Episode 117

On this week’s episode of Biotech Hangout, hosts Daphne Zohar, Josh Schimmer, Brad Loncar, John Maraganore, Paul Matteis, Mike Yee and Tess Cameron open up with market commentary and how derivatives, debates and dynamics are impacting stocks including Scholar Rock, Biohaven, Roche and Regeneron. The group also highlights CeriBell, which is the first medtech IPO in years. The hosts turn to neuro sentiment with a look at Lundbeck’s acquisition of Longboard at an approximate value of $2.5 billion net of cash. The conversation turns to the idea of competitors benefiting from M&A and data, with this week’s example of Bright Minds Bioscience’s market cap going from $4 million to $172 million. The group also discusses the FDA’s approval of Novocure’s Optune device for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer before turning to a conversation on vaccines, including Moderna’s upcoming Phase 3 CMV data. Wave Life Sciences first-ever therapeutic RNA was also covered, which led to a discussion on how important milestones open new doors. Other topics discussed include the launch of City Therapeutics, Benitec’s gene therapy update, and more. *This episode aired on October 18, 2024.