Daphne Zohar, Josh Schimmer, Brad Loncar, Tim Opler & more
A weekly discussion of all things biotech – breaking news, data, deals, and FDA actions – with a community of biotech industry leaders and experts. Join the liv...
On this week’s episode, Sam Fazeli, Eric Schmidt, and Brian Skorney are joined by Roivant’s Matthew Gline to discuss data, deals and the latest policy updates. The episode kicks off with concerns over potential U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding cuts for domestic HIV programs, with the group analyzing the impact on companies like Gilead and GSK, whose HIV prevention drugs have driven significant investor enthusiasm. They then discuss the uncertainty surrounding the new administration’s commitment to public health initiates, considering Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as HHS Secretary and his past controversial views on vaccines and HIV prevention. The conversation then shifts to data, including positive results from Immunovant and Roivant’s Phase 3 study of batoclimab for myasthenia gravis. The group also examines the surprising absence of short sellers engaging with Roivant post-data release, highlighting shifts in biotech trading strategies. In the muscular dystrophy space, new exon-skipping therapies from Avidity and Dyne show unprecedented dystrophin restoration, suggesting potential functional benefits. However, the tragic death of a patient treated with Sarepta’s gene therapy, Elevidys, reignites concerns about accelerated approvals and the FDA’s risk-benefit calculus in rare disease research. On the deal-making front, AstraZeneca’s $425M acquisition of stealth-mode cell therapy startup EsoBiotec and Sanofi’s $600M deal with Dren Bio underscore biotech’s valuation disconnect, where early-stage private assets command premium prices while public biotechs struggle. The episode closes with insights into Alnylam’s broad label win for Amvuttra in ATTR cardiomyopathy and AstraZeneca’s $2.5B investment in biotech agreements and manufacturing in China, reflecting its long-term strategic vision despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. *This episode aired on March 21, 2025
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Episode 134 - March 14, 2025
On this week’s episode, Eric Schmidt, Sam Fazeli and Yaron Werber are joined by Biotechnology Innovation Organization's (BIO) John Crowley where they discuss biotech policy shifts, regulatory updates, obesity clinical trials and deal flow. The conversation begins with a focus on the obesity landscape including Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema data, Roche’s partnership with Zealand Pharma and Viking Therapeutics manufacturing agreements, signaling continued investment in the field. John Crowley then leads a conversation on policy and regulatory developments, sharing optimism about a more favorable U.S. policy environment for biotech. He highlights key priorities such as FDA modernization, PBM reforms and domestic manufacturing incentives. Crowley also notes bipartisan recognition of biotech as a strategic asset, though concerns persist around anti-science rhetoric, vaccine skepticism and regulatory challenges. Despite ongoing uncertainty, he sees more opportunities than threats for the industry. On the deal-making front, small-cap oncology acquisitions continue, with Sun Pharma acquiring Checkpoint Therapeutics and BMS consolidating its stake in 2seventy Bio. The discussion also covers biotech pipeline updates, including BioNTech’s disappointing revenue guidance and Legend Bio’s expansion of its CAR-T therapy manufacturing capacity. The episode concludes with insights into the broader biotech market, highlighting the impact of regulatory shifts, M&A activity and clinical trial data. While challenges remain, companies prioritizing innovation and execution continue to be well-positioned for long-term success. This episode aired on March 14, 2025.
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Episode 133 - March 7, 2025
On this week’s episode, Daphne Zohar, Eric Schmidt, Tess Cameron, Brian Skorney, and Yaron Werber discuss the state of the biotech market, emphasizing the resilience of the sector despite current downtowns. The IPO market also remains stagnant, with many companies trading below IPO prices. The conversation shifts to notable deals, including Jazz Pharmaceuticals acquiring Chimerix for $935 million and AbbVie’s move into the obesity space with its $350 million acquisition of Gubra. The group also discusses Pliant Therapeutics' discontinuation of its Phase 2b trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and Biohaven's promising results from its Phase 1 study of BHV-1300, a potential IgG degrader for autoimmune diseases. The conversation then covers BMS’ decision to terminate MRTX1133, a G12D inhibitor from its $4.8bn acquisition of Mirati Therapeutics, and the challenges independent biotech companies face post-launch, including investor skepticism and long-term value pressure. In regulatory news, the group touches on FDA and NIH Senate hearings, vaccine policy debates, and concerns over the revolving door between industry and regulatory agencies, particularly with Pfizer’s hire of former FDA director, Patrizia Cavazzoni. They also discuss the broader implications of scientific credibility and public trust in healthcare institutions. The episode concludes with insights on professional networking best practices, emphasizing clear and specific outreach strategies. *This episode aired on March 7, 2025.
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Episode 132 - February 21, 2025
On this episode of Biotech Hangout hosts Brad Loncar, Eric Schmidt, Tess Cameron, Luba Greenwood, and Tim Opler, along with special guest Adam Feuerstein, kick off with a discussion on ‘zombie’ biotech companies – those trading below their cash value – and whether they can be revived or should return capital to investors. The conversation then turns to Stoke’s collaboration agreement with Biogen, Solid Biosciences’ promising gene therapy data for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and industry concerns over biotech fundraising practices. Other key topics include Bluebird Bios take-private acquisition, SpringWorks’ potential buyout by Merck KGaA, and updates in the obesity space, including the FDA removing semaglutide from the shortage list. The group also covers BridgeBio’s strong launch of Attruby, biotech M&A sentiment, and rumors of a potential Viking Therapeutics acquisition. *This episode aired on February 21, 2025.
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Episode 131 - February 14, 2025
On this week’s episode, Chris Garabedian, Yaron Werber and Sam Fazeli discuss the challenges facing the biotech sector, including high interest rates and the overabundance of public biotech companies. The hosts take a look at recent IPOs, noting that Metsra and Sionna have performed well, while others like Septerna and Upstream struggled. Reasons for the market’s reaction to IPOs was also discussed, including concerns about valuation, competition and future funding needs. The hosts also discuss the potential acquisition of SpringWorks by Merck. BioCentury’s Steve Usdin also joins the show to discuss the policy and regulatory environment. He outlines the opportunities and risks for the biotech sector, including potential reforms to onshore manufacturing, IRA Medicare drug negotiation, PBM reforms, FDA and NIH staffing cuts, and much more. This episode aired on February 14, 2025.
A weekly discussion of all things biotech – breaking news, data, deals, and FDA actions – with a community of biotech industry leaders and experts. Join the live streams hosted by @BiotechCH, @daphnezohar, @bradloncar and @biotech1 on Twitter Spaces every Friday at 12pm ET.
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