in what I was doing, and I wasn’t about to let institutional obstacles stand in the way of my mission to improve human health.
The second challenge I’ve observed is the troubling trend in academic institutions—particularly in Canada—of graduating large numbers of PhD students, despite the lack of jobs and opportunities for post-docs. These institutions continue to churn out graduates, creating high demand with very few opportunities, leading to lower wages for some of the brightest minds in science. While many medical institutions are aware of these limitations and are beginning to make changes, the process is happening far too slowly.
This is why our international collaboration with CBPBU is so important to me. It’s about breaking through these limitations. We’re fostering an environment that encourages true discovery, free from the constraints of institutional narratives designed to protect the interests of medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and conventional frameworks. This collaboration isn’t just about solving scientific problems—it’s about creating a space where ideas can evolve, grow, and ultimately lead to real-world impact.
As I reflect on my career, I’m more motivated than ever to explore what’s possible. This collaboration is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and the importance of thinking outside the box. True progress happens when we challenge the conventional systems that sometimes stifle creativity and discovery. I believe the future of healthcare lies in our ability to collaborate across borders and disciplines, to share knowledge, and to push the boundaries of what we believe is achievable.
My work with Professor Chatterjee and the scholars at CBPBU represents that future—a future where cancer research is not confined by geography or tradition, but fueled by curiosity, intellect, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Together, we’re forging a path forward, one that will bring fresh hope to cancer research and ensure that the future of healthcare is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a global perspective.
This collaboration is not just about what we can achieve today; it’s about what we’re building for tomorrow. It’s about creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists, empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and experience they need to drive healthcare forward. It’s a long road ahead, but it’s one that I’m excited to walk alongside our international partners, with the firm belief that together, we can make a difference.
Read more from Franco Cavaleri
Franco Cavaleri, Biomedical Researcher and Nutraceutical Innovator
Franco Cavaleri is a distinguished figure in the realm of biomedical research and a true pioneer in biohacking. His journey commenced when he successfully biohacked his own physique, culminating in clinching the IFBB Mr. North America title while studying Nutritional Biochemistry. This personal triumph acted as a catalyst, propelling him into a prominent role as a Biomedical Researcher, thought leader, entrepreneur, best selling author, and speaker. Cavaleri's expertise is centered on leveraging potent nutraceuticals to enhance bodily functions and achieve optimal health. His insights and discoveries continue to influence the field, making significant contributions to our understanding of nutritional science and its practical applications.
