Episode 159 - October 17, 2025

On this week’s episode, Paul Matteis, John Maraganore, Eric Schmidt, and Graig Suvannavejh open with a look at biotech market sentiment, which has notably strengthened amid steady M&A and successful drug launches. The XBI is also up over 40% in six months, signaling optimism that the long “biotech winter” may be ending. While cautious, the co-hosts agree the recovery feels sustainable. The group then discussed the IPO and private financing landscape, noting a more mature crop of companies could drive strong IPOs in 2026. On the regulatory front, the co-hosts discussed the FDA’s announcement of nine voucher recipients under the new Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program. President Trump’s comments on reducing GLP-1 pricing were also noted. In M&A, BioCryst’s ~$700B acquisition of Astria Therapeutics was seen as a healthy sign of industry consolidation. The FDA’s OAI letter to Novo Nordiskalso has implications for Scholar Rock and Regeneron. In data news, Praxis’ positive essential tremor results were highlighted as a win in the CNS space, showing strong data can drive meaningful raises. Next, John recapped his STAT Summit panel with Chris Viehbacher and Emma Walmsley on the hurdles the pharma industry has faced and the next decade ahead. Bicara Therapeutics’ breakthrough therapy designation in head and neck cancer was another sentiment boost. The group also previewed Alector’s upcoming Phase 3 readout in frontotemporal dementia. The episode closed with excitement heading into ESMO this weekend. *This episode aired on October 17, 2025.