335: A deep dive on Makary, Vertex's pain data, & 2025 predictions
Dec 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Lizzy Lawrence, STAT's FDA reporter and expert on key FDA developments, joins the conversation to discuss her profile of Marty Makary, challenging traditional views in medicine. They delve into Vertex's recent pain drug trial results and the hurdles of breaking into the competitive pain management market. The discussion pivots to bold predictions for 2025, highlighting upcoming medication launches and the shifting dynamics within the biotech industry, particularly in gene therapy and obesity treatments.
Marty Makary's FDA nomination has stirred optimism and skepticism, raising concerns about his ability to balance scientific advocacy within a politically charged environment.
The 2025 biotech landscape is expected to face challenges, with startups focusing on targeted innovations amid economic pressures and increasing competition from global markets.
Deep dives
Predictions for 2025 in Biotech
The discussion forecasts a challenging environment for the biotech sector in 2025, underscored by potential leaner operations among smaller companies. An expectation exists that significant financing rounds will become less common, with startups focusing on clinically targeted innovations instead. This trend is driven partly by economic factors and increasing competition from international markets, particularly products coming out of China. The sentiment surrounding the biotech workforce also reflects concerns over persistent layoffs and how that might impact long-term research and development efforts.
The Role of Marty Makari as FDA Commissioner
Marty Makari's nomination as FDA Commissioner has generated both optimism and skepticism within the pharmaceutical industry. He is perceived as a potential advocate for science amidst a politically charged environment; however, his contrarian views and past controversial statements have raised questions about his leadership style. Makari's background includes a reputation for challenging conventional medical practices, as seen in his book 'Unaccountable,' which critiques the medical profession's failures. This raises concerns on whether he will maintain a balanced approach while navigating the complex demands of the FDA and its relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Drug Launches and Market Dynamics
Several pivotal drug launches are anticipated in 2025, particularly in the obesity and gene therapy sectors, symbolizing broader market trends and challenges. Companies like Eli Lilly are positioned to navigate this competitive landscape effectively, while others, particularly Novo Nordisk, face uncertainty with their product offerings. The performance of gene therapies is under scrutiny, especially given slow rollouts and questions surrounding their economic viability, which may affect their commercial success. Observers are also closely monitoring new entrants in the market and whether these therapies can meet high expectations, given the oversaturated target market.
STAT's FDA reporter Lizzy Lawrence joins us to discuss her profile of Marty Makary, Trump's nominee for FDA commissioner. Then, we discuss the results of Vertex's latest pain drug trial, the medication launches to watch in 2025, and present our burning questions for the biopharma industry.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode