We bring on our colleague Sarah Owermohle to discuss the White House's sudden move to withdraw the nomination of Dave Weldon as its pick to run the CDC just hours before Weldon's confirmation hearing. It's also the five-year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic. We chat with Princeton political scientist Frances Lee about a new book she co-authored that offers an unflinching assessment of the U.S. policy responses to the pandemic and raises some provocative questions about what went wrong.

Will Marty Makary be confirmed as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration? Will he bring back employees laid off by DOGE? And what did he get wrong during his confirmation hearing? We discuss all that and more during this week's special episode.

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.

Jared Holz, a healthcare market strategist at Mizuho Securities, shares insights into the biotech landscape's challenges and prospects. He discusses the impact of recent FDA cuts on drug manufacturing, raising concerns about staffing shortages. The conversation also dives into the disconnect between pharmaceutical goals for weight loss and patient experiences, plus the rise of 'zombie' biotech companies. Holz emphasizes the importance of accountability in a stagnating market and highlights promising developments in gene therapy despite industry hurdles.

Biotech reporter Jonathan Wosen discusses the NIH's significant funding cuts and the looming brain drain that could push young researchers overseas. Health tech reporter Brittany Trang dives into the skeptical reactions towards AI drug developers like Absci and Generate:Biomedicines, who assert they can create drugs from scratch. The conversation sheds light on the potential impact of reduced NIH support on U.S. biomedical innovation and the challenges of relying on AI in drug discovery.

Jason Mast, a reporter for STAT, delves into the troubling downturn in the once-promising CRISPR gene editing field. The discussion highlights the challenges companies face amid market skepticism and compares CRISPR innovations with RNA therapies. The conversation also touches on RFK Jr.'s controversial views as a nominee for HHS secretary, alongside insights into recent pharma earnings that spotlight successes in obesity treatments and the approval of a groundbreaking non-opioid pain drug, revealing the complexities of today’s biotech landscape.

Rachel Korsdreng, STAT’s chief Washington correspondent, dives into the hot-button issues surrounding RFK Jr.'s contentious confirmation hearings. She sheds light on intense exchanges about vaccines and autism, particularly with senators like Bernie Sanders. The conversation also covers a groundbreaking study on reversing cirrhosis in patients with MASH, critiques of a provocative obesity ad, and innovative funding approaches in biotech aimed at tackling ALS. A fascinating mix of politics and healthcare advancements!

Engaging discussions highlight the rise of Chinese biotechs in global drug development, emphasizing their growing influence and innovative potential. The hosts share a humorous anecdote from the JPM healthcare conference that underscores the camaraderie in the industry. Additionally, insights from an infectious disease reporter reveal the significant implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, focusing on its impact on public health priorities and international cooperation.

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, shares insights from the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. He discusses the challenges of pricing and accessing GLP-1 obesity medications, despite high demand. Ricks delves into the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug pricing and regulatory hurdles. He emphasizes the importance of business relationships with the incoming Trump administration and aims for Eli Lilly to reach a trillion-dollar valuation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on significant biotech M&A activities and the evolving landscape of drug development.

The podcast delves into how pharmaceutical companies are grappling with a looming patent cliff, impacting their strategies and investments. It discusses new FDA guidance on obesity drug development, raising concerns for certain companies. A failed ALS study from Google's Calico adds intrigue to the conversation. The rise of obesity startups, especially after significant funding rounds, is also highlighted. Personal resolutions and the challenges of bio innovation wrap up the engaging dialogue.