Women in Science Day (February 11) was the top of the list for discussion for GEN editors in this week’s podcast. They shared an anecdote on the history of the term “scientist”—hint it was coined for a woman. A modern scientist, Medra CEO Michelle Lee, discussed with GEN how the company is integrating robotics with AI for use in biological research. GEN attended SLAS this week and we got an update on the automation updates along with endeavors to increase the presence of women in biotech leadership. Finally, we get an update on Eli Lilly’s recent major deals followed by an update on Nektar Therapeutics clinical trial updates.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

Data Is a Robotics Problem, Medra CEO Says Physical AI Will Transform Biology

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 11, 2026

Robots on the Red Line: A Video Update from SLAS 2026

GEN, February 11, 2026

SLAS Highlights: AI Labs, Small-Molecule SPR, Protein Interaction Assays, and Paper Labware

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026

SLAS Highlights: Opening Keynote Spotlights Novel Target in Genomically Unstable Tumors

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026

Opentrons Uses Nvidia Tech to Build Training Data That Powers Physical AI in the Lab

By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 9, 2026

Beyond Obesity: Lilly Inks Up to $11.25B in Cancer, Immune System Deals

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 10, 2026

Lilly, Seamless Ink Up-to-$1.12B Hearing Loss Collaboration

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 28, 2026

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

Behind the Breakthroughs 

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We kick off the very first episode of 2026 with a major legal development. This week, the former CEO of CytoDyn was sentenced to 30 months in prison, more than a year after being convicted on multiple charges including four counts of securities fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and three counts of insider trading. Also, we examine recent investments in artificial intelligence by several major drugmakers, and where they are hoping the technology can make an impact. Then, the latest from 10x Genomics and its plans to expand into clinical diagnostics through new collaboration. And for some research news, a new study that explores how functional forms of amyloid can create stable memories.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

Ex-CytoDyn CEO Sentenced to 30-Month Prison Term on Fraud, Insider Trading

By Alex Philippidis, GEN, January 27, 2026

Pharma Bets Big on AI Platforms with Flurry of New Year Deals

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, January 22, 2026

JPM: Nvidia Launches AI Collaborations with Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 13, 2026

Clinical Ambitions: 10x Expands Beyond Research with Trio of Collaborations

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 26, 2026

Chai’s the Limit for AI Antibody Designer After $130M Series B Funding

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 16, 2025

Lilly Expands AI Ties to Insilico, from Customer to Drug Discovery Partner

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 10, 2025

How Brain May Deliberately Form Amyloids to Turn Experiences Into Memories

GEN, January 26, 2026

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

Behind the Breakthroughs 

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of 2025, the GEN team came together to reflect on some of the stories over the last year that they each found impactful. Some of the stories were covered in GEN’s December issue, but our editors took the time to discuss some topics in a bit more depth during the podcast. The discussion began with an update on the progress of AI use in drug discovery. Cell and gene therapy was a big topic with the positive outcome for Baby KJ, while Sarepta dealt with a rollercoaster of a year with their DMD treatment, Elevidys. Research and biotech in Africa are growing and the discussion ranged from challenges to promise in research and development on the continent. This year’s NIH budget cuts and impacted institutions rounded out the conversation.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, Phd, Kevin Davies, Phd, John Sterling, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

GEN Editors Reflect on Six of the Biggest Stories of the Year

By Alex Philippidis, Savannah Wiegel, Fay Lin, PhD, Kevin Davies, PhD, Uduak Thomas, and Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, December 4, 2025

StockWatch: Sarepta Says Deaths of Two Elevidys Patients Posted on FDA Database Unrelated to Treatment

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 10

StockWatch: As Prasad Exits FDA, Analysts See Benefit for Sarepta, CGT Stocks

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 3

FDA Probes Death of Brazilian Boy Linked to Sarepta’s Elevidys

GEN Edge, July 27

Second DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 15

DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 18

From The Editor in Chief

John Sterling, December Issue of GEN

Gene Therapy in Africa

The State of CRISPR & Genome Editing Summit, June 11, 2025

TOP 50 NIH

By Alex Philippidis, GEN, December 4, 2025

FDA Cell & Gene Therapy roundtable: Cell and Gene Therapy Leaders Tell FDA: “Believe in American Solutions”

By Alex Philippidis, and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 5, 2025

Scientists in NYC Rally to Defend and Stand Up for Science

By Corinna Singleman, GEN, March 10, 2025

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

Behind the Breakthroughs 

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories on lung organoids and autism were some of the most read this week. We kicked things off by digging into recent breakthroughs in both areas including an automated method for manufacturing iPSC-derived lung organoids and how a combination of supplements reduced autism-linked behaviors in mice. Still on the topic of new research, we discussed how a protein in the extracellular matrix helps muscle stem cells repair aging muscles. In business news, the bidding war between Lundbeck and Alkermes over Avadel Pharmaceuticals has ended. We talk about the possible implications of Lundbeck’s decision to back out and next steps for Alkermes. Then we dive into Protego Biopharma’s recent fundraising round, and efforts to develop small-molecule pharmacological chaperones that modulate protein stability in disease.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

Lung Organoids Generated in Bulk Using Stirred Bioreactor Technology

GEN, December 1, 2025

Autism-Linked Behaviors in Mice Reduced by Nutrient Trio

GEN, December 3, 2025

Muscle Stem Cells Bolstered by ECM Protein Tenascin-C

GEN, December 5, 2025

Protego Closes $130M Series B to Fund Pivotal Trial of AL Amyloidosis Candidate

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 3, 2025

Lundbeck Ends Bidding War for Avadel, After Alkermes’ Up-to-$2.37B Offer

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 1, 2025

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

Behind the Breakthroughs 

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nasal vaccines show new promise for human papillomavirus (HPV) to address cervical cancer and whooping cough. In business news, Korro's stock craters 81% as AATD interim Phase I/II results miss expectations. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson acquires Halda to expand their cancer pipeline while Merck acquires Cidara to boost antivirals. Lastly, the inaugural Genetic Agency Technology Conference (GATC) hosted by Dyno Therapeutics brought together a diverse group of researchers, entrepreneurs, and patient advocates to discuss the mission of genetic agency, or an individual’s ability to take action at the genetic level to live a healthier life.

 Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: 

Cervical Cancer May Be Treatable with Intranasal Nanogel Vaccine

GEN, November 15, 2025

Novel Nasal Spray Vaccine for Pertussis Shows Promise

By Corinna Singleman, PhD, GEN, November 12, 2025

StockWatch: Korro Craters 81% on Data; Patient Death Sours Analysts on Intellia

By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 16, 2025

J&J Expands Cancer Pipeline with $3B Halda Acquisition

By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 18, 2025

Merck to Acquire Cidara for $9.2B, Bolstering Antiviral Pipeline 

By Alex Philippidis, GEN, November 15, 2025

AI Meets Genetic Agency at Dyno GATC 2025

By Fay Lin, PhD, GENEdge, November 14, 2025

Genetic Agency on Display at GATC 2025

By Kevin Davies, PhD, and Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, November 13, 2025

Dyno GATC Announces AI Agents, Muscle Capsid, and Manufacturing Partner

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, November 11, 2025

Touching Base Podcast 

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD 

Behind the Breakthroughs 

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

uniQure's “game changing” data announced in September, which showed significant slowing of Huntington’s disease (HD) progression in patients treated with its gene therapy candidate AMT-130, may not be enough to secure FDA approval. We also discuss Recursion's pivotal leadership transitions, as Najat Khan, PhD, chief R&D officer and chief commercial officer, is set to take over as the company's CEO effective January 1. The AI drug developer has made big bets filling the biology data gap and recently announced a "Google Map of the brain" to advance neurodegenerative disease targets. In open-source AI for drug discovery, the release of the latest Boltz model, BoltzGen, advances the platform from structural predictions to the design of "any" therapeutic modality, all available for commercial use. 

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  

uniQure Staggers as FDA Questions Data for Huntington’s Gene Therapy Candidate 

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 3, 2025 

StockWatch: uniQure Shares Reach Five-Year High on “Game Changing” Huntington’s Data 

Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 28, 2025 

Gene Therapy Significantly Slows Huntington Disease Progression 

GEN, September 24, 2025 

Recursion, Roche Unveil Microglia Map of Neuro Disease Targets 

By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, October 29, 2025 

BoltzGen Democratizes AI Therapeutic Design, Expands Druggable Universe 

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 27, 2025 

The State of AI in Drug Discovery On Demand  

Touching Base Podcast  

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  

Behind the Breakthroughs  

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are gearing up for our annual AI in Drug Discovery summit in a few days. So, for this episode, we focused on some recent AI news coverage. First, GEN senior editor Fay Lin, PhD, visited Seattle recently for some AI-focused meetings. She discusses her experiences in the Emerald City including an exclusive in-person interview with Nobel laureate, David Baker, PhD, on what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to using AI to design proteins de novo.  Then we discuss new research from University of California, San Diego, that used machine learning to identify networks of genes that could be targeted to reprogram cancer stem cells. We also go over some early studies that point to a possible drug candidate for colon cancer.   

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  

Brunkow, Ramsdell, Sakaguchi Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Peripheral Immune Tolerance  

Uduak Thomas, GEN, October 6, 2025  

AI in Protein Design: Hype vs. Reality Explained by David Baker  

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 20, 2025  

Nobel Anniversary: David Baker Keynotes STEM Fundraiser by ARCS Foundation Seattle  

By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 14, 2025  

AI Treatment Reprograms and Triggers Cancer Stem Cells to Self-Destruct  

GEN, October 20, 2025  

The State of AI in Drug Discovery Registration  

Touching Base Podcast  

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  

Behind the Breakthroughs  

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Metal-organic frameworks and peripheral immune tolerance were the big winners of the Nobel prizes in chemistry, and in physiology or medicine, respectively. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the winners and the impacts of their discoveries. Then we move over to some business news where we discuss a novel gene therapy for Huntington’s disease from uniQure that made waves recently. Early clinical trial data for AMT-130 showed that it could meaningfully slow the progression of the disease by as much as 75%. Also in business news, a new partnership involving Arbor Biotechnologies and Chiesi Group aims to develop gene editing therapies to target rare liver diseases.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:

Brunkow, Ramsdell, Sakaguchi Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Peripheral Immune Tolerance

Uduak Thomas, GEN, October 6, 2025

Metal-Organic Frameworks Win the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, October 8, 2025

Gene Therapy Significantly Slows Huntington Disease Progression

GEN, September 24, 2025

StockWatch: uniQure Shares Reach Five-Year High on “Game Changing” Huntington’s Data

Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 28, 2025

Chiesi, Arbor Target Rare Liver Diseases in Up-to-$2.1B Gene Editing Collaboration

Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, October 8, 2025

Touching Base Podcast

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GEN has been at the forefront of biotech and bioprocessing news for over 40 years. Last week, editor in chief, John Sterling and deputy editor in chief, Julianna LeMieux, PhD, attended BioProcess International (BPI). This annual meeting is a hallmark event for GEN, where we attend talks, speak with a multitude of bioprocess companies, and keep up to date on the latest products and news for the year. John and Julianna discuss their experience at this year’s event. Additionally, GEN held its first ever client appreciation reception this year at BPI and Julianna describes the atmosphere.

Join GEN editors John Sterling, Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Corinna Singleman, PhD for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. 

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:

Boston’s Bioprocessing Buzz: GEN Reports Live from BPI 2025

Julianna LeMieux, PhD and John Sterling, GEN, September 18, 2025

Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters 2025

Alex Philippidis, GEN, August 1, 2025

Top 10 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations 2025

Alex Philippidis, GEN, September 15, 2025

Touching Base Podcast

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novartis has agreed to license and develop Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ preclinical stage small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy ARO-SNCA, a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies, plus additional targets. Two stories this week covered very different types of cell reprogramming techniques for therapy development. The first approach may overcome the time delays and safety risks of traditional immunotherapies, especially for patients with aggressive, late-stage disease. Meanwhile, electrical stimulation of macrophages could represent a new therapy to boost the body’s own repair processes in a range of injury and disease situations. Finally, Eli Lilly saw its shares climb 5% this past week after announcing that its history-making oral obesity candidate, orforglipron, aced the Phase III ATTAIN-2 trial.

Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.

Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:

The State of Biotech Summit Registration

Novartis Commits Up to $2.2B toward Developing Arrowhead siRNA Therapy

Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 2, 2025

Off-the-Shelf Immunotherapy Demonstrates Multipronged Attack Against Cancer

GEN, August 29, 2025

Human Macrophages “Reprogrammed” by Electrical Stimulation to Encourage Faster Healing

GEN, September 2, 2025

StockWatch: Analysts See $10B+ in Sales for Lilly Oral GLP-1

Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 1, 2025

Touching Base Podcast

Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD

Behind the Breakthroughs

Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.