The Readout Loud

Brittany Trang, a STAT colleague and AI expert in the healthcare sector, joins to discuss the FDA's new AI tool, ELSA, which struggles with rectifying past mistakes. She sheds light on Sanofi's $9 billion acquisition of Blueprint Medicines and how it's shaking up the biotech landscape. The conversation also delves into Novo Nordisk's challenges in the obesity drug market, focusing on their strategic errors and the implications of leadership changes, while raising ethical questions about aggressive marketing.

Helen Branswell, an infectious disease reporter at STAT, shares her insights on some pressing public health issues. She delves into RFK Jr.'s controversial move to alter COVID vaccine recommendations and the cancellation of a significant Moderna contract. The discussion highlights the implications of these decisions on pandemic preparedness. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Make America Healthy Again Commission's report, emphasizing the need for improved vaccine transparency and monitoring in light of recent safety concerns.

Jason Mast, a STAT reporter specializing in gene therapy, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. He shares insights from the recent American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy meeting, highlighting both excitement and uncertainty in the gene editing field. The conversation touches on recent mergers, including Sanofi's acquisition of Vigil Neurosciences, and the changing landscape fueled by leadership shifts at Novo Nordisk. They also delve into the FDA's review of cancer drugs, navigating both data challenges and clinical implications.

Daniel Payne, STAT's D.C. correspondent specializing in health policy and pharma, dives into the complexities of President Trump's aggressive drug pricing policy aimed at making U.S. prices competitive with other nations. He also discusses the mixed outlook for biotech markets and the potential launch of a new blood-testing company founded by Billy Evans, which draws parallels to the notorious Theranos. The episode paints a vivid picture of skepticism in the industry as market fluctuations and past scandals loom large.

Matt Herper, STAT's senior medicine writer with a knack for dissecting the pharmaceutical industry, joins the conversation to discuss the controversial appointment of Dr. Vinay Prasad as head of the FDA's vaccine division. He and Adam delve into how Prasad's unorthodox views could disrupt public health norms. They also explore the implications for gene and cell therapy approvals and the broader challenges facing biotech innovation under new leadership. The dialogue highlights the tension between regulatory reform and maintaining expert oversight in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Join Gideon Gil, Managing Editor at STAT, and Zach Tracer, Senior Editor at STAT, as they explore major shifts in the biotech landscape following the Trump administration's first 100 days. They delve into the recent resurgence of biotech mergers and acquisitions and highlight the impressive launches of new drugs. The discussion also touches on Eli Lilly's challenges regarding patient access and the competitive dynamics with Novo Nordisk. Humorously, they juxtapose industry insights with pop culture, featuring a nod to a Justin Timberlake meme.

How did Ireland become a hotspot for pharmaceutical manufacturing? What are the products that will come out of Flagship's latest startup centered around "preemptive medicine"? And who among the co-hosts is the best singer?We discuss all that and more on this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. We chat about the recent bounceback in biotech stocks, disappointing results from Bristol Myers Squibb's schizophrenia drug Cobenfy, new allegations about entrepreneur Sam Waksal, and more.We also bring on STAT's European correspondent Drew Joseph to talk about the growth of pharma manufacturing in Ireland and how U.S. tariffs would impact global drug supply.

In this engaging conversation, John Crowley, CEO of the industry lobbying group BIO, discusses pressing issues in biotechnology. He sheds light on recent FDA layoffs and the implications for vaccine approval, particularly regarding Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine. Crowley addresses the critical need for a $15 billion federal investment to bolster U.S. biotech against competition from China. He also touches on the complexities surrounding public trust in science, the impact of tariffs on the industry, and how to navigate dialogues with controversial figures like RFK Jr.

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.

Felix Baldov-Lenschen, CEO of Altus Labs, shares insights on his company's innovative AI tool for cancer drug development, called IPRO, which excels in predicting patient survival. The discussion touches on the recent turmoil in health agencies, with job cuts and a significant drug approval for a rare disease. Felix reveals how AI is reshaping oncology, enhancing treatment assessments, and improving clinical trial efficiency. The bankruptcy of 23andMe also emerges as a cautionary tale for biotech, highlighting challenges in the industry.