The Readout Loud

Our colleague Helen Branswell joins to explain the Covid-19 booster debate, the Biden Administration’s monkeypox response, and the long career of the soon-to-step-down Anthony Fauci. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including a milestone for gene therapy, the tentative return of an IPO market, and the venture capital league table.

First, STAT's Tara Bannow joins us to discuss how private equity's mounting interest in autism care has created an untenable situation for many parents in the U.S. We also explain the implications of Bluebird Bio's long-awaited FDA approval, a controversial treatment for ALS, and the ups and downs of Merck's reported interest in buying Seagen.

Are biotech's fortunes finally changing? Is Big Science impeding actual science? And what will Medicare negotiation mean for drug prices? STAT's Jason Mast joins us to discuss Jim Wilson, a pioneering scientist synonymous with the rise of gene therapy who staffers say presided over a toxic, abusive workplace. We also explain the latest news in the life sciences, including a multibillion-dollar deal, a novel approach to treating schizophrenia, and what the Senate drug pricing legislation means for the pharmaceutical industry.

Is drug pricing reform really happening this time? Are things finally turning around for biotech? And is it ever wise to tweet your food? Rachel Cohrs, STAT's Washington correspondent, joins us to explain how congressional Democrats are on the verge of a coup in drug pricing — and what could still stand in their way. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including some hotly anticipated data from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a $4 billion buyout deal, and other surprisingly good news for biotech.

Can monkeypox be contained? Are snortable Covid-19 vaccines on the way? And when is a GIF worth $200,000? STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to explain the latest in the monkeypox outbreak and how health authorities are struggling to contain it. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including some faked Alzheimer’s data, a brewing FDA controversy, and what it means when a scientific discovery gets turned into an NFT.

Does any CEO deserve $500 million a year? How did Moderna hit it big? And who wants to run Biogen? STAT's Bob Herman joins us to explain why health care CEOs get paid so much — and why company-reported numbers don't tell the full story. Wall Street Journal reporter Peter Loftus calls in to talk about his book chronicling how Moderna went from secretive startup to household name. And we discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including Amazon's latest multibillion-dollar foray into primary care and Biogen's search for a new CEO.

Can CRISPR edit out a heart attack? What happens on #GutTok? And is health care recession-proof? Sek Kathiresan, cardiologist and CEO of Verve Therapeutics, joins us to explain the company's work on preventing heart disease with genome editing. Then, STAT's Isabella Cueto joins us to discuss "Hot girls have IBS," an internet in-joke that evolved into a movement for people with chronic illness. We also break down the latest news in the life sciences, including a long-awaited victory for Novavax and ostensible good news for biotech.

Is the era of the unicorn over? What's gotten into the FDA? And will a NASH drug ever work? Our colleague Allison DeAngelis joins us to explain how the prolonged downturn for biotech stocks is stoking anxiety among venture capitalists. We also discuss an FDA plot twist for a novel ALS treatment, a second shot for a once-promising liver drug, and the latest in the Covid-19 pandemic.

How do you stop a Covid surge? Why are clinical trials so white? And what are the limits of HIPAA? Our colleague Eric Boodman joins us to discuss whether an oft-cited federal law can shield reproductive health data from state law enforcement in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Then, STAT's Angus Chen calls in to relate the story of an ambitious study and the quest to finally make clinical trials more equitable. We also explain a momentous FDA meeting and the debate over just what the Covid-19 vaccines of the future should contain.

Just how powerful is the FDA? Is Merck about to spend $40 billion? And what's a "Puff Bar"? STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to discuss the FDA's decision to ban the sale of Juul Labs vaping products and a proposal to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes. We’ll also explain the latest news in the life sciences, including a rumored blockbuster buyout and the next Theranos verdict.