The RTW Podcast

Rod Wong joins Stephanie Sirota to trace biotech's evolution. What forces built today’s innovation landscape, and what might the next decade reveal?

PODCAST TEAM

Producer & Director: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin

Production Support: Annabelle Chan

Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz

Additional music: APM Music

Featuring: Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

Learn more about 'Innovation is the Best Medicine' here.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

1:22 – Gene therapy and biotech

4:51 – Rod Wong’s journey into biotech

9:55 – Rod Wong: Investor or Business Builder?

12:43 – Growing trends in biotechnology

15:36 – Generating Alpha in Biotech

21:54 – Looking forward for RTW

23:51 - Outro

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

When an FDA panel held her company’s future in the balance, UroGen Pharma CEO Liz Barrett refused to fold, even with the odds stacked, a plunging stock, and one vote deciding it all.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer and Director: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin

Production Support: Annabelle Chan

Story Consultants: Partner & Research Analyst Tony Nguyen, and Chief Corporate Finance Officer, Chris Seiter.

Featuring: Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:54 – Liz Barrett’s pharma journey

03:26 - UroGen: the product and the pipeline

08:31 - The FDA vote on UroGen

15:07 - UroGen and RTW’s relationship

18:42 - Liz Barrett’s leadership style

22:40 - Outro

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

From a Thanksgiving night emergency to one of the fastest gene therapies ever deployed, this is the story of a family’s relentless pursuit to help their daughter, and how RTW Foundation made it possible.

This episode was recorded on June 11, 2025, and the clinical trial details discussed may have changed; please see ellysteam.org for the most current information on Elly’s case.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer & Director: Devon Leaver

Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Research Consultants: Joe Katakowski, PhD, and Nicole Litt

Story Consultant: Samantha Darris

Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz

Additional music: APM Music

Featuring: Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP.

FOLLOW US

Now you can follow along in the format you prefer. Watch the video feed of this podcast on YouTube or read the transcript at rtwfunds.com/podcasts.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

01:16 – Elly’s Diagnosis

04:37 - Finding a treatment with RTW Foundation

09:42 - Elly’s journey: from research to treatment

14:50 - Becoming the first child to receive an IRF2BPL gene replacement therapy

17:17 - Expanding the clinical trial for NEDAMSS

19:12 - How to improve drug research and development

21:18 - Outro and disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Lack of sleep can be deadly and costly. Matthew Walker, author of NYT bestseller Why We Sleep and Stephanie Sirota explore the science of sleep, how not sleeping can hurt our health and economy, and the global sleep epidemic.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Dr. Matthew Walker PhD, Author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:46 - Matthew Walker’s journey into sleep science

03:01 - Understanding the different types of sleep

06:06 - How to deal with jet lag

08:22 - The effect of sleep on young adults

11:02 - The impact of sleep on productivity

14:13 - Analyzing the dream state

17:34 - Sleeping, dreaming, and the relationship with mental health

19:59 - The future of sleep studies

21:34 - Sleep as the foundation of health

23:58 - Outro and disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Dr. Matthew Walker, Author of Why We Sleep, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

When Akero’s stock dropped after a trial setback, why did RTW double down that same day? CEO Andrew Cheng joins RTW’s Rod Wong to share how he navigated the biotech storm, why he believed in efruxifermin (EFX,) and what’s next for liver disease treatment.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin

Featuring: Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Rod Wong in 2023

00:22 – Introduction

01:01 – Introducing Akero Therapeutics and MASH

03:51 – Discussing Akero’s Trials and Setbacks

08:32 – Becoming pioneers in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic treatment

11:05 – Challenges of being a biotech CEO

12:52 – Outro and Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, and moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Connor Williams was shocked when the data came back for GH001. What could this mean for the future of treatment-resistant depression? Listen to his exclusive interview with Dr. Valcheva, the CEO of GH Research, to find out.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments.

Don't forget to listen to part 1 of Connor’s discussion on treatment resistant depression and psychedelics with Stephanie Sirota, Managing Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:09 – About GH Research

04:20 – Becoming CEO of GH Research

06:27 – The difference between GH001 and other psychedelics

11:37 – The difficulties of developing a scheduled substance

12:27 – Dealing with the stigma of psychedelics

15:31 – What else can GH001 treat?

17:26 – The future of GH Research

20:53 – Outro and Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research, and moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

If you’re dismissing psychedelics in pharma, think again. Stephanie Sirota and Connor Williams discuss overcoming stigma and regulatory challenges, and the results of a recent clinical trial that could signal a new era for mental health care.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments.

Stay tuned for a deep dive into psychedelics with the CEO of GH Research, Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva, moderated by Connor Williams.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:21 - The development of psychiatric drugs

03:29 - Treatment resistant patients in the U.S. and the international market

05:50 - The need for new depression treatment drugs

08:05 - The rise of psychedelics & the impact of regulations and policies

13:58 - New areas of study in psychedelics

14:43- The valuation of psychedelics and what it means for investors

17:53 - Discovering GH Research and its novel approach to TRD

22:11 - Outro and disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Dr. Rekha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at Found, and Stephanie Sirota explore Rekha’s rise from academia, and her passion for obesity medicine. As new weight management therapies emerge, Rekha emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to maximize their potential.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, moderated by Stephanie Sirota.

Don't forget to listen to part one of Stephanie's discussion on GLP-1s with Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction

00:38 - Dr. Rekha Kumar’s journey into obesity medicine

04:18 - Establishing Found and treating obesity patients

08:56 - Telehealth and its impact on obesity treatment

12:59 - Understanding how GLP-1s work

17:18 - Obesity as an area of study in medicine

18:47 - Thoughts on the future of obesity medicine

20:02 - Outro

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, and Chief Medical Officer at Found, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer and Partner at RTW Investments. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Rod Wong and Stephanie Sirota delve into the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs, focusing on their impact on obesity and related diseases. Rod shares his insights into the next generation of obesity therapies and the opportunities they present for innovation and investment in the biotech sector.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Rod Wong, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments.

Stay tuned for part two of our discussion on GLP-1s where we welcome Dr. Rekha B. Kumar to the studio at RTW HQ.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introductions

00:39 - Understanding the importance of GLP-1s

02:27 - GLPs in the cycle of obesity drug development

05:13 - Public and private company interest in obesity drugs

06:58 - Cost benefits of GLP-1s and their Impact on the healthcare system

10:30 - The value of GLP-1s in the investor space

12:36 - GLP-1s in the international market

16:12 - The expansion of large companies into GLP-1s

18:35 - Thoughts on recent investments and the potential of Kailera Therapeutics

19:52 - Outro and disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results.

Sarah Boyce from Avidity Biosciences and Piratip Pratumsuwan from RTW Investments explore the strategic decisions and innovations that have driven Avidity's success. They cover her approach to overcoming the challenges of scaling a biotech company, the impact of Avidity’s groundbreaking work on treating rare genetic disorders, and Sarah’s vision for the future of RNA-based therapies.

PODCAST TEAM

Producer: Devon Leaver

Technical Director: Joseph Sebring

Editor: Dominique Guerra

Featuring: Sarah Boyce, President and CEO of Avidity Biosciences, and Piratip Pratumsuwan, Managing Director; Research Analyst at RTW Investments.

FOLLOW US

Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights.

To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introducing Sarah Boyce and Piratip Pratumsuwan

01:09 - Avidity Biosciences: Pioneering RNA therapeutics

02:20 - Joining Avidity: A bold decision

03:55 - Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities

12:00 - FSHD and Fortitude

18:21 - Looking Ahead: The future of RNA therapeutics

20:10 - Championing women in biotechnology

21:43 - Credits and disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

This interview and testimonial was given by Sarah Boyce, CEO of Avidity Biosciences, a company in which RTW has made an equity investment on behalf of its managed funds. No compensation was provided to Ms. Boyce. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results.