Gene therapy breakthroughs. The first oral GLP-1 pill. A troubling signal for scientific talent. And a German pricing move that could quietly reshape global drug development.

This week on the Making Medicine podcast, John Stanford breaks down four stories shaping the future of life sciences and biotech investment. From the FDA's landmark approval of Regeneron's gene therapy for genetic hearing loss to new survey data showing immigration policy is already influencing where top researchers choose to build their careers — the pressure on the innovation ecosystem is building from multiple directions at once.

This episode covers:
🔹 FDA Approvals Corner: Eli Lilly's Foundayo (first oral small-molecule GLP-1 for weight management), Regeneron's Otarmeni (gene therapy for genetic hearing loss), and Merck's Idvynso (once-daily HIV treatment).
🔹 Immigration policy and what a new STAT News survey says about the research pipeline.
🔹 Germany's drug discount proposal and why it complicates the U.S. Most Favored Nation pricing strategy.

At the center of all these conversations is one critical question: can the United States maintain the confidence, in its regulators, its talent pipeline, and its pricing environment, that keeps the biomedical innovation engine running?

Check out the full STAT News Report
https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/04/trump-immigration-policy-stat-survey-measures-science-impact/

Join the Conversation ⬇️
Do you think the FDA is becoming less predictable?
Should the US rethink its MFN drug pricing strategy?
Can America maintain its leadership in biotech innovation?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below 👇

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Time Stamps
00:00 Intro & Disclaimer
00:17 Innovation Ecosystem Runs on Confidence
00:33 FDA, Germany & Biotech Headlines Preview
01:18 FDA Drug Approvals Roundup
01:41 Eli Lilly’s Oral GLP-1 Approval
02:16 Regeneron Gene Therapy Breakthrough
03:18 Immigration Policy & Scientific Talent Concerns
04:56 Germany Challenges MFN Drug Pricing
05:57 Why Global Drug Pricing Could Reshape Launch Strategy
06:49 Rare Disease Investment Risks
07:12 Germany vs Trump MFN Policy
08:08 Why Biotech Innovation Depends on Confidence

DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

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