The Readout Loud

STAT's Rachel Cohrs Zhang discusses BIO layoffs and industry changes, while Eric Boodman explores coercion of Black women with sickle cell disease into sterilization. Topics include BioTech's management shake-up, clinical trial diversity consulting, upcoming legislative initiatives, and the importance of informed consent in healthcare.

Casey Ross, AI correspondent and Pulitzer finalist, discusses AI-centered drug discovery with NVIDIA and Isomorphic Labs at STAT's Breakthrough Summit West. Other topics include obesity drug data from Roche, Novartis' acquisition of MorphoSys, and the AI revolutionizing drug discovery.

This week on "The Readout LOUD," STAT senior infectious diseases reporter Helen Branswell walks us through ongoing H5N1 outbreak in the U.S. and issues with monitoring the spread. And in a bit of shameless self-promotion, we’ll talk to our colleagues Bob Herman and Casey Ross about being named Pulitzer finalists in investigative reporting for their reporting on United Healthcare’s use of algorithms in coverage decisions. We'll hear what’s happened since their explosive work was published last year.

The removal of small amounts of brain tissue from desperately ill patients, done as part of a Mount Sinai research project, triggered alarm bells at the Food and Drug Administration and has raised broader questions about the scientific and ethical justification for live-brain research. Journalist and STAT contributor Katherine Eban joins “The Readout LOUD” podcast to discuss the results of a two-year investigation. We also discuss Novartis’ effort to acquire MorphoSys, and the latest news on Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster obesity drugs with Elaine Chen, the newest member of STAT’s biotech reporting team.

Biotech veteran Clive Meanwell discusses his new obesity startup, Metsera, and competing with Wegovy and Zepbound. They also talk about Teledoc CEO's departure after 15 years, Teladoc's challenges post-COVID, and the future of obesity drug development.

Discussing Vertex's $13 billion deal, biotech's struggles, Dendreon's history, and gas prices impact. Exploring industry performance, market reflections, and a surprise announcement. Fond farewell to Damien with heartfelt tributes, banter, and technical discussions.

Oruka Therapeutics CEO Lawrence Klein discusses raising first round of financing and competing in inflammation space. Topics include ALS drug withdrawal, challenges in cancer vaccine development, GOP one drug for Parkinson's, biotech mega-rounds, and innovative technologies in medical advancements.

Expert Sarah Owermohle discusses the Supreme Court case affecting medication abortion and drug development. Topics include GLP-1 treatment debates, congressional ban on Chinese biotech, and celebrating the podcast's 300 episodes milestone.

CRISPR pioneer Feng Zhang and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals head scientist George Yancopoulos share insights at the STAT Breakthrough Summit East. Topics include gene therapy costs, GLP-1 story twists, and a pie contest. The discussion also covers the future of healthcare, interdisciplinary teamwork in research, innovative allergy treatments, and muscle growth potential with medication.

Bioethicist discusses ALS treatment dilemma, gene therapy challenges, CAR-T cancer treatments, & first drug for liver disease. Pi Day pie contest at STAT Boston HQ adds fun twist to the episode. Ethics of drug withdrawal explored in light of FDA's authority in drug approvals.