The Readout Loud

When is data "practice-changing"? How many Covid-19 vaccines do we need? And what does it mean when the FDA asks for more time? With the world's largest cancer conference just concluded, we explain the most important data presented at the meeting, including a blockbuster clinical trial that promises to change the treatment of advanced breast cancer. We also discuss an FDA controversy in the making, a pair of new Covid-19 vaccines, and the frustrating process of finding new treatments for depression.

Will gene therapy ever live up to expectations? Can anyone break up the genomics monopoly? And is innovation actually bad for biotech? This week, health care strategist Jared Holz of Oppenheimer joins us to discuss the weekend's big oncology conference and what it will take to change Wall Street's dire view of the drug industry. We also discuss a weighty FDA meeting on gene therapy, the potential of a $100 genome, and how the expanding monkeypox outbreak is creating challenges for public health agencies.

ovid vaccines for the youngest kids are up for review, but which jab — Moderna or Pfizer — will parents choose? What’s on tap for ASCO, the biggest cancer research conference of the year? And a biotech CEO has been arrested in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. First, we chat about the latest news in the life sciences. Then, we’re joined by physician and parent Jeremy Faust to discuss his take on the Covid vaccine data for children under 5.

What happens when the White House runs out of Covid-19 money? Why are kids suddenly getting mysterious infections? And who's going to hire Martin Shkreli? First, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to explain the medical mystery of hepatitis appearing worldwide in young children, plus the sudden outbreak of monkeypox. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Rachel Cohrs calls in to discuss how Congress' reluctance to pass a Covid funding bill might imperil the U.S. pandemic response just in time for a winter surge. We also chat about the latest news in the life sciences, including Clay Siegall's resignation and Martin Shkreli's release from federal prison.

Is the next Covid surge upon us? How do you make $350,000 a day in biotech? And when did Seagen find out about its CEO's arrest? First, we discuss the latest alarming trends in the Covid-19 pandemic and explaining the curious case of Moderna's briefly employed chief financial officer. Then we pick apart the implications of Pfizer's $11.6 billion acquisition of Biohaven and the struggles of a once-promising idea in cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we examine the arrest of Seagen CEO Clay Siegall and the unanswered questions about the company's response.

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.