The Top Line

Join Conor Hale, Senior MedTech Editor at Fierce Medtech, as he unveils the groundbreaking companies making waves in medical technology with this year's Fierce 15. From innovative devices transforming colorectal cancer treatments to breakthroughs in intravascular lithotripsy, the conversation dives into how these startups are redefining patient care. Hale also highlights the integration of AI across medical technologies, showcasing its impact on drug discovery and robotic devices. Discover the future of healthcare through these remarkable innovations!

Angus Liu, a journalist from Fierce Pharma specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, explores the highlights from the ASCO 2025 meeting. He dissects the exciting phase 3 data on Enhertu for breast cancer from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo. Angus also delves into Johnson & Johnson’s striking ‘Breathtaking’ campaign for lung cancer, showcased from the stunning heights of Chicago's Willis Tower. Discover groundbreaking biotech developments and unique insights from the ASCO exhibit hall that could change cancer treatment dynamics.

In this episode of The Top Line, Fierce Biotech’s Chris Hayden sat down with Dr. Juergen Eckhardt of Bayer and Dr. Seth Ettenberg of BlueRock Therapeutics to discuss an innovative partnership that’s reshaping how big pharma teams up with biotech startups. BlueRock, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer, operates with the independence of a small biotech while benefiting from Bayer’s global reach and infrastructure. The “arm’s-length” model gives BlueRock the agility to innovate while leveraging Bayer’s resources in manufacturing, clinical trials and commercialization. The collaboration has already led to major milestones, including the development of a promising cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, which is expected to enter Phase 3 trials later this year. “This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a relationship,” Eckhardt said. “We’re combining the best of both worlds: biotech speed and pharma scale.” The episode also explores how Bayer’s experience in biologics manufacturing has helped BlueRock overcome one of regenerative medicine’s biggest challenges—scaling complex cell therapies. The model has proven so effective that Bayer has since replicated it with other companies, signaling a broader shift in how the company approaches innovation. To learn more about this unique partnership and what it means for the future of neurological disease treatment, listen to the full episode of The Top Line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of The Top Line podcast, host Heath Clendenning interviews Cheryl Lubbert, CEO of Reverba Global, to discuss how science-led storytelling is reshaping communications in the pharmaceutical industry. Lubbert, a veteran executive with experience at Amgen, Abbott and Bristol Myers Squibb, says authenticity, empathy and transparency are now critical to rebuilding public trust. She argues that scientific data, when paired with real patient and caregiver stories, becomes more impactful—helping both healthcare providers and patients better understand and engage with treatments. Lubbert also highlights the growing importance of breaking down silos between marketing and medical affairs. By integrating these functions, she says pharma companies can provide more consistent, credible messaging and support shared decision-making in clinical settings. With real-world examples—from peer mentorship programs to immersive educational initiatives—Lubbert makes a compelling case for treating storytelling as a strategic tool, not just a creative one. For more on how these approaches are driving better outcomes, listen to the full episode of The Top Line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the long holiday weekend, news in biopharma never slows down. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," the Fierce team breaks down some of the biggest stories from the past week. On the pharma side, Eric Sagonowsky and Kevin Dunleavy examine Big Pharma’s first-quarter 2025 performance. While most of the top 25 companies are still delivering strong sales growth despite emerging uncertainties in Washington, D.C., a few major players are starting to see a slowdown. Each company tells a different story, and Sagonowsky and Dunleavy dive into the nuances of the current commercial landscape. Later, Fierce Biotech's Gabrielle Masson and Darren Incorvaia highlight key data from the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy conference and preview what the team is watching at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Seven top pharmas posted revenue declines in Q1. The common thread? All are US firms  Atsena eye disease gene therapy hits safety goals, closes retinal splits in phase 1/2 ASGCT: Analysts see Rocket gene therapy setting 'a new bar' for efficacy in heart condition Rocket crashes as gene therapy patient dies, FDA imposes hold   This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump put the pharmaceutical industry on notice early Monday with the signing of his "most favored nation" (MFN) executive order on drug prices. The order seeks to tie U.S. prices to significantly lower costs overseas. Many questions remain about how the measure will be implemented, and legal challenges are almost certain. To assess the seriousness of the threat, Fierce Pharma assembled a team of reporters and editors to break down the executive order and the industry’s response. After examining the MFN executive order, the group dives into other recent policy developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond, including tariffs, Medicare drug price negotiations and more. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Trump signs sweeping executive order to cut US drug prices by 'up to 90%' Sanofi, Novartis CEOs lambast EU price control as Trump reportedly weighs drug cost parity with other nations As Trump threatens tariffs on drugs, industry warns EU of $100B-plus pharma exodus to US US net drug spending surged 11.4% last year, boosted by obesity and oncology meds: IQVIA This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Hwang shares her journey from a 30-year tenure at Pfizer to leading a biotech startup, driven by a commitment to innovation. Her unique upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa shapes her perspective on diversity and talent development. She discusses the excitement and challenges of her new role, highlighting the innovative potential of drug design through antibody agonists. Hwang emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with career choices and the collective responsibility to ensure inclusivity in the healthcare sector.

Although East Asians make up a significant share of entry-level roles in U.S. biopharma, few have risen to senior leadership positions. That disparity is what inspired the launch of ElevAAte—a new nonprofit founded this year to support and grow East Asian American leadership in the industry. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Pharma Deputy Editor Angus Liu speaks with two of ElevAAte’s co-founders: Architect Therapeutics CEO Angie You and Candid Therapeutics CEO Ken Song. The veteran biotech leaders discuss why a group like ElevAAte is needed and how East Asian Americans can harness their collective strength to build the next generation of biopharma executives. You and Song—who led Amunix’s $1.2 billion sale to Sanofi and RayzeBio’s $4.1 billion acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb, respectively—also share insights from their dealmaking careers and offer advice for young professionals entering the field. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Though prevalent in the lab and middle management, East Asian Americans are underrepresented in biopharma C-suites: report Candid's T-cell engager shopping spree rolls on with WuXi Biologics pact worth up to $925M A reason to fight: Former FDA leader Janet Woodcock inspires 3rd Biotech Sisterhood summit Takeda taps Julie Kim to take over for retiring CEO Christophe Weber   This episode is sponsored by Cencora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve known for a while that there are two Anguses—both journalists covering oncology at health- and biopharma-focused news outlets. Now, for the first time, we’re bringing them together for a “Variety Studio: Actors on Actors”-style conversation. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Pharma Deputy Editor Angus Liu and STAT Cancer Reporter Angus Chen share insights into their work covering cancer and their thoughts on racial identity during a tumultuous time. They discuss what excites them most in the oncology field, how their reporting approaches differ and how they’ve often been mistaken for one another. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  Judge permanently blocks NIH grant caps, prompting HHS appeal Cancer research, long protected, feels ‘devastating’ effects under Trump As Trump targets DEI practices, 4 pharmas reaffirm commitment to diversifying clinical trials For struggling cell and gene therapy field, Peter Marks' FDA exit adds even more uncertainty CAR-T cells can arm other immune cells with engineered proteins to fight cancer, study says See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The discussion dives into the impact of recent tariffs on the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Experts uncover the potential disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing strategies due to escalating trade pressures. Highlighted are the financial challenges and the significant uncertainties regarding sector-specific duties. Innovative approaches and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing operational efficiency and drug development are also explored, emphasizing the need for strategic planning amidst these shifting landscapes.