The Readout Loud

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.

Adam Steensberg, CEO of Zealand Pharma, shares insights on his company’s innovative amylin-targeting obesity treatment and its strategic partnership with Roche, valued at $1.65 billion. He challenges industry norms by emphasizing sustainable weight loss over drastic changes. Robert Salcedo, CEO of OceanBio, discusses the unique biotech landscape in Puerto Rico, focusing on advancements in gene therapies and the potential for affordable medicine production. Together, they highlight the shifting priorities in obesity treatment and the resilient future of biotech in Puerto Rico.

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.