Episode 157 - October 3, 2025
from Biotech Hangout Hosted by Daphne Zohar, Josh Schimmer, Brad Loncar, Tim Opler and more
On this week’s episode, Eric Schimidt, Sam Fazeli, Brian Skorney, Yaron Werber, and Brad Loncar open withmacro news including Pfizer’s deal with the White House on U.S. drug manufacturing and pricing, which helped shelve the Most Favored Nation pricing and looming tariffs. The co-hosts agreed it was a savvy move that secured goodwillfor the industry and gave investors confidence, leading to new XBI highs. Discussion then moved to regulatory updates with the new CDER head, George Tidmarsh, stirring controversy with now-deleted LinkedIn posts criticizing surrogate endpoints. Combined with recent CRLs on CMC grounds, the group debates inconsistency at the agency and top-down decision-making that adds uncertainty for companies and investors. In M&A, Genmab’s $8 billionacquisition of Merus and competitive dynamics with Bicara are mentioned, along with whether the streak of weekly biotech deals marks a broader industry trend. In data, the co-hosts discussed MoonLake’s hidradenitis suppurativa data and stock moves, Larimar’s Friedreich’s ataxia data and stock fall, along with Enanta’s RSV data and big stock reversal. The episode concludes with a look ahead as the group discusses Q4 conferences, including ESMO, and Q3 earnings risks forcertain companies. *This episode aired on October 3, 2025.
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