327: Biotech's next gold rush, GLP-1 shortages, and STAT Summit highlights
Oct 17, 2024
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The discussion kicks off with the rising interest in CAR-T therapies for autoimmune diseases. The hosts address the ongoing supply issues of Eli Lilly's weight loss drug and the telehealth platforms behind its distribution. They reflect on the highlights from a major summit that gathered key figures in biopharma and healthcare policy, uncovering insightful strategies and future paths for the industry. The conversation also touches on the unique blend of life philosophy and biotech from a dynamic panel discussion, adding depth to the dialogue.
34:19
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Quick takeaways
Investments in CAR-T therapy for autoimmune conditions have surged significantly, driven by promising study outcomes and potential curative benefits.
The complexities of drug access, highlighted by Eli Lilly’s weight loss medication shortages, underscore the challenges patients face in securing essential treatments.
Deep dives
Investments in Autoimmune Diseases Surge
Investments in autoimmune diseases have reached approximately $1.7 billion this year, demonstrating significant financial interest in this sector. This surge follows a pivotal study in Germany involving CAR-T therapy for lupus, where some patients achieved remission, igniting excitement among investors and biopharma executives. Unlike traditional treatments that require ongoing medication, there is potential for CAR-T to serve as a one-time, curative approach, which is appealing to both investors and patients. However, the financial outlay for CAR-T therapies poses challenges, particularly regarding risks and the cost-effectiveness for a broader autoimmune patient population.
Eli Lilly’s Obesity Drug Supply Drama
Eli Lilly’s weight loss medication, terzepatide, faced a significant supply issue that had kept it on the FDA’s shortage list for an extended period. Recently, the FDA removed it from this list, raising questions about the status of compounding pharmacies that had been making copycat versions to fill the gap. However, traditional pharmacies still reported difficulties in obtaining the branded drug, leading to a lawsuit from compounding pharmacies against the FDA for not adhering to regulations in removing the drug from the shortage list. The entire situation underscores the complexities surrounding drug access and the implications for patients who rely on compounded versions.
Incentives and Failures in Biotech
The discussion highlighted the challenges biotech companies face when admitting failure, particularly in drug development. Many companies may resist acknowledging unsuccessful trials due to financial pressures from investors, leading them to salvage failing projects rather than accept defeat. This behavior is exacerbated during economic booms, where capital inflows can skew decision-making processes towards optimism. The conversation emphasized the importance of accountability in biotech, suggesting that industry scrutiny can help address these often-ignored failures.
Shifts in Telehealth and Pharma Interaction
Telehealth services have emerged as a significant player in prescribing obesity medications, often without proper medical oversight, drawing scrutiny for their questionable practices. A recent investigation traced various telehealth platforms back to a small number of medical networks, raising concerns about the adequacy of patient care within this model. Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have taken legal steps against these telehealth companies, citing potential risks associated with unauthorized compounded versions of their drugs. Meanwhile, patients, eager for accessible and affordable treatment, find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with potential pitfalls but also reflecting systemic gaps in healthcare service delivery.
Elaine, Allison, and Adam chat about investors' interest in using CAR-T to treat autoimmune conditions, the latest developments with the supply of Eli Lilly’s blockbuster weight loss drug, and the invisible medical groups behind the dozens of telehealth platforms providing GLP-1 drugs. They also look back at STAT's two-day summit that brought together biopharma executives, scientists, policymakers and patient advocates for conversations about the future of health care.
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