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 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.

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.

Lizzy Lawrence, a reporter for STAT News focusing on the FDA, sheds light on the long-standing exclusion of pregnant women from clinical drug trials. She discusses how the thalidomide crisis shaped current research practices, leading to significant knowledge gaps. Lawrence addresses the overreaction to past risks, highlighting the need for better data on commonly used medications like Tylenol. She also explores recent federal recommendations aimed at reintegrating pregnant individuals into trials and the ethical implications of this necessary change.

Lizzy Lawrence, STAT’s FDA reporter, joins biotech experts Brian Skorney and Daphne Zohar to discuss the impact of a potential Trump presidency on the FDA and the biotech industry. They delve into concerns over regulatory changes, FDA leadership stability, and investor sentiments regarding vaccines and antivirals. The conversation also explores how immigration policies may affect talent acquisition in biotech. Finally, they analyze the Inflation Reduction Act’s effects on drug development and pricing, shedding light on innovation in a politically charged landscape.