Raising Health
Andreessen Horowitz, a16z Bio + Health
A myriad of AI, science, and technology experts explore the real challenges and enormous opportunities facing entrepreneurs who are building the future of health. Raising Health, a podcast by a16z Bio + Health, dives deep into the heart of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. Join veteran company builders, operators, and investors Vineeta Agarwala, Julie Yoo, and Jorge Conde, along with distinguished guests like Mark Cuban, Greg Verdine, Fei-Fei Li, and Suchi Saria, as they explore the intricacies of these technological advancements and how they can be built and effectively delivered. Together, we can rewrite the script. Welcome to Raising Health.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 24, 2025 • 27min
The Future of Healthcare Payments: CMS Chief of Staff Stephanie Carlton
Stephanie Carlton, Chief of Staff at CMS and former labor and delivery nurse, discusses her journey through healthcare and her current mission managing $1.7 trillion in health spending. She shares insights on innovative CMS strategies, like integrating consumer health apps and real-time provider data to speed up payment processes. Carlton emphasizes shifting focus to prevention and new quality measures, while explaining recent decisions on funding and how her diverse team is blending startup mentality with policy expertise.
32 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 41min
How to Build This Generation's Big Pharma Company
Ben Liu, co-founder and CEO of Formation Bio, talks about revolutionizing drug development through AI and modern strategies. He emphasizes that clinical execution, not discovery, is the bottleneck for drug approvals. Liu explains Formation's hub-and-spoke model for efficient asset management and discusses methods to cut trial costs and timelines significantly. The conversation also covers global competition, especially with China's advancements, and how faster, cheaper development could dramatically increase patient access to new therapies.
18 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 28min
CVS Health: Building Healthcare’s Consumer Platform
Josh Weiner, Senior VP of Consumer Engagement and Analytics at CVS Health, returns to discuss the expectations consumers have around healthcare. He reveals that half of Americans struggle to afford emergencies due to market inefficiencies. Josh explores CVS's approach as a consumer platform focusing on data control, clearer experiences, and caregiving simplicity. He also addresses the rise of cash-pay options and envisions a future with health passports for transparency, aiming to empower consumers in managing their healthcare.
Nov 7, 2025 • 47min
Dyno Therapeutics: Empowering Patients with Genetic Agency
Eric Kelsic, CEO of Dyno Therapeutics and expert in AI-driven protein engineering, dives into the challenge of gene therapy delivery. He discusses the revolutionary concept of genetic agency, empowering patients to act at the DNA level. Discover how improved delivery methods could potentially allow treatments for most genetic diseases and extend healthy lives. Kelsic explains how AI is reshaping capid design to enhance safety and effectiveness, all while sharing insights on upcoming conferences focused on genetic medicine's future.
21 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 41min
Value-Based Oncology at Scale: Inside Thyme Care
Robin Shah, Co-founder and CEO of Thyme Care, champions patient-centered oncology, while Bobby Green, MD, emphasizes integrating value-based care and improving care delivery. Brad Diephuis, MD, focuses on scaling operations and safe AI integration. They discuss systemic failures in cancer care, the need for sustainable tech solutions, and how their model is reshaping patient journeys for over 83,000 individuals. Insights include the role of AI in extending clinician capabilities and the importance of personalization at scale for better patient outcomes.
36 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
The Consumer Becomes the Payor: How ICHRA Unlocks a New Era in Healthcare
Dive into the revolutionary potential of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) as experts discuss its role in transforming employer-sponsored health benefits. Explore the stunning shift from traditional plans to a consumer-driven model that allows employees flexibility in spending tax-free health dollars. Discover how increased competition among niche providers is driving innovation and better options for consumers. The conversation also highlights the critical need for transparency and tools that empower informed healthcare choices.
16 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 23min
Engaging the Unengaged at Home with Max Cohen and Cameron Behar
Max Cohen and Cameron Behar, co-founders of Sprinter Health, delve into revolutionizing home-based healthcare. They share insights on engaging unresponsive patients through innovative, in-home solutions. The duo discusses the complexities of logistics in healthcare delivery and emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection. They also explore the unique challenges posed to tech entrepreneurs in navigating healthcare regulations, offering tactical advice on balancing scrappiness with scalability. Tune in for a candid look at transforming patient care!
11 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 20min
Streamlining the Patient Referrals Chain with Trey Holterman
Trey Holterman, cofounder and CEO of Tennr, dives into the chaotic world of patient referrals, sharing insights from his unique journey from comedian to healthcare innovator. He reveals how outdated communication methods like fax machines hinder patient care. By harnessing AI, Tennr aims to transform referral logistics, ensuring patients get timely access to specialists. They also discuss fostering a strong company culture and the importance of collaborative teams in driving healthcare innovation. Holterman sheds light on improving patient experiences through streamlined workflows.
20 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 23min
From Chaos to Clarity in Data with Malinka Walaliyadde
Malinka Walaliyadde, cofounder and CEO of AKASA, tackles the intricate challenges of hospital revenue management. She reveals how large language models can simplify complex medical coding and billing, transforming healthcare finances. The conversation uncovers the crucial need for AI in streamlining documentation and improving collaboration between payers and providers. Malinka also dives into the integration challenges of AI with electronic health records, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions to enhance both clinical and financial operations.
68 snips
May 27, 2025 • 43min
Superaging with Eric Topol
In this engaging discussion, Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and a leading cardiologist and author, shares insights from his book on 'Superagers.' He explores groundbreaking ideas on preventing diseases rather than just curing them, emphasizing personalized data and AI's role in forecasting health risks. They delve into innovative GLP-1 drugs, the biology of aging, and the importance of lifestyle changes for enhancing healthspan. Topol calls for a shift to a preventive healthcare model, promising better outcomes for all.
