The Readout Loud

Discussing a significant leadership shift at BioMarin, the new chief business officer steps in as the company navigates challenges in gene therapy commercialization. New findings on Eli Lilly's obesity drug Zepbound reveal its potential to lower diabetes risk while raising concerns about mental health impacts. The conversation turns to Recursion Pharmaceuticals, exploring their innovative use of AI in drug development, skepticism about the technology's effectiveness, and insights into their unique headquarters designed for creativity and collaboration.

Rachel Cohrs Zhang, chief Washington correspondent for STAT, talks about the recent pharmaceutical negotiations with Medicare, highlighting significant discounts and the industry's reactions. Meghana Keshavan dives into the world of psychedelics, discussing the troubling retraction of three pivotal research papers and FDA setbacks for notable therapies. They explore the ethical implications of these developments and the future of psychedelic treatments in mental health, emphasizing the implications for regulatory integrity and research credibility.

John Wilkerson, a Washington Correspondent for STAT, dives into the intense landscape of drug pricing negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act. He sheds light on the implications these negotiations have for the biotech sector. The discussion also highlights the merger between AI drug firms Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Exscientia. Additionally, Wilkerson touches on Novo Nordisk's pause on Wegovy's regulatory submission for heart failure patients, revealing the complex dynamics of pharmaceutical acquisitions in a competitive market.

Andrew Joseph, STAT's Europe correspondent, dives into the 40-year journey of developing malaria vaccines, shedding light on the immense collaborative efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. He also examines Sarepta Therapeutics’ controversial censorship of a patient video, raising questions about transparency in gene therapy. The conversation reveals the ethical dilemmas faced by patients and the impact of corporate influence on advocacy. Additionally, Joseph discusses Mount Sinai's attempts to suppress discussions on their contentious brain research, illustrating challenges in accountability within the biotech industry.

Tara Bannow, hospitals and insurance reporter, discusses how UnitedHealth uses its physician network for profits. The podcast also covers Viking's obesity drug advancements, FDA official departure, and Kamala Harris' health policies.

JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, discusses healthcare policies if Trump wins. They cover shortages of insulin and focus on GLP-1 drugs. Also, the controversy over Cassava's Alzheimer's drug and leadership changes at Gilead.

Jonathan Wosen discusses biotech layoffs, while Alexis Borisy and Zach Weinberg talk about their biotech incubator Curie.Bio. The podcast also covers Pfizer's leadership change and a new side effect of the diabetes drug Ozempic.

Guests Brittany Trang and Rachel Cohrs Zhang discuss AI in drug development, Medicare coverage for GLP-1 drugs, H5N1 bird flu outbreak, and proposals for obesity drug coverage in Washington, with insights on the first presidential debate's healthcare topics.

STAT reporter Jason Mast discusses Fauci's memoir 'On Call' and Alnylam's trial data. They analyze biotech market trends for the year. Fauci's interactions with Presidents, concerns about science politicization, and the unique journey to access his book are highlighted.

STAT's Nicholas Florko joins to explain what it means to be a reporter writing about the commercial determinants of health. Hint: Florko's most recent stories focus on weed, vapes, and raw milk. And instead of being chained to a desk, he often drives around to convenience stores and buy bad stuff — all in the name of good journalism. But first, co-hosts Adam Feuerstein and Allison DeAngelis chat about Pfizer's Duchenne gene therapy setback, the likely approval of a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, and Bob Langer's most recent startup.