In this episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David sits down with Arantza Muriana, Chief Investigational Officer and CEO of Biobide’s American affiliate. Arantza shares her inspiring journey from clinical trials in Spain to pioneering preclinical research using zebrafish and other aquatic models. Together, they explore how Biobide is transforming drug discovery, toxicology, and environmental safety testing through innovative, ethical, and high-throughput methods.

Learn how zebrafish are helping reduce animal testing, accelerate rare disease research, and improve regulatory science. From AI-driven image analysis to personalized medicine and environmental impact assessments, this conversation dives deep into the science, challenges, and promise of alternative models in modern biotech.

Arantza Muriana is the Chief Investigational Officer and CEO of the American Affiliate Office at Biobide, part of the BIAT group. Biobide is a pioneering biotech company specializing in preclinical research using zebrafish and other aquatic alternative models. With over two decades of experience in clinical trials and contract research organizations, Arantza transitioned into preclinical research after training at the Salk Institute, where she discovered her passion for zebrafish as a powerful tool in drug discovery and safety testing.

Holding a degree in Pharmacy with a focus on research, Arantza has led the development of numerous toxicity and efficacy assays and is a strong advocate for New Alternative Methods (NAMs) to reduce animal testing. She collaborates closely with regulatory agencies to validate and standardize zebrafish-based assays, contributing to international guidelines and ethical standards.