The Readout Loud 369: Trump, Chinese biotech, and an industry career reshaped by illness
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Sep 11, 2025 Mike Rea, a pharma consultant and head of Idea Pharma, shares insights from his personal journey through medical setbacks that reshaped his career. The conversation shifts to President Trump's proposed drug policies targeting China, stirring a debate on innovation versus protectionism. They also dive into the game-changing potential of the PD-1 VEGF inhibitor Ivanesimab, and discuss the leadership changes at Novo Nordisk, with implications for Alzheimer's research. Health challenges and the importance of patient advocacy in epilepsy treatment add a deeply personal touch.
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Draft Order Will Heavily Scrutinize China Deals
- A draft executive order would subject US deals licensing drugs from China to national security review and discourage sole reliance on Chinese trial data.
- The policy signals heavy scrutiny of China-originated assets and could reshape cross-border licensing dynamics.
Protectionism Alone Won't Rescue US Biotech
- Cutting off Chinese-sourced drugs without boosting US funding risks reducing patient access and hurting startups.
- Broader problems like weak financing and fumbled federal support limit the policy's ability to strengthen US biotech.
China's Speed Creates Competitive Advantages
- Faster and cheaper trial enrollment in China gives Chinese biotechs a competitive edge for rapid development.
- If Western populations respond differently, global approval and uptake become more complex.