271: Racing for gene therapy, a pioneering approval, & startups in the lurch
Our colleague Jason Mast joins us to explain how the approval of a landmark gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy set in motion a frantic race to get children treated before their 6th birthdays...
18 Aug 202334min
270: Your guide to Wegovy’s blockbuster heart study
In the wake of a massively important clinical trial of Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy, our colleague Elaine Chen joins us to explain what we know and don’t know about data that could change the pr...
10 Aug 202332min
269: Biotech layoffs, eye drug drama, & gene therapy milestones
First, we discuss how some recent layoffs and a reverse merger mean for biotech in 2023. We’ll also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including a dramatic saga in ocular medicine, the vola...
3 Aug 202337min
268: Biogen's sticky situation, Wegovy's risks, & biotech insider trading
First, we discuss why Wall Street was less than convinced by Biogen's attempt to assuage concerns about its credibility. Then we explain an insider trading scandal that bridges biotech and elite-level...
27 Jul 202336min
267: BridgeBio's big week, Lilly's Alzheimer's data, & succession at Stanford
Neil Kumar, CEO of BridgeBio, joins us to talk about how his small company came to develop what could be a big drug — and why classical Greek literature remains relevant. We also discuss the latest ne...
20 Jul 202335min
266: Wegovy in the brain, pivotal Alzheimer's data, & pulling Threads
Our colleague Megan Molteni joins us to explain the evolving science suggesting products like Wegovy are less weight loss drugs than treatments for human desire. We also explain why this summer is sha...
13 Jul 202332min
265: Novavax's CEO promises a turnaround & how Lilly roiled the obesity market
Our colleague Elaine Chen joins us to explain how the era of Wegovy could be short-lived in light of powerful new weight-loss medicines from Eli Lilly. Then, John Jacobs, the new CEO of Novavax, stops...
29 Jun 202335min
264: Messy PBM conflicts, debatable vaccines, & the future of flu season
Our colleague Bob Herman joins us to explain his year-long investigation into some brazen conflicts of interest in the world of prescription drug pricing. Then, STAT's Helen Branswell calls in to walk...
22 Jun 202336min
