STAT's Rachel Cohrs drops in to talk about the latest updates in drug pricing reform. Then, John Maraganore joins us to talk about his decision to step down as CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals after almost 20 years with the company. We also discuss the latest news in biotech, including the Covid-19 vaccine for kids and Moderna's disappointing earnings call.

Can the FDA be too transparent? Who deserves credit for Operation Warp Speed? And when is a CEO worth $3 billion? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the whirlwind of FDA debates around who should get vaccines for Covid-19 and the coming months of pandemic response. Then, Brendan Borrell calls in to talk about his book, "The First Shots," a behind-the-scenes look at Operation Warp Speed and the race to develop those vaccines. We also discuss the surprise announcement that longtime Alynlam Pharmaceuticals CEO John Maraganore is soon to leave the company.

Wall Street Journal reporter Gregory Zuckerman joins us to share some behind-the-scenes details from race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, the subject of his new book. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including Biogen’s failure to launch, the plight of a Covid pill, and a headline-grabbing statement from one of biotech’s most famous scientists.

STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to provide an inside look at the eleventh-hour search for a permanent FDA commissioner. We also discuss the latest twist in the debate over Covid-19 vaccine boosters, some upheaval in the world of genome editing, and a little news for parents from one Scott Gottlieb.

First, we discuss the scramble to find new leaders for the NIH and FDA, the latest online dustup involving Ginkgo Bioworks, and the growing promise of antiviral treatments for Covid-19. Then, filmmaker Brent Hodge joins us to discuss his documentary "Pharma Bro," which chronicles the trial, conviction, and prolific livestreaming of one Martin Shkreli.

First, we welcome STAT reporter Usha Lee McFarling onto the podcast to discuss her investigation into health equity tourism — how white scholars are colonizing research on health disparities. Then, we "chatty Cathy" a blizzard of biotech news from this week, including Merck's $11 billion acquisition of Acceleron Pharma, a theatrical street protest about the Covid vaccine equity dive, a debate about gene therapy's future, and, finally, why Scott Gottlieb is looking up at Elvira.

First, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the state of the Covid-19 pandemic as we head into another winter. Then, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calls in to discuss his new book on how the U.S. got caught off guard and what the government needs to do before the next pandemic hits. We start with a look at the latest news in the life sciences, including the booster debate, Biogen's trouble selling its controversial Alzheimer's drug, and the awkward pairing of beer and face masks.

Can prosthetic limbs feel real? Is the FDA softening under pressure? And are Rice Krispies Treats admissible in court? STAT's Gideon Gil joins us to share the remarkable story of an amputation surgery that makes a phantom limbs feel like the real thing. Then we discuss the FDA's surprising reversal on a new treatment for ALS and whether it signals a sea change within the agency. We start with a look at the latest news in the life sciences, including the debate over Covid-19 vaccine boosters, the future of in-person conferences, and a mysterious sweet-toothed observer at Elizabeth Holmes's fraud trial.

First, STAT's Erin Brodwin joins us to talk about Verily, Google's big-idea life sciences company that is now under pressure to produce some actual products. Then, health care investor Bijan Salehizadeh calls in to discuss the dearth of rapid Covid-19 tests in the U.S. and how industry, regulators, and lawmakers share the blame. We also take a look at the latest news in biotech, including Biogen's troubled launch of Aduhelm, Moderna's long-term scientific ambitions, and a big day for the Waksal brothers.

Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes is finally headed to trial, and we discuss the case and why it might not be an open-and-shut conviction for prosecutors. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to explain the latest upheaval at the FDA, which arrives just as the agency faces mounting pressure to speed up the review of Covid-19 vaccines. We also discuss the race to develop antivirals for SARS-CoV-2 and why the eyelash-growth business is booming.

First, law professor Dorit Reiss joins us to discuss what the first FDA approval of a Covid-19 vaccine means for vaccination mandates and how this whole issue relates to jaywalking. Then we discuss biotech's messy summer, which has brought allegations of data manipulation, sloppy clinical development, and questionable transparency. We also run through the latest news in the life sciences, including the evolving booster shot debate and a Netflix film about the perils of pharmaceutical greed.

First, we discuss a sudden spike of FDA rejections, which has resurfaced a time-honored frustration: You can’t always trust biotech companies to be honest about their conversations with the agency. Then, STAT's Lev Facher joins us to share his reporting from Louisiana, where a surge of Covid-19 deaths among the unvaccinated is having devastating effects on health workers. Before that, we talk about a curious case of alleged insider trading, medical conferences in the time of Delta, and the global vaccine push.

First, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us to explain President Biden's proposal to lower drug prices, how it might affect the 2022 election, and why there's still no nominee for FDA commissioner. Then, Shraddha Chakradhar calls in to look back on her time running STAT’s flagship newsletter, Morning Rounds. We also discuss the rise of Covid-19 mandates, Canada's biotech ambitions, and Wall Street's exuberance over new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

First, we dive into the potential of mRNA, a technology that proved itself with Covid-19 vaccines and is now seeding a pharmaceutical gold rush. Then, STAT's Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the state of the pandemic, the implications of the Delta variant, and the debate around booster shots. We also dissect the week's news in biotech, included Amgen's tax problems, a meltdown in synthetic biology, and the latest on Aduhelm.

First, we discuss the CDC's about-face on mask wearing, the debate over vaccine booster shots, and the slow but steady race to develop pills for Covid-19. Then, STAT's Kate Sheridan joins us to discuss a setback in the field of microbiomics and the mounting skepticism over whether tinkering with gut bacteria can eventually treat a host of diseases. We also break down the latest fallout from the FDA's approval of Aduhelm, the sorry state of biotech stocks, and an in-development feature film about CRISPR.

First, Céline Gounder of NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine joins us to discuss the issue of breakthrough coronavirus infections and whether the U.S. was too quick to unmask. Then, STAT's Rachel Cohrs calls in to share the curious case of the moderate Democrat who made thousands of dollars in pharma donations within two days of attacking a drug pricing bill. We also discuss Biogen's latest defense of Aduhelm, the debate over Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, and the latest movie casting Big Pharma as a villain.

First, we'll talk about the future of the FDA, whose acting commissioner will have to step down in November unless she’s given the permanent job. Next, Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond joins us to discuss the politics of the vaccine rollout and how covering this administration differs from writing about the last one. Plus we break down the latest news on Covid-19 and the continued Aduhelm fallout.

First, we discuss the latest twists following the FDA's widely condemned decision to approve Aduhelm, Biogen's treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Then, our STAT colleague Helen Branswell joins us to talk about whether viral variants are going to stymie the U.S.'s summer reopening. Finally, STAT's Mario Aguilar calls in to break down the record-setting sums going into digital health companies in 2021.

First we talk to George Yancopoulos, head scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, about the future of CRISPR genome editing and the latest idea for treating obesity. Then, we discuss STAT's reporting on the cozy relationship between Biogen and the FDA ahead of Aduhelm's approval and what the ensuing fallout might mean. Before all that, we chat about the latest news in biotech, including vaccine boosters and a decadelong debacle.

First, we sift through the week's news, with a major update from Eli Lilly in Alzheimer's disease and new details on the inner workings of the FDA. Then, STAT's Matthew Herper joins us to discuss how GlaxoSmithKline ended up in a self-preservation struggle. Finally, STAT's Nicholas St. Fleur calls in to talk about the alarming rise of colorectal cancer deaths among young men and his decision to get on an on-camera colonoscopy for a reporting project.

First, we sift through the week's news, with some disappointing Covid-19 vaccine data, a pair of setbacks for biotech, and the Wall Street debut of 23andMe. Then, vaccinologist Paul Offit joins us to explain the scientific debate over whether we'll need booster vaccine doses to stay protected from SARS-CoV-2. Finally, Truist Securities analyst Robyn Karnauskas calls in to talk about her bold 2020 prediction that Biogen's controversial treatment for Alzheimer's disease would eventually win FDA approval.

We're devoting this entire episode to the FDA's polarizing decision to approve Aduhelm, a controversial Biogen treatment for Alzheimer's disease. First, we'll break down what happened and why it's such a big deal, and then we'll talk about the broader implications for science, medicine, and the drug industry as a whole. Finally, we'll zoom out explore how the FDA got to this moment in a conversation with Yale University professor and global health activist Gregg Gonsalves.

First, we discuss why it's so hard to predict FDA decisions, and why the latest big deal in biotech left investors cold. Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko joins us for a dive into the thousands of emails from Anthony Fauci made public this week, complete with a top-five countdown of messages both impactful and absurd. Finally, longtime Associated Press medical reporter Marilynn Marchione retired last week, and she calls in to talk about the biggest stories of her career.

STAT's Andrew Joseph joins us to talk about the two-year anniversary of the approval of gene therapy Zolgensma and the effect it has had on families dealing with the rare disease spinal muscular atrophy. Then, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calls in with tips on Memorial Day grilling, notes on a recent Twitter spat, and thoughts on the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

First, we discuss Ginkgo Bioworks, the multibillion-dollar biotech company with grand ambitions, a famous ticker symbol, and an affinity for memes. Then, STAT’s Helen Branswell joins us to discuss a topic on everyone’s mind: How will the Covid-19 pandemic end? Finally, we’ll talk about the modern phenomenon of the pandemic celebrity and the case of Ashish Jha, TV’s ever-present Covid-19 expert.

Can we prevent the next Covid-19? Has the CDC become too cautious? And how many sensors should be worn to bed? First, our colleague Helen Branswell joins us to discuss where the world went wrong with Covid-19 and how to prepare for the next pandemic. Next, STAT D.C. correspondent Nicholas Florko calls in to talk about the public health experts who believe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been too sluggish and conservative in recent months. Finally, our colleague Nick St. Fleur joins to recap this week’s STAT Health Tech Summit, which featured some boisterous CEOs, ambitious startups, and promising technologies.

First, Moderna and Pfizer are poised to make billions of dollars from their Covid-19 vaccines this year, and we discuss what that massive infusion of cash portends for both companies. Next, Thomas Bollyky of the Council on Foreign Relations joins us to explain what the U.S.'s support for waiving Covid-19 vaccine patents means — and doesn’t mean — for the global vaccination effort. Finally, STAT’s Megan Molteni calls in to share the story of a little-known biotech company recruiting patients to Mexico with the promise of an anti-aging gene therapy in an unregulated clinical trial.

First, STAT Washington correspondent Rachel Cohrs joins us to explain why President Biden's endorsement for drug pricing reform rang hollow to many advocates. Next, virologist Angela Rasmussen calls in to discuss the controversy around a Russian-produced vaccine for Covid-19. Finally, STAT's Kate Sheridan joins us to talk about how a shortage of cheap, little-discussed plastic tools is hobbling scientific labs around the world.

First, Northwestern University epidemiologist Mercedes Carnethon joins us to weigh on the nation's latest Covid-19 debate: Is it OK to go maskless outdoors? Then, STAT Washington correspondent Nicholas Florko calls in to talk about why the Biden administration is waiting so long to nominate an FDA commissioner and how that indecision could have real consequences. Later, we discuss the scientific promise of novel treatments for sickle cell disease — and the industry's growing concern that they might not be as lucrative as once thought. And, naturally, we recap the latest news in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

How do you describe a one-in-a-million risk? What's heparin-induced thrombocytopenia? And why's it so hard to find drugs for Covid-19? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, Science Magazine reporter Kai Kupferschmidt joins us to discuss the U.S. decision to press pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and what researchers have learned about rare cases of dangerous clotting. Then, biotech analyst Josh Schimmer joins us to talk about why the drug industry has had such a hard time coming up with treatments for Covid-19 and offer some tips that might help in the next pandemic.

What's next for AstraZeneca? Are there any right answers when it comes to compassionate use? And how does it feel to give someone a Covid-19 vaccine? We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we discuss the latest in a long series of issues for AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine and the implications for the global pandemic response. Next, we dive into the dilemma over compassionate use, talking to Biogen's former PR chief about the struggle over whether — and how — desperate patients should be able to access experimental medicines. Finally, we interview a registered nurse in Boston about what it's like to bring joy, relief, and reassurance to thousands of people by injecting them with Covid-19 vaccines.

First, STAT’s Mario Aguilar joins us to discuss a fascinating experiment in Nevada, where one city is giving its residents free access to a therapy app — and getting a mixed reception. Then, New York University antitrust expert Eleanor Fox calls in to discuss the case of Illumina, the genome sequencing giant whose grand plans keeping running afoul of the Federal Trade Commission. Finally, we embark on a lightning round, covering the latest Covid-19 vaccine news, biotech’s biggest events over the next three months, and the death of a pioneering Gilead Sciences executive.

We're devoting this week's episode to the week of whiplash news about AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, subject of a baffling international incident with consequences still unfolding. First, we explain the series of late-night announcements that made global headlines. Then, our STAT colleague Helen Branswell joins us to discuss the implications for AstraZeneca, vaccine confidence, and the global effort to get doses in arms. Finally, STAT's Matthew Herper calls in to talk about Pascal Soriot, the hard-charging AstraZeneca CEO whose previously feted boldness might have backfired when it came to Covid-19.

First we unpack the crisis of confidence facing AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine in Europe with Alison Buttenheim, a University Pennsylvania professor who studies vaccine acceptance. Then, we explain the latest data on an Alzheimer's disease treatment from Eli Lilly and why it has polarized experts in the field. Finally, we make a modest proposal to the biotech industry: Give honesty a chance.

We're joined by Natasha Loder, the health policy editor at The Economist — and a London resident — to get her home-country perspective on the U.K.'s Covid vaccine development efforts. Next, we'll talk with STAT national technology correspondent Casey Ross about his yearslong investigation into the demise of Watson Health, IBM's AI health care initiative. Finally, STAT's Meghana Keshavan joins us for a primer into synthetic biology, including its role in making the mRNA-based Covid vaccines.

We discuss Merck's decision to help Johnson & Johnson manufacture vaccine doses and whether it'll be a turning point for the drug industry or a relic of Covid-19 history. Then, as we near the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, STAT's Andrew Joseph joins us to explain what experts think is in store in the months and years to come. Finally, Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, joins us to explain why he's optimistic about summer 2021.

First, pediatric cancer advocate Nancy Goodman joins us to discuss why she believes Covid-19 vaccine trials need to be sped up for teens and children. Then, Wall Street Journal reporter Greg Zuckerman calls in to explain the unlikely story behind Novavax, a former biotech penny stock now on the verge of making history. Finally, we embark on a lightning round, featuring quick takes on the confirmation process for a new health secretary and the future of therapeutic stool.

We discuss all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we break down a significant setback for Bluebird Bio’s gene therapy program with some help from Akshay Sharma, a bone marrow transplant expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Then, STAT's Kate Sheridan joins us to discuss her deep dive into Flagship Pioneering, the superlatively successful and frequently grandiose venture firm behind Moderna. Finally, we dig into what the future might hold for a post-Trump FDA, which remains without a permanent commissioner.

When will we have enough vaccine doses? How many effective Covid-19 drugs are just waiting to be found? And what do Redditors think about biotech? We discuss all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we check in with our colleague Helen Branswell for her view on the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing vaccine rollout. Then, we're joined by David Fajgenbaum, a physician and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk about his work to identify and develop treatments for people with Covid-19. Lastly, we embark on a lightning round, covering Gilead Sciences' latest setback, a schism in Alzheimer's disease research, and a preview of the newest podcast from STAT.

We discuss all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we recap a busy week of news, featuring 23andMe's move to go public through a blank-check company, Merck CEO Ken Frazier's retirement after three decades at the drug maker, and how the future of Biogen’s Alzheimer’s disease drug got a little more complicated. Then, Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, joins us to weigh in on the bounty of recent Covid-19 vaccine data from Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, and AstraZeneca. Finally, STAT's Casey Ross calls in to discuss his investigation into the FDA's chaotic approach to approving medical products that use artificial intelligence.

First, we discuss the implications of Johnson & Johnson’s any-day-now data on a one-shot vaccine for Covid-19. Then, Kevin Davies, executive editor of the CRISPR Journal, joins us to talk about the strange boom in genome editing stocks and the future of the revolutionary technology. Finally, we talk to Megan Ranney, an emergency room physician and Brown University professor, about the challenges of Covid-19 science communication in a post-Trump world.

We're spending this entire episode remembering Sharon Begley, our revered and beloved colleague who died last week from complications of lung cancer. First, STAT's Eric Boodman joins us to discuss Sharon's path-breaking career and what he learned from reporting out her obituary. Then, a trio of STAT editors call in to talk about what it was like to work with Sharon, and we hear from number of her colleagues about what made her a singular writer, mentor, officemate, and friend.

We're devoting this episode to the news coming out of the just-concluded J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the drug industry's largest annual meeting. First, we'll dissect Eli Lilly's surprising data on a new Alzheimer's disease treatment and dig into its implications for the field. Then, we discuss whether there's a bubble inflating in the genome editing world, debate who will run the FDA under a President Biden, and consider the legacy of Moncef Slaoui, the outgoing leader of Operation Warp Speed.

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?