The Readout Loud

Latest Episodes:

286: FTC v. biotech, Pfizer's kitchen sink, & Vertex's future Dec 14, 2023

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First, we delve into the fallout over the FTC's move to block what looked like a humdrum biotech deal between Sanofi and Maze Therapeutics, a surprising twist that leaves unanswered question. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including Pfizer’s downbeat future, Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ next big thing, and a newly minted biotech VC with a very famous name.

Here's where you can subscribe to our biotech newsletter, The Readout.

285: CRISPR history, biotech struggles, & a big week for deals Dec 07, 2023

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With the first CRISPR-based medicine expected to win FDA approval any minute now, STAT’s Megan Molteni joins us to discuss how we got here and what it means for the future. Then, Bruce Booth from Atlas Venture joins us to discuss what was yet another downbeat year for biotech and whether there’s reason for optimism heading into 2024.

To keep up with biotech news throughout the week, here's where you can subscribe to our newsletter, The Readout.

284: AbbVie’s big deal, CAR-T’s risks, & getting a biotech job Nov 30, 2023

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We discuss why AbbVie is spending $10 billion on a cancer-focused company that spent four decades on the path to its first FDA approval, a deal with implications for biotech in 2023 and for a burgeoning area in oncology. We’ll also talk about the latest news in the life sciences, including safety concerns for CAR-T cancer treatment, the slumping industry job market, and some curious explanations for clinical failures.

283: A CRISPR milestone, algorithms amok, & biotech mixology Nov 16, 2023

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Our colleague Casey Ross joins us to tell the bombshell story of how the nation's largest health insurer used a computer algorithm to deny patient care and boost its profitability. Then, biotech veteran Michael Gilman calls in to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to be a startup CEO in this economic downturn — and which cocktail recipes help make it bearable. We also discuss a pioneering approval for a genome-editing medicine.

From Tradeoffs: Can the U.S. put an end to surprise ambulance bills? Nov 13, 2023

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From our reporting partners at Tradeoffs: Congress banned most surprise medical bills back in 2020, with one major exception: ambulance rides. Most people agree that patients should be shielded from these unexpected charges. But who should pick up the tab instead?

This week, as state and federal policymakers grapple with that question, we delve into why finding a fair solution is harder than you’d think.

You can also check out our STAT story for more information.

Note: This episode has been re-uploaded after technical difficulties.

282: Lilly’s obesity drug, the power of radiation, & a biotech implosion Nov 09, 2023

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As so-called radiopharmaceuticals make headlines in oncology, we explore their fascinating scientific backstory and the biotech gold rush to make them. We also discuss the approval of Eli Lilly’s curiously named treatment for obesity, the latest implosion for a promising biotech company, and some news in the world of shareholder activism.

To keep up between podcast episodes, here’s where you can subscribe to our biotech newsletter, The Readout.

281: Decoding biotech hype, the Sarepta saga, & au revoir to a CEO Nov 02, 2023

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Biotech consultant Frank David joins us to explain the wild world of subgroup analyses and how to discern science from spin. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including the future of Sarepta and the retirement of a biotech stalwart.

For more on what we cover, here's where you can read Frank's work; here's more on Sarepta; here’s where you can find episodes of Color Code; here’s where you can subscribe to the First Opinion Podcast; and here's where you can subscribe to our biotech newsletter, The Readout.

280: ESMO highlights, Roivant's big deal, & biotech VC on the rise Oct 26, 2023

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Our colleague Andrew Joseph joins us to explain the decades-old cancer-treating technology that had its star turn at this week's big oncology conference in Europe. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including the future of Alzheimer’s disease treatment, a multibillion-dollar deal, and the return of the biotech mega-round.

For more on what we cover, here's STAT's coverage of the European Society for Medical Oncology meeting; here's more on Roivant Sciences; here's the latest on biotech venture capital; here's more on the latest Alzheimer's data; here’s where you can find episodes of Color Code; and here’s where you can subscribe to the First Opinion Podcast.

279: Live from the 2023 STAT Summit Oct 19, 2023

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Live from Boston at the 2023 STAT Summit, we discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including a milestone in genome editing, a twist in the search for ALS treatments, and the polarizing process of saying words in biotech.

278: Merger Mondays, Ozempic panic, & CRISPR'd pigs Oct 12, 2023

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We discuss Bristol Myers Squibb’s multibillion-dollar acquisition of Mirati Therapeutics and what it means for a biotech sector still in a slump. We also explain the latest news in the life sciences, including Wall Street’s freakout over GLP-1, CRISPR’ing animals, and the latest in the NASH saga.

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