On this year's first episode, STAT Washington correspondent Lev Facher joins us to break down the implications of a Democrat-controlled Senate. Then, our colleague Erin Brodwin calls in to talk about CES, the massive tech conference taking place next week. Finally, we chat with Bob Nelsen, a biotech venture capitalist and one of the few people who saw the coming pandemic with clarity months before everyone else, about what's ahead in 2021.

It's the final episode of 2020. We dig into the second vaccine that's been recommended by a panel of FDA advisors, and look ahead to see what's in store for biotech in 2021.

Are Covid-19 vaccines safe for teens? Is the U.S. taking too long to authorize one? And how do you prepare for an FDA grilling?

Can too much Covid-19 vaccine be a bad thing? Is biotech in a bubble? And how do you make blind mice see again?

How do we measure whether Covid-19 vaccines work? What does Joe Biden think of the drug industry? And does Anthony Fauci think about retirement?

How well does Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine work? What's the difference between efficacy and effectiveness? And should the FDA approve Biogen's Alzheimer's drug?

How bad will this winter be? Is everything coming up Biogen? And who's going to be president on Jan. 20?

We discuss all that and more on this week's episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT's biotech podcast. First, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss what the winter has in store for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Then, we discuss the latest surprising twist in Biogen’s quest to win FDA approval for a polarizing treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, STAT reporter Casey Ross joins to talk about the recent death and legacy of Bertrand Might, a 12-year boy born with a rare genetic disease.

When are we getting Covid-19 vaccine data? Will concerts ever be safe again? And what's a "Bionomy"?

Who's voice rings loudest at the FDA? Is it wise to give hedge funds a blank check? And how will the Biogen saga end?

Is your local lawmaker flush with pharma cash? How does racism in medicine loom over Covid-19 studies? And who decides when a clinical trial goes on pause?