Episode 151 - August 8, 2025

On this week’s episode, Grace Colón, John Maraganore, Paul Matteis and Eric Schmidt dive in with a discussion on policy news, including the pharma tariffs and latest on the Trump administration’s Most Favored Nations drug pricing plans. The co-hosts then question if Vinay Prasad has a path back to the FDA and express hope for someone more centrist if he does not return. They also mention the CRLs for Scholar Rock and Regeneron were due to manufacturing issues. Continuing with policy news, they cover RFK Jr.’s decision to cancel ~$500 million in Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) contracts related to mRNA vaccine development. In data news, the group discusses Vertex’s latest non-opioid pain data and the company’s future in this therapeutic area. Next, the co-hosts highlight Alnylam’s recently approved treatment for cardiomyopathy, noting it has surpassed consensus estimates and predicting mega-blockbuster status. A recent report on patient deaths among those who took Agios’ Pyrukynd for anemia - though determined to be unrelated to the drug - is also discussed. The co-hosts then review Biogen’s new “ventures” team, and the episode concludes with an overview of Novartis and Avidity deal rumors. *This episode aired on August 8, 2025.