The Top Line

With an uptick in licensing deals and promising data emerging from China-based biopharmas, especially in oncology, it’s clear the country is poised to play a major role in life sciences for the foreseeable future. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," we trace China’s ascent in R&D and drug discovery and examine how U.S. and European drugmakers are capitalizing on the momentum through a surge in licensing activity. Fierce Pharma’s Fraiser Kansteiner sits down with Mark Lansdell, director at Evaluate, to break down the policies fueling China’s growth, how global companies are engaging with Chinese assets and which modalities and indications are commanding the most attention. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  China approves 4 new drugs, including a global first-in-class medicine With China approval, Lilly and Innovent's mazdutide breaks into new class for GLP-1 obesity drugs China biotechs ‘reshaping’ US biopharma as outlicensing deals rise 11%: Jefferies report China proposes shorter clinical trial reviews in efforts to accelerate drug development See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Murasko, Head of Digital Innovation at Azurity Pharmaceuticals, shares insights alongside Zoe Dunn, CEO of Hale Advisors. They discuss the transformation of pharma marketing from print to digital and AI. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship in cultivating future industry leaders and how their Rising Stars program empowers young professionals. They emphasize the necessity of understanding foundational business processes while exploring the potential of AI to enhance marketing strategies and patient engagement.

Biopharma job cuts are on the rise, with a staggering 32% increase in layoffs this year. The podcast reveals how federal regulations and funding cuts contribute to this instability. Insights into major companies like Icon Therapeutics and 10X Genomics highlight the uncertainty pervading the sector. Despite this bleak outlook, there are surprising turnarounds, like Vorbio’s unexpected licensing deal, sparking discussions on future predictions in an unpredictable biotech market.

In the latest episode of the Health Matters podcast, Wendy Lund sits down with Peter Pitts, former FDA associate commissioner and current president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, to discuss the state of regulatory science and communication in health care. Pitts shares a cautiously optimistic outlook for the FDA under Commissioner Makary, noting the agency's renewed focus on innovation, patient engagement and modernization. He also stresses the importance of alignment among marketing, legal and regulatory teams—what he calls “regulatory therapy”—to ensure health communications serve the public good. The conversation spans high-stakes topics such as direct-to-consumer advertising, misinformation, and missed PDUFA dates, with Pitts urging both regulators and industry leaders to improve transparency and collaboration. He calls on pharmaceutical companies to put patients first in communications and avoid blaming the FDA when approvals stall. Pitts also encourages the agency to learn from industry on how to better engage the public. For more insights—and a candid look at where the health care conversation needs to go—tune in to the full episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Francis, Teva's President and CEO, discusses his transformative journey at the helm. Over two and a half years, he has driven a 'Pivot to Growth' strategy, navigating challenges to achieve nine quarters of growth. Francis highlights Teva's innovative medicines like Austedo and Ajovy aimed at unmet medical needs, while also addressing the importance of expanding generics and biosimilars internationally. With a focus on modernization and a $700 million cost reduction, he shares insights into fostering long-term growth and staying committed to patient care.

Daejin Abidoye, M.D., is the Vice President and therapeutic area head for solid tumor oncology at AbbVie. In this engaging conversation, he delves into the transformative potential of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in cancer care. He discusses AbbVie's breakthrough approval of Emrelis for lung cancer, the promising future of ADCs beyond chemotherapy, and exciting advancements from the recent ASCO conference. Abidoye also highlights innovative compounds targeting various cancers and the growing importance of precision medicine in oncology.

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.