In this week’s episode, John Stanford breaks down Day 15 of the federal shutdown’s impact on health agencies, major pullbacks in cell & gene therapy, and the White House’s latest MFN-style deal with AstraZeneca following Pfizer. We’re joined by Incubate’s Policy Director John Guy to explain how “BIOSECURE” found new life inside the Senate’s NDAA and what that means for biopharma. We also cover investment trends, workforce concerns, and the new DoD Biotech Management Office mandate. Stick around to the end for how all this could reshape U.S. innovation and supply chains. 

How will MFN-style deals affect launch strategy and U.S. pricing? 
Do recent exits by Novo Nordisk and Takeda change your outlook on cell & gene therapy? 
What’s your biggest question about BIOSECURE's due-process path and NDAA timing? 

DOD 1260H List: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Jan/07/2003625471/-1/-1/1/ENTITIES-IDENTIFIED-AS-CHINESE-MILITARY-COMPANIES-OPERATING-IN-THE-UNITED-STATES.PDF 

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Timestamps:
0:00 Disclaimer
0:23 Welcome & agenda
0:47 Shutdown Day 15: CDC RIF confusion
2:29 Court injunction + earlier HHS/FDA/NIH cuts
2:49 Cell therapy pullbacks (Novo, Takeda)
3:58 Investment slump in cell & gene therapy
5:21 Policy clarity, China context & hope
6:00 AstraZeneca White House MFN deal vs Pfizer
8:07 NDAA intro & Biosecure refresher
9:40 Interview: What is Biosecure? (John Guy)
12:19 Biosecure 2.0 details: DOD 1260H list, OMB review & due process
14:43 NDAA path, DoD Biotech Office, workforce & wrap




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