The Readout Loud

Who's going to run Biogen? Does Aduhelm have a future? And is it OK to shame reporters? This week, we delve into Biogen's twin announcements that the company is pulling the plug on Aduhelm and replacing its embattled CEO, discussing the future of Alzheimer's disease and just who might want to lead the company. We also explain the latest on Covid-19 vaccines, a strange situation for Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and the controversy surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Can rewired cells cure some patients' cancer? Do biotech stocks ever go up? And why's it taking so long to get kids vaccinated for Covid-19? Immunologist Katy Rezvani of MD Anderson Cancer Center joins us to explain the massive potential of a new approach to treating wily tumors, one that repurposes human immune cells. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including an interesting hire at Novartis, the pediatric Covid-19 vaccine saga, and another negative milestone for biotech.

Can buyouts be bad news? Why can't Novavax meet a deadline? And what does "breakthrough" actually mean? First, we delve into why the latest big biotech acquisition has ominous implications for the downtrodden sector. Then, STAT's Mario Aguilar joins us to explain how a well-intentioned FDA program is benefiting companies over patients. We also discuss the latest pandemic news, including the ongoing debate over boosters and yet another delay for Novavax.

Are we supposed to just get used to superspreader events? What's going with Editas Medicine? And why are people on Twitter so angry? Leana Wen, an emergency medicine physician and public health professor at George Washington University, joins us to talk about the many complexities of living with Covid-19 and the tricky task of defining "normal" in 2022. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including Editas' new CEO, Aduhelm's future, and the data on Covid-19 vaccines for kids.

What's on tap for Roche and its closely followed cancer immunotherapy? Are we all headed for another jab with a Covid-19 vaccine? And what explains the recent success of Vertex Pharmaceuticals' R&D pipeline? This week, reporter Andrew Joseph joins us to discuss the FDA and its meeting with outside advisers that considered questions about Covid-19 boosters and the potential for updated vaccines that better match the circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2. We'll also dive into a look at Vertex and hear from its top executives about two experimental, but potentially groundbreaking, treatments for pain and type 1 diabetes. And as we often do, we’ll kick off the podcast with a Chatty Cathy round of hot takes on this week’s news.

As long as there's been a medical system, it's been one that is rife with instances of mistreatment — both on the individual and community levels — that have harmful effects on how Black Americans view the health care system. In the first episode of the new STAT podcast Color Code, host Nick St. Fleur speaks with doctors, researchers, and a patient who are all trying to repair the relationship between Black people and the medical institution. You can find Color Code on any platform you use to get your podcasts. Episodes are released every other week.

Are Covid-19 vaccines a sustainable business? Was Aduhelm an aberration? And what comes after Omicron? Senior writer Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the latest twists in the pandemic, including rising case counts, next-generation vaccines, and the latest data from pediatric trials. We also dive into the latest news in the life sciences, including Moderna's grand ambitions, Al Sandrock's new job, and the next big FDA debate.

How should pharma treat Russia? Why can't Congress pass a drug pricing bill? And what does wastewater portend for the pandemic? First, we discuss the drug industry's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and STAT reporter Isabella Cueto joins us to explain how the war has affected the quietly vibrant Ukrainian biotech industry. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko calls in to review Congress' years of failure to pass laws on drug pricing and examine whether bipartisan support can ever result in actual legislation. We also run through the latest news in the life sciences, including Ashish Jha's new job, global Covid-19 surges, and a long-delayed manuscript from Biogen.

Can biotech companies age gracefully? Where did Covid-19 come from? And does Theranos make for good television? We cover all that and more this week. We examine Gilead Sciences' recent struggles and what the company's predicament says about the drug industry. Then, MIT Technology Review reporter Antonio Regalado joins us to discuss his new podcast investigating the origins of Covid-19. We also discuss the latest Theranos trial, playing Elizabeth Holmes on TV, and how we managed to make 200 episodes of this show.

Is "test to treat" too good to be true? Does it really matter who gets credit for CRISPR? And what's the offramp for Covid-19? We cover all that and more this week. Physician and researcher Kavita Patel joins us to explain why President Biden's plans for Covid-19 — including an ambitious idea to distribute antiviral treatments — might not be so simple. We also discuss some milestone data in the quest to turn CRISPR into medicine and the latest twist in the quest to figure out who invented it.

How many Covid-19 vaccines does the world really need? What will it take to address inequality in American health care? And should people be nicer to Moderna? First, we discuss the latest news in Covid-19 vaccines, including data from Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline, the future of Novavax, and what comes next for Moderna. Then, STAT’s Usha Lee McFarling joins us to talk about a groundbreaking investigation into racial and ethnic disparities in American medicine — and why almost nothing has changed in the 20 years since it was published.

Will there be a new ALS drug this year? What business does Wall Street have with CRISPR? And when can kids get Covid-19 vaccines? We cover all that and more this week. First, STAT's Nicholas Florko joins us to preview the trials ahead for Robert Califf as he retakes the reins at the FDA — including a high-profile decision on a new treatment for ALS. Then, CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna and financier Marty Chavez join us to talk about the future of genome editing and the investments they plan to make in it. We also discuss the latest on Eric Lander, the Covid-19 vaccine meeting that wasn't, and the future of Chinese-developed cancer drugs.

Does Big Science have a bullying problem? Why did the FDA change its tune on China? And what's cooler than $100 billion? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. We discuss the scandalous end of Eric Lander's tenure as presidential science adviser with STAT Washington correspondent Lev Facher and science writer Megan Molteni. Then we dive into the FDA's about-face on cancer drugs developed in China and what it means for the cost of medicine in the U.S. We also explain how Pfizer's record-setting year somehow disappointed Wall Street and explore whether it's a good idea to end mask mandates.

Does President Biden care about the FDA? What can aerobics instructors teach us about genetics? And when can kids get Covid-19 vaccines? STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to chat about why Robert Califf, once a shoo-in to be the next FDA commissioner, is suddenly in serious jeopardy. Then, we examine one of the coolest drug-discovery stories in medicine with Merck’s head of research, Dean Li, who joins us to talk about the company’s efforts to develop an oral cholesterol pill targeting PCSK9.

Who gets to be an "expert" on Covid-19? Are Americans entitled to drugs that don't work? And how does the FDA deal with states' rights? First, we discuss the FDA's decision to halt the use of two Covid-19 antibodies that don't work against Omicron — and the surprising backlash that ensued. Then, acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock joins us to dig into the agency's move and discuss the steps for regulation of Covid drugs. We also go over the latest news in the life sciences, including some bad news for Gilead Sciences and a rare victory for a small biotech company.

With biotech in the dumps, we talk to Oppenheimer analyst Jared Holz about why the world has soured on the sector and what it means for the future of medicine. Then, STAT’s Matthew Herper joins us to explain the latest big idea from biotech's big thinkers: a company called Altos Labs, which has raised $3 billion to do something or other. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, with a cameo from Shkreli and an update on Omicron.

First, STAT health tech correspondent Katie Palmer joins us to recap the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Then, we discuss the latest twist in Biogen's quest to expand the use of Aduhelm and what it means for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Finally, Arrakis Therapeutics CEO Michael Gilman calls in to explain how targeting RNA can treat disease and why the characters in "Dune" don't just shoot each other with laser guns.

First, emergency room physician Craig Spencer joins us to talk about how the Omicron variant is impacting New York City and what the coming months have in store. Then, we look ahead to the New Year in biotech with a preview of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. We start with a look at the latest news in the life sciences, including Elizabeth Holmes' guilty verdict and the ongoing Aduhelm saga.

We've come to our last episode of the year, and first, STAT’s Helen Branswell joins us to talk about Omicron, boosters, and the past and future of the Covid-19 pandemic. Then, we'll review the year that was in biotech, discuss the suddenly virtual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, and look forward to 2022.

On this week's episode, we kick off the conversation with an update on what researchers are discovering about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, including new findings from a study involving the Pfizer Covid vaccine. Then, we'll shift the talk to this week's blockbuster STAT story about Biogen and the all the behind-the-scenes turmoil caused by its controversial treatment for Alzheimer's.

Will the first Covid-19 pill be all that useful? How worrisome is Omicron? And when will it be safe to congregate? First, STAT's Matthew Herper joins us to talk about a tense debate among FDA advisers about molnupiravir, a Merck treatment for Covid-19 whose luster has faded over time. Then, we talk to Emory University’s Carlos del Rio about the potential of Pfizer’s antiviral pill, the future treatment landscape for Covid-19, and how the emerging Omicron variant might change the global pandemic response.

First, epidemiologist Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about Covid-19 case counts, vaccination rates, and the state of the pandemic as we head into the holidays. Then, we discuss the surprising news that Al Sandrock, Biogen’s long-time chief scientist, is leaving the company after a tumultuous year.

Rebecca Robbins of the New York Times joins us to discuss the escalating tension between Moderna and the National Institutes of Health over just who invented a Covid-19 vaccine. Then, STAT's Olivia Goldhill calls in to explain Compass Pathways' promising results using psilocybin as a treatment for depression and the future of the nascent field of psychedelic medicines. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including pills for Covid-19, the next FDA commissioner, and whether Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla listens to Joe Rogan.

STAT's Rachel Cohrs drops in to talk about the latest updates in drug pricing reform. Then, John Maraganore joins us to talk about his decision to step down as CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals after almost 20 years with the company. We also discuss the latest news in biotech, including the Covid-19 vaccine for kids and Moderna's disappointing earnings call.

Can the FDA be too transparent? Who deserves credit for Operation Warp Speed? And when is a CEO worth $3 billion? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the whirlwind of FDA debates around who should get vaccines for Covid-19 and the coming months of pandemic response. Then, Brendan Borrell calls in to talk about his book, "The First Shots," a behind-the-scenes look at Operation Warp Speed and the race to develop those vaccines. We also discuss the surprise announcement that longtime Alynlam Pharmaceuticals CEO John Maraganore is soon to leave the company.

Wall Street Journal reporter Gregory Zuckerman joins us to share some behind-the-scenes details from race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, the subject of his new book. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including Biogen’s failure to launch, the plight of a Covid pill, and a headline-grabbing statement from one of biotech’s most famous scientists.

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 future of in-person conferences, and a mysterious sweet-toothed observer at Elizabeth Holmes's fraud trial.

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 brothers.

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 global vaccine push.

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 CRISPR.

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 Big Pharma as a villain.

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 approval.

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 joins to recap this week’s STAT Health Tech Summit, which featured some boisterous CEOs, ambitious startups, and promising technologies.

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 Mexico with the promise of an anti-aging gene therapy in an unregulated clinical trial.