The Rise and Fall of Biotech Zombies

On this episode of Biotech Hangout hosts Brad Loncar, Eric Schmidt, Tess Cameron, Luba Greenwood, and Tim Opler, along with special guest Adam Feuerstein, kick off with a discussion on ‘zombie’ biotech companies – those trading below their cash value – and whether they can be revived or should return capital to investors. The conversation then turns to Stoke’s collaboration agreement with Biogen, Solid Biosciences’ promising gene therapy data for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and industry concerns over biotech fundraising practices. Other key topics include Bluebird Bios take-private acquisition, SpringWorks’ potential buyout by Merck KGaA, and updates in the obesity space, including the FDA removing semaglutide from the shortage list. The group also covers BridgeBio’s strong launch of Attruby, biotech M&A sentiment, and rumors of a potential Viking Therapeutics acquisition. *This episode aired on February 21, 2025.