Episode 137 - April 4, 2025

On this week’s episode, Eric Schmidt, Brad Loncar, Yaron Werber, Paul Matteis, and Nina Kjellson discuss impact of tariffs on biopharma relative to other sectors, FDA updates and bright spots, data, and fundraising. The episode opens with a conversation on tariffs and the upheaval and shifts at the FDA, including the departure of Peter Marks, former director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which has the group concerned over loss of institutional memory, history, and the ability to meet deadlines. The conversation shifts to the measles outbreak, noting concerns about public health and future regulation due to HHS reorganization plans and perceived industry inaction. The group then discusses data, including Vaxcyte’s underwhelming Phase 2b data, and hopes to avoid negative vaccine sentiment. Additionally, Eli Lilly’s Phase 2 data for its siRNA-based therapeutic to lower lipoprotein(a) showed promising results and Amgen and Novartis are conducting their own Phase 3 trials for Lp(a). The episode concludes with a discussion on Isomorphic Labs, which raised over $600 million, with the group praising the investment in early-stage discovery science and expressed hope that it will facilitate the company’s transformation of technology into drugs. *This episode aired on April 4, 2025.