The Top Line

Robert Abel, chief scientific officer at Schrödinger, says advanced computational tools are changing the pace and accuracy of drug discovery. In a recent episode of The Top Line podcast, Abel outlined three areas where AI and machine learning are making the greatest impact: understanding disease biology, predicting protein structures and designing drug molecules. Schrödinger’s platform uses physics-based simulations alongside AI to evaluate millions of molecules in days, compared with the thousands traditionally synthesized in a year. Abel pointed to real-world results, including a program that reached a clinical trial candidate in just 10 months — far faster than industry averages. He said the technology also helps overcome challenges such as improving drug selectivity and reducing the need for animal testing, aligning with FDA priorities. Abel will share more insights during his upcoming talk at AAPS PharmSci 360 in San Antonio this November. His session abstract is available here. To hear more about Schrödinger’s work in computational drug discovery, listen to the full interview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Pfizer discontinuing Beqvez and BioMarin scaling back the commercial focus of Roctavian, the curative promise of hemophilia gene therapies is tempered by significant barriers that discourage widespread adoption. In this week’s episode of “The Top Line,” Fierce Pharma’s Zoey Becker speaks with Glenn Pierce, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of medical at the World Federation of Hemophilia, about the complexities behind these innovative therapies and the multifaceted reasons for their slow uptake. Pierce discusses the competitiveness of the current hemophilia gene therapy market, why Pfizer’s product couldn’t keep up, and the patient populations that risk being left behind. To learn more about the topics in this episode:   As Pfizer backs out of hemophilia gene therapy space, CSL hopes Hemgenix is here to stay  Pfizer discontinues hemophilia treatment Beqvez, emptying its gene therapy portfolio  BioMarin downsizes Roctavian efforts but keeps hemophilia gene therapy for 3 markets  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hope, when applied with purpose and action, can be a powerful force for driving change in healthcare. That’s the philosophy of Eugene Woods, CEO of Advocate Health and a 2025 Fierce 50 honoree, who joins Ayla Ellison, Editor-in-Chief of Fierce Life Sciences & Healthcare, to share how he puts “Applied Hope” into practice. Woods explains how this approach combines optimism with action and why it’s become a guiding strategy for one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems. In their conversation, Woods discusses leading through massive organizational change, cultural transformation and the rapid adoption of new technologies. He offers insights on improving quality and affordability, investing in both rural communities and urban neighborhoods and preparing for a future shaped by AI and more human-centered healthcare delivery. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Fierce 50 of 2025 Eugene A. Woods—Fierce 50 Leadership Honoree See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of the Health Matters podcast, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb joins WPP’s Wendy Lund, GCI Health’s Ryan Kuresman and Burson’s Judy Stecker to discuss the forces reshaping U.S. health policy. Gottlieb warns that while new laws such as the Inflation Reduction Act may lower government spending on drugs, consumers are unlikely to see significant relief at the pharmacy counter. Insurers’ tighter formularies and higher cost-sharing requirements, he said, could continue to drive affordability challenges for patients. The discussion also covers the future of direct-to-consumer advertising, FDA’s role in combating health misinformation and the promise of cell and gene therapies. Gottlieb shares both caution and optimism — noting the risk of consumer frustration if policy changes fail to deliver savings, while pointing to breakthroughs that are transforming treatment and outcomes. To hear his full take on the challenges and opportunities facing health care leaders, listen to the full Health Matters episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After many U.S. biopharma companies posted sales declines in the first quarter, the domestic pharma industry largely bounced back to growth in the second quarter.  In this episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Pharma's Eric Sagonowsky and Kevin Dunleavy break down the numbers behind the industry’s second-quarter performance. Among U.S. pharma heavyweights, J&J, AbbVie, Pfizer, Regeneron, Bristol Myers Squibb and Biogen each eked out gains this past quarter. Their results varied, with individual stories worth highlighting at each of these major companies. Beyond earnings, Sagonowsky and Dunleavy also discuss the growing competition in diabetes and obesity treatments between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, as well as Merck’s rising financial reliance on its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, among other topics.  To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Several US pharma giants stage Q2 sales turnaround after subpar results earlier in year The battle of the obesity drug heavyweights 7 top pharmas posted revenue declines in Q1. The common thread? All are US firms Biopharma briefing: Q1 trends, gene therapy updates and ASCO preview  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fraiser Kansteiner, a journalist from Fierce Pharma, joins to unravel the fierce competition between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the obesity drug market. They discuss Novo's challenges, including product shortages and a recent pipeline clearout. Kansteiner highlights Lilly’s successful strategies amidst increasing sales and the implications of compounding pharmacies. The conversation also touches on Pfizer's exit from the obesity race and the potential emergence of smaller biotech firms, painting a vivid picture of the evolving landscape.

The discussion kicks off with Trump's push for Most Favored Nation drug pricing, raising eyebrows over his authority. Pharmaceutical companies are on the defensive, signaling cooperation but hinting at the pressure tactics behind the scenes. Stakeholders express mixed reactions, from concerns over foreign price controls to advocacy for patient access. As the talk shifts, the connection between drug pricing reforms and tariffs reveals a tangled web that companies must navigate, leveraging investments to strengthen their negotiating power.

Vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, shares insights on combating vaccine hesitancy, a pressing issue in public health. He stresses the importance of empathy and community engagement in rebuilding trust, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Offit highlights the power of personal storytelling in demystifying vaccines and calls for transparent communication to address concerns. He illustrates the path forward by emphasizing the role of trusted local figures in fostering understanding and acceptance.

Sarepta Therapeutics is in hot water after safety concerns surrounding its gene therapy, Elevidys, lead to multiple patient deaths. The podcast dives into the FDA's standoff, sudden marketing pause, and surprising reversal on the treatment. Analysts express frustration over the company’s lack of transparency and the erosion of trust among investors. With significant restructuring on the horizon, the discussion highlights the broader implications for gene therapy and regulatory challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.

In this engaging discussion, Mark Lansdell, Director at Evaluate, shares his expertise on China's rapid rise in research and development. He highlights the transformation of China’s market from generics to innovative drug development fueled by a skilled workforce and supportive policies. Lansdell also explores the increase in licensing deals between Chinese and Western companies, addressing the complexities of early-stage partnerships and the challenges of using Chinese clinical trial data globally. His insights reveal the competitive dynamics reshaping the life sciences landscape.