Lizzy Lawrence

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.

Lizzy Lawrence, STAT's D.C. correspondent specializing in FDA and health policy, joins to discuss a brewing crisis within the FDA. She reveals leadership disputes between Vinay Prasad and his team, leading to declining morale and multiple staff exits. The shock departure of director George Tidmarsh for allegedly misusing his position adds to the turmoil. The conversation also touches on the heated bidding war between Pfizer and Novo Nordisk for the desirable MetSera assets, highlighting the competitive landscape in the obesity treatment market.

Lizzy Lawrence, STAT’s FDA reporter, shares insights into the upheaval within the FDA, revealing how Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions led to high-level resignations amidst a chaotic transition. Joining her is Sharon Barr, R&D executive at AstraZeneca, who discusses the promising results of a new PCSK9 pill that significantly reduces cholesterol, framing it as crucial for AstraZeneca’s growth strategy. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of leadership changes and market pressures in the biotech sector.

Tami Luhby, a senior health reporter at CNN, Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, and Lizzy Lawrence of Stat News engage in a critical discussion on the looming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, highlighting the potential impact on millions of Americans. They explore the CDC's controversial decision to drop the hepatitis B recommendation for newborns and dissect the political complexities surrounding abortion policies affecting health care subsidies. The panel also shares insights on future health policy themes, including the resurgence of infectious diseases and the politicization of science.

Lizzy Lawrence, a STAT reporter, gives us an inside look at the current turmoil at the FDA, detailing the chaos of frequent staffing changes and its impact on morale. Jason Mast then discusses the acquisition of Bluebird Bio, shedding light on the company's challenges in gene therapy and its drastic fall from grace. The conversation also touches on the rise of new biotech VCs, fueled by technological advancements and the pandemic, setting the stage for a dynamic shift in the industry.