Elizabeth Holmes' ambitious pursuit of wealth and success early on despite family financial decline.
Theranos promised a revolutionary blood testing device aiming to provide quick and efficient diagnosis with a tiny blood sample.
Holmes found guilty on some fraud charges after misleading investors about Theranos' blood testing technology.
Deep dives
Elizabeth Holmes' Early Ambition and Background
Elizabeth Holmes, from a prestigious background, expressed ambition from a young age to discover something new and impact mankind positively. Despite her family's financial decline, her determination was evident as she pursued wealth and success early on, setting her sights on becoming a millionaire.
Theranos' Innovative Blood Testing Device
Holmes' venture, Theranos, promised a revolutionary blood testing device that could analyze comprehensive tests from a tiny blood sample, eliminating the need for traditional venous draws. The device, named Edison, aimed to offer quick and efficient diagnosis for various conditions from a single drop of blood, enhancing convenience and accessibility for patients.
The Unraveling of Theranos' Deception
Despite media hype and high-profile investments, Theranos faced scrutiny as its blood tests provided inaccurate and unreliable results. Whistleblowers and former employees, like Erica Chung, revealed internal discrepancies in quality control and manipulation of data, leading to a cascade of revelations that exposed the company's fraudulent practices and potential harm to patients.
The Rise and Fall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes
The podcast episode delves into the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. It highlights how Theranos misled investors about its blood testing technology, leading to Holmes being found guilty on criminal fraud charges.
Elizabeth Holmes' Trial and Testimony
The podcast covers Elizabeth Holmes' trial where she testified, blaming others for the company's failures. The text messages between Holmes and her partner, Sunny Balwani, reveal a complex relationship. Despite facing multiple fraud charges, Holmes was found guilty on some counts and awaits sentencing while maintaining her steadfast demeanor.
The new Hulu limited series based on this podcast and starring Oscar-nominee Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes is out now. And in case you missed 20/20’s behind-the-scenes look at the show, we wanted to drop it in this feed, so you can listen now. You’ll hear from the stars of the Hulu series and a member of the jury that convicted Elizabeth. And be sure to follow the 20/20 podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening now for more true crime stories from ABC News.
