The Top Line

Artificial intelligence is reshaping medical communications, but it is not a substitute for human judgment. In this episode of The Top Line, experts from RTI Health Solutions explore how AI is being used across scientific writing, editing and information discovery—and why guardrails are essential. The conversation examines practical applications of AI, including literature screening, early-stage drafting and editorial support, while addressing the limitations that can undermine quality and trust. Panelists share real-world examples showing how different tools can produce conflicting results and why expert review is required to ensure accuracy and relevance. Listen to the full interview to gain insight into how organizations can harness AI’s efficiency while keeping scientific rigor and the human perspective at the center of their work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristin Cirello Pothier, KPMG life sciences and global deal strategy leader, discusses the 2026 investment outlook. She reviews 2025 deal lessons, why cost discipline rose after COVID, and which early‑2026 acquisitions signal priorities. Conversations cover FDA uncertainty, manufacturing choices for smaller firms, and how valuations favor proven innovation.

Angus Liu, a biopharma reporter who tracks M&A and AI trends, and Zoey Becker, a pharma journalist covering industry shifts, unpack JPM highlights. They note a quieter conference with fewer mega-deals. They discuss widespread AI buzz without clear drug outcomes. They compare deal timing, disclosure rules, and China’s rising biotech presence.

As payers focus on long-term outcomes and real-world performance, value matters more than ever. RTI Health Solutions experts discuss how clear evidence storytelling drives access decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Dunleavy and Eric Saganowski, experts from Fierce Pharma, dive into the whirlwind of 2025 FDA drug approvals. They analyze the surprising surge in approvals despite agency turmoil and layoffs. The duo reveals that European firms outperformed US companies, and 57% of new drugs were for rare diseases. Insightful discussions cover the declining trend in blockbuster drugs and the implications of fewer advisory committee meetings. With a focus on oncology and the complexities of drug development, this conversation sheds light on the future of biopharma.

Explore how patient voices are reshaping the life sciences landscape. Discover the impact of patient-reported outcomes on reimbursement decisions and the evolution of trial design through coauthorship and advisory boards. Learn about the significance of effective communication tailored to patients, clinicians, and payers. Unpack the importance of building trust with diverse communities to enhance participation in trials. Finally, dive into practical strategies for fostering patient-centric programs that benefit everyone involved.

Mark Sullivan, President of Regulated Industries at Salesforce, shares insights on AI adoption in life sciences. He discusses the shift from experimentation to tangible impacts, emphasizing the importance of AI for augmenting rather than replacing the workforce. Sullivan highlights challenges with inaccurate agents and the need for high-quality data. He illustrates how agents can enhance patient engagement and streamline clinical trials while stressing the necessity of trust and governance in deploying these technologies effectively.

Josh Smiley, the president and COO of Zai Lab, shares insights from his extensive biopharma career. He highlights China's transformation from a follower to a leader in biotech innovation, focusing on oncology and immunology. Smiley discusses Zai Lab's unique approach that merges rapid local execution with global standards, propelling their novel therapies into advanced trials. He emphasizes the strategic advantage for companies integrating China into their global plans early, anticipating a significant impact on the future of drug development and innovation.

After a turbulent 2025, the biopharma industry is heading into the new year with major questions still unresolved. A tough biotech investing environment, aggressive direct-to-consumer drug marketing and sweeping U.S. policy changes reshaped the landscape last year. Many of those pressures are expected to persist into 2026, even as early signs point to a thaw in venture capital. At the same time, the industry is testing whether DTC drug sales can meaningfully affect pricing for patients and whether broad manufacturing onshoring goals can realistically apply to advanced therapies like cell and gene treatments and radiopharmaceuticals. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Pharma’s Fraiser Kansteiner sits down with three biopharma CEOs to unpack what defined 2025 and what comes next. He’s joined by Thijs Spoor, CEO of Perspective Therapeutics; Brian Culley, CEO of Lineage Cell Therapeutics; and Rich Daly, CEO of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. Together, they tackle issues from DTC sales and onshore manufacturing to drug pricing, regulatory uncertainty at the FDA and the broader innovations the leaders are most excited about this year. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  2026 forecast: After a surge of M&A in Q4, will the trend continue? Editor's Corner: Fierce Biotech's 10 most-read stories of 2025 What a year: Here are the stories that captivated our audience in 2025 Editor's Corner: The top 10 Fierce Pharma Marketing stories of 2025 2026 forecast: Pharma clicks with patients as direct sales model shifts marketing strategies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion features Darren Incorvaia, a Staff writer at Fierce Biotech, who sheds light on how NIH funding cuts impact drug discovery. Fraser Kansteiner, a reporter/editor at Fierce Pharma, dives into the shifting dynamics within FDA vaccine policies. Angus Liu and Eric Sagonowsky provide insights on FDA leadership changes and their implications. The panel also evaluates the cautious optimism seen at the Jefferies Healthcare Conference, while Heather Landi and Paige Minemyer analyze the challenges providers face and the evolving role of AI in healthcare.