STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to provide an inside look at the eleventh-hour search for a permanent FDA commissioner. We also discuss the latest twist in the debate over Covid-19 vaccine boosters, some upheaval in the world of genome editing, and a little news for parents from one Scott Gottlieb.
First, we discuss the scramble to find new leaders for the NIH and FDA, the latest online dustup involving Ginkgo Bioworks, and the growing promise of antiviral treatments for Covid-19. Then, filmmaker Brent Hodge joins us to discuss his documentary "Pharma Bro," which chronicles the trial, conviction, and prolific livestreaming of one Martin Shkreli.
First, we welcome STAT reporter Usha Lee McFarling onto the podcast to discuss her investigation into health equity tourism — how white scholars are colonizing research on health disparities. Then, we "chatty Cathy" a blizzard of biotech news from this week, including Merck's $11 billion acquisition of Acceleron Pharma, a theatrical street protest about the Covid vaccine equity dive, a debate about gene therapy's future, and, finally, why Scott Gottlieb is looking up at Elvira.
First, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the state of the Covid-19 pandemic as we head into another winter. Then, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calls in to discuss his new book on how the U.S. got caught off guard and what the government needs to do before the next pandemic hits. We start with a look at the latest news in the life sciences, including the booster debate, Biogen's trouble selling its controversial Alzheimer's drug, and the awkward pairing of beer and face masks.
Can prosthetic limbs feel real? Is the FDA softening under pressure? And are Rice Krispies Treats admissible in court? STAT's Gideon Gil joins us to share the remarkable story of an amputation surgery that makes a phantom limbs feel like the real thing. Then we discuss the FDA's surprising reversal on a new treatment for ALS and whether it signals a sea change within the agency. We start with a look at the latest news in the life sciences, including the debate over Covid-19 vaccine boosters, the...
First, STAT's Erin Brodwin joins us to talk about Verily, Google's big-idea life sciences company that is now under pressure to produce some actual products. Then, health care investor Bijan Salehizadeh calls in to discuss the dearth of rapid Covid-19 tests in the U.S. and how industry, regulators, and lawmakers share the blame. We also take a look at the latest news in biotech, including Biogen's troubled launch of Aduhelm, Moderna's long-term scientific ambitions, and a big day for the Waksal ...
Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes is finally headed to trial, and we discuss the case and why it might not be an open-and-shut conviction for prosecutors. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to explain the latest upheaval at the FDA, which arrives just as the agency faces mounting pressure to speed up the review of Covid-19 vaccines. We also discuss the race to develop antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 and why the eyelash-growth business is booming.
First, law professor Dorit Reiss joins us to discuss what the first FDA approval of a Covid-19 vaccine means for vaccination mandates and how this whole issue relates to jaywalking. Then we discuss biotech's messy summer, which has brought allegations of data manipulation, sloppy clinical development, and questionable transparency. We also run through the latest news in the life sciences, including the evolving booster shot debate and a Netflix film about the perils of pharmaceutical greed.
First, we discuss a sudden spike of FDA rejections, which has resurfaced a time-honored frustration: You can’t always trust biotech companies to be honest about their conversations with the agency. Then, STAT's Lev Facher joins us to share his reporting from Louisiana, where a surge of Covid-19 deaths among the unvaccinated is having devastating effects on health workers. Before that, we talk about a curious case of alleged insider trading, medical conferences in the time of Delta, and the globa...
First, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to explain President Biden's proposal to lower drug prices, how it might affect the 2022 election, and why there's still no nominee for FDA commissioner. Then, Shraddha Chakradhar calls in to look back on her time running STAT’s flagship newsletter, Morning Rounds. We also discuss the rise of Covid-19 mandates, Canada's biotech ambitions, and Wall Street's exuberance over new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
First, we dive into the potential of mRNA, a technology that proved itself with Covid-19 vaccines and is now seeding a pharmaceutical gold rush. Then, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the state of the pandemic, the implications of the Delta variant, and the debate around booster shots. We also dissect the week's news in biotech, included Amgen's tax problems, a meltdown in synthetic biology, and the latest on Aduhelm.
First, we discuss the CDC's about-face on mask wearing, the debate over vaccine booster shots, and the slow but steady race to develop pills for Covid-19. Then, STAT's Kate Sheridan joins us to discuss a setback in the field of microbiomics and the mounting skepticism over whether tinkering with gut bacteria can eventually treat a host of diseases. We also break down the latest fallout from the FDA's approval of Aduhelm, the sorry state of biotech stocks, and an in-development feature film about...
First, Céline Gounder of NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine joins us to discuss the issue of breakthrough coronavirus infections and whether the U.S. was too quick to unmask. Then, STAT's Rachel Cohrs calls in to share the curious case of the moderate Democrat who made thousands of dollars in pharma donations within two days of attacking a drug pricing bill. We also discuss Biogen's latest defense of Aduhelm, the debate over Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, and the latest movie casting B...
First, we'll talk about the future of the FDA, whose acting commissioner will have to step down in November unless she’s given the permanent job. Next, Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond joins us to discuss the politics of the vaccine rollout and how covering this administration differs from writing about the last one. Plus we break down the latest news on Covid-19 and the continued Aduhelm fallout.
First, we discuss the latest twists following the FDA's widely condemned decision to approve Aduhelm, Biogen's treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Then, our STAT colleague Helen Branswell joins us to talk about whether viral variants are going to stymie the U.S.'s summer reopening. Finally, STAT's Mario Aguilar calls in to break down the record-setting sums going into digital health companies in 2021.
First we talk to George Yancopoulos, head scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, about the future of CRISPR genome editing and the latest idea for treating obesity. Then, we discuss STAT's reporting on the cozy relationship between Biogen and the FDA ahead of Aduhelm's approval and what the ensuing fallout might mean. Before all that, we chat about the latest news in biotech, including vaccine boosters and a decadelong debacle.
First, we sift through the week's news, with a major update from Eli Lilly in Alzheimer's disease and new details on the inner workings of the FDA. Then, STAT's Matthew Herper joins us to discuss how GlaxoSmithKline ended up in a self-preservation struggle. Finally, STAT's Nicholas St. Fleur calls in to talk about the alarming rise of colorectal cancer deaths among young men and his decision to get on an on-camera colonoscopy for a reporting project.
First, we sift through the week's news, with some disappointing Covid-19 vaccine data, a pair of setbacks for biotech, and the Wall Street debut of 23andMe. Then, vaccinologist Paul Offit joins us to explain the scientific debate over whether we'll need booster vaccine doses to stay protected from SARS-CoV-2. Finally, Truist Securities analyst Robyn Karnauskas calls in to talk about her bold 2020 prediction that Biogen's controversial treatment for Alzheimer's disease would eventually win FDA ap...
We're devoting this entire episode to the FDA's polarizing decision to approve Aduhelm, a controversial Biogen treatment for Alzheimer's disease. First, we'll break down what happened and why it's such a big deal, and then we'll talk about the broader implications for science, medicine, and the drug industry as a whole. Finally, we'll zoom out explore how the FDA got to this moment in a conversation with Yale University professor and global health activist Gregg Gonsalves.
First, we discuss why it's so hard to predict FDA decisions, and why the latest big deal in biotech left investors cold. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us for a dive into the thousands of emails from Anthony Fauci made public this week, complete with a top-five countdown of messages both impactful and absurd. Finally, longtime Associated Press medical reporter Marilynn Marchione retired last week, and she calls in to talk about the biggest stories of her career.
STAT's Andrew Joseph joins us to talk about the two-year anniversary of the approval of gene therapy Zolgensma and the effect it has had on families dealing with the rare disease spinal muscular atrophy. Then, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calls in with tips on Memorial Day grilling, notes on a recent Twitter spat, and thoughts on the origins of SARS-CoV-2.
First, we discuss Ginkgo Bioworks, the multibillion-dollar biotech company with grand ambitions, a famous ticker symbol, and an affinity for memes. Then, STAT’s Helen Branswell joins us to discuss a topic on everyone’s mind: How will the Covid-19 pandemic end? Finally, we’ll talk about the modern phenomenon of the pandemic celebrity and the case of Ashish Jha, TV’s ever-present Covid-19 expert.
Can we prevent the next Covid-19? Has the CDC become too cautious? And how many sensors should be worn to bed? First, our colleague Helen Branswell joins us to discuss where the world went wrong with Covid-19 and how to prepare for the next pandemic. Next, STAT D.C. correspondent Nicholas Florko calls in to talk about the public health experts who believe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been too sluggish and conservative in recent months. Finally, our colleague Nick St. Fleur ...
First, Moderna and Pfizer are poised to make billions of dollars from their Covid-19 vaccines this year, and we discuss what that massive infusion of cash portends for both companies. Next, Thomas Bollyky of the Council on Foreign Relations joins us to explain what the U.S.'s support for waiving Covid-19 vaccine patents means — and doesn’t mean — for the global vaccination effort. Finally, STAT’s Megan Molteni calls in to share the story of a little-known biotech company recruiting patients to M...
First, STAT Washington correspondent Rachel Cohrs joins us to explain why President Biden's endorsement for drug pricing reform rang hollow to many advocates. Next, virologist Angela Rasmussen calls in to discuss the controversy around a Russian-produced vaccine for Covid-19. Finally, STAT's Kate Sheridan joins us to talk about how a shortage of cheap, little-discussed plastic tools is hobbling scientific labs around the world.
First, Northwestern University epidemiologist Mercedes Carnethon joins us to weigh on the nation's latest Covid-19 debate: Is it OK to go maskless outdoors? Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko calls in to talk about why the Biden administration is waiting so long to nominate an FDA commissioner and how that indecision could have real consequences. Later, we discuss the scientific promise of novel treatments for sickle cell disease — and the industry's growing concern that they mi...
How do you describe a one-in-a-million risk? What's heparin-induced thrombocytopenia? And why's it so hard to find drugs for Covid-19? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, Science Magazine reporter Kai Kupferschmidt joins us to discuss the U.S. decision to press pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and what researchers have learned about rare cases of dangerous clotting. Then, biotech analyst Josh Schimmer joins us to talk about why the...
What's next for AstraZeneca? Are there any right answers when it comes to compassionate use? And how does it feel to give someone a Covid-19 vaccine? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we discuss the latest in a long series of issues for AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine and the implications for the global pandemic response. Next, we dive into the dilemma over compassionate use, talking to Biogen's former PR chief about the struggle over wheth...
First, STAT’s Mario Aguilar joins us to discuss a fascinating experiment in Nevada, where one city is giving its residents free access to a therapy app — and getting a mixed reception. Then, New York University antitrust expert Eleanor Fox calls in to discuss the case of Illumina, the genome sequencing giant whose grand plans keeping running afoul of the Federal Trade Commission. Finally, we embark on a lightning round, covering the latest Covid-19 vaccine news, biotech’s biggest events over the...
We're devoting this week's episode to the week of whiplash news about AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, subject of a baffling international incident with consequences still unfolding. First, we explain the series of late-night announcements that made global headlines. Then, our STAT colleague Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the implications for AstraZeneca, vaccine confidence, and the global effort to get doses in arms. Finally, STAT's Matthew Herper calls in to talk about Pascal Soriot, the h...
