Xtalks Life Science Podcast
178 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -This Life Science focused podcast brings together Xtalks editorial staff to share insights into the latest B2B industry news. Xtalks connects professionals in the life science, medical device, and food industries with useful content like webinars, job opening, articles and virtual meetings.
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Episodes
: Interview with Dr. Samantha Dale Strasser, CSO and Co-Founder of Transomics Drug Discovery Start-Up "Pepper Bio"
June 01, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Dr. Samantha Dale Strasser, chief scientific officer and co-founder of biotech start-up Pepper Bio. The company is working to develop therapeutics in the areas of oncology, neurodegenerative disease and inflammatory conditions using a ‘transomics’ drug discovery approach. This involves the integrated analysis of several layers of biological data, including genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic data using novel transo...
FDA Approves New Type 2 Diabetes Injection Mounjaro + US Reports First Case of Monkeypox
May 25, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Eli Lilly’s diabetes injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes This is a great advancement in the diabetes space as Mounjaro is a first-in-class medicine that targets the activity of two hormones involved in hunger and blood sugar control (GLP-1 and GIP). With the approval, Eli Lilly will be giving Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes injection Ozempic some tough competition. Hear about the projected...
Messaging Program Improves Lifestyle Among Heart Attack Survivors + FDA Places Stricter Restrictions on Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
May 18, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed a new study that evaluated a text messaging program designed to improve medication adherence and lifestyle factors among heart attack survivors. While the program did not lead to improvements in medication adherence, it did have a positive impact on lifestyle factors like diet. Hear more about the study and the importance of managing heart attack risk factors like hypertension and diabetes. This is especially relevant on World Hypertension Day (May 17) and M...
Messaging Program Improves Lifestyle Among Heart Attack Survivors + FDA Places Stricter Restrictions on Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
May 18, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed a new study that evaluated a text messaging program designed to improve medication adherence and lifestyle factors among heart attack survivors. While the program did not lead to improvements in medication adherence, it did have a positive impact on lifestyle factors like diet. Hear more about the study and the importance of managing heart attack risk factors like hypertension and diabetes. This is especially relevant on World Hypertension Day (May 17) and M...
FDA Approves Bristol Myers' Cardiac Drug for HCM + New Ovarian Cancer Blood Test
May 11, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed Bristol Myers Squibb’s new heart drug Camzyos (mavacamten), which has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The drug is the first to target the pathophysiology of obstructive HCM and may be Bristol Myers’ next blockbuster cardiac drug. Hear more about the company’s looming patent cliff for some of its drugs as well as the company’s risk evaluation progr...
First FDA-Approved Treatment for Chronic Yeast Infection + Eli Lilly Obesity Drug Shows Promise in Trials
May 04, 2022 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Mycovia Pharmaceuticals’ Vivjoa (oteseconazole) as the first approved treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) or chronic yeast infection. The drug is indicated for women who permanently lack reproductive potential or are postmenopausal. The editorial team discussed the significant unmet need for this condition and how although many women’s health issues are now given greater spotlight, there still need to be more conversat...
World Immunization Week 2022 + New COVID-19 Breath Test Gets FDA Authorization
April 27, 2022 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talked about World Immunization Week, which is celebrated during the last week of April every year. The theme of this year’s World Immunization Week is “Long Life For All,” which aims to communicate the importance of vaccines for a healthy and fulfilling life by protecting yourself and your loved ones against deadly diseases. Immunization programs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but find out how immunization rates have been on the decline, particularly in devel...
BioNTech Partners for mRNA Vaccine Delivery Tech + Pfizer Acquires ReViral for RSV Therapeutics
April 20, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed BioNTech’s new collaboration with Matinas BioPharma to explore the company’s lipid nanocrystal (LNC) delivery technology for mRNA vaccines. LNC structures are more stable than the lipid nanoparticle technology used in the current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Learn about how BioNTech hopes to leverage Matinas’ LNC platform to develop improved mRNA vaccines, including the possibility of orally administered vaccine formulations. The editorial team also talked abou...
Statins May Lower Parkinsonism Risk + New Genetic Test to Prevent Deafness in Babies
April 13, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this episode, Xtalks is marking World Parkinson’s Day (April 11) and Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which are observed every year to help raise awareness about the disease and the individuals living with it. To learn more about new Parkinson’s disease research, Ayesha discussed a new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center that shows statins may help decrease the risk of parkinsonism in older adults. Hear about how parkinsonism relates to Parkinson’s disease and how the neuro...
Clinical Trial Diversity Insights from NIH Experts + WHO and Polluted Air on World Health Day 2022
April 06, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha shared insights she obtained from experts at NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) about clinical trial diversity. The panel of experts outlined some of the challenges in recruiting participants from minority and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and talked about an NHLBI initiative based on community outreach that helped recruit more participants from traditionally underrepresented groups for COVID-19 vaccine trials. The editorial team also ...
Pfizer Recalls Blood Pressure Medication + Jazz Pharma Manufacturing Cannabis-Based Medications
March 30, 2022 20:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed Pfizer’s voluntary recall of several lots of its blood pressure medication Accuretic and two generic versions of it due to higher than acceptable levels of a carcinogenic nitrosamine compound. The recall affects lots produced between November 2019 and March 2022. The editorial team discussed the increasing frequency of recalls of commonly prescribed drugs like blood pressure and diabetes medications. Should companies and regulators share more information abo...
Exact Sciences and Katie Couric's Colon Cancer Awareness TV Ad + Alnylam Sues Pfizer and Moderna Over Patent Infringements
March 23, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode, Ayesha shed light on National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by talking about a new colon cancer screening campaign from Exact Sciences that features a TV ad with Katie Couric. Couric, who is a long-time advocate of colon cancer screening after her husband passed away from colon cancer over 20 years ago, continues her mission to help raise awareness about the importance of early screening for the disease. Exact Sciences’ campaign is appropriately called “Mission to Screen...
Exact Sciences and Katie Couric's Colon Cancer Awareness TV Ad + Alnylam Sues Pfizer and Moderna Over Patent Infringements
March 23, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode, Ayesha shed light on National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by talking about a new colon cancer screening campaign from Exact Sciences that features a TV ad with Katie Couric. Couric, who is a long-time advocate of colon cancer screening after her husband passed away from colon cancer over 20 years ago, continues her mission to help raise awareness about the importance of early screening for the disease. Exact Sciences’ campaign is appropriately called “Mission to Screen...
Johnson & Johnson Funding Human Asbestos Studies + Swift Medical's Imaging Device for Remote Digital Wound Care
March 16, 2022 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about new revelations about how Johnson & Johnson funded studies in the early 1970s that involved injecting prisoners in a Pennsylvania jail, most of whom were Black, with asbestos. The company wanted to compare the effects of asbestos versus talc, one of the main ingredients in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, on the skin. The company says it regrets backing the human asbestos experiments but says such human testing was common back then. The editorial team disc...
Celebrating Women's Leadership in Life Sciences on International Women's Day + Johnson & Johnson's Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma Gets FDA Approval
March 09, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode, Ayesha spoke about some of the top women leaders in life science industries in celebration of International Women’s Day. While women remain underrepresented in STEM and life science industries, there are more women in leadership positions at pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies than ever before. Studies also show that women’s leadership training programs provide effective training for women seeking executive-level positions. The editorial team also shar...
Marking Rare Disease Day 2022 by Sharing Colours + Why Black People Remain Underrepresented in Clinical Trials
March 02, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode, the editorial team discussed Rare Disease Day which is celebrated every year on February 28 (or February 29 in leap years). This year’s theme was “Share Your Colours,” where individuals with rare diseases were encouraged to share their experiences and aspirations to help raise awareness. The campaign from rarediseaseday.org included a touching video in which patients with rare diseases shared their stories. The editorial team discussed the encouraging growth seen in recent y...
Marking Rare Disease Day 2022 by Sharing Colours + Why Black People Remain Underrepresented in Clinical Trials
March 02, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode, the editorial team discussed Rare Disease Day which is celebrated every year on February 28 (or February 29 in leap years). This year’s theme was “Share Your Colours,” where individuals with rare diseases were encouraged to share their experiences and aspirations to help raise awareness. The campaign from rarediseaseday.org included a touching video in which patients with rare diseases shared their stories. The editorial team discussed the encouraging growth seen in recent y...
BioNTech Unveils Modular mRNA Factories for Africa + FDA Authorizes Eli Lilly Monoclonal Antibody Effective Against Omicron
February 23, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed BioNTech’s new modular mRNA factories, called the BioNTainer, that are destined for Africa to help boost COVID-19 vaccine supplies on the continent. The modular production units are housed in containers that come equipped with raw starting materials and state-of-the-art technology for producing mRNA-based vaccines from start to finish, except for the fill-and-finish step, which will be carried out by local manufacturers. Despite most African leaders welcomin...
UK's NHS Backs World's Costliest Drug for Treatment of MLD + Report Finds Increase in Pharma Cybersecurity Threats
February 16, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed the NHS’s recommendation of Libmeldy, a gene therapy for the treatment of the rare disease MLD, which is officially the world’s most expensive drug with a list price of almost $4 million USD. The drug was developed by Orchard Therapeutics and the NHS was able to negotiate a greater discount on it with the company so that it can offer it to patients in England. Libmeldy was initially rejected by the drug price watchdog NICE in England over its exorbitant pric...
UK's NHS Backs World's Costliest Drug for Treatment of MLD + Report Finds Increase in Pharma Cybersecurity Threats
February 16, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed the NHS’s recommendation of Libmeldy, a gene therapy for the treatment of the rare disease MLD, which is officially the world’s most expensive drug with a list price of almost $4 million USD. The drug was developed by Orchard Therapeutics and the NHS was able to negotiate a greater discount on it with the company so that it can offer it to patients in England. Libmeldy was initially rejected by the drug price watchdog NICE in England over its exorbitant pric...
Inbody's At-Home Real Time Blood Pressure Monitoring + Eli Lilly Announces Investments into New Manufacturing Facilities
February 09, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talked about a new at-home blood pressure monitor developed by Inbody that can track blood pressure in real time. The device uses the automated oscillometric method, commonly used in clinical settings now, to generate mean arterial pressure and calculate systolic and diastolic blood pressure from it using an algorithm. The device has a one-touch cuff and can be synced to Inbody’s mobile app, which allows users to access a digital health report outlining their blood pr...
Inbody's At-Home Real Time Blood Pressure Monitoring + Eli Lilly Announces Investments into New Manufacturing Facilities
February 09, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talked about a new at-home blood pressure monitor developed by Inbody that can track blood pressure in real time. The device uses the automated oscillometric method, commonly used in clinical settings now, to generate mean arterial pressure and calculate systolic and diastolic blood pressure from it using an algorithm. The device has a one-touch cuff and can be synced to Inbody’s mobile app, which allows users to access a digital health report outlining their blood pr...
FDA Approval for First TCR Therapy for Uveal Melanoma + Pfizer and Moderna Begin Trials for Omicron Booster
February 02, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talked about the recent FDA approval for Immunocore’s Kimmtrak for the treatment of a rare type of eye cancer called uveal melanoma. Not only has the treatment become Immunocore’s first commercial product, but it has also become the first approved treatment for uveal melanoma and the first ever approved T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutic. Kimmtrak is priced at $400,000 per treatment course, and Immunocore has created a program to help make it accessible to patients. Th...
FDA Approval for First TCR Therapy for Uveal Melanoma + Pfizer and Moderna Begin Trials for Omicron Booster
February 02, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talked about the recent FDA approval for Immunocore’s Kimmtrak for the treatment of a rare type of eye cancer called uveal melanoma. Not only has the treatment become Immunocore’s first commercial product, but it has also become the first approved treatment for uveal melanoma and the first ever approved T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutic. Kimmtrak is priced at $400,000 per treatment course, and Immunocore has created a program to help make it accessible to patients. Th...
Gilead Sues Over Counterfeit HIV Drugs + Menarini's New Rapid COVID-19 PCR Test
January 26, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed Gilead Science’s lawsuit against a network of distributors selling counterfeits of the company’s best-selling HIV drugs Biktarvy and Descovy. The drugs were being sold in pharmacies across several states. Gilead said it had been working with the US Marshals and local law enforcement to conduct seizures of over 85,000 bottles of the counterfeit drugs. Gilead says it’s taking action to ensure the counterfeits are removed from circulation. The editorial team ta...
Study Shows Exercise Can Maintain Cognitive Health in Elderly + Abbott's New Cardiac Mapping System
January 19, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about a new study from UCSF that shows how physical activity can maintain brain health in older individuals. The research shows that exercise increases levels of synaptic proteins in the brain involved in maintaining and strengthening neuronal connections. The researchers also found these proteins could be protective even in people with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The team talked about the benefits of moderate exercise like wa...
New Cancer Blood Test + Bayer Commits to All Green Packaging by 2030
January 12, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed a new blood test developed by researchers at the University of Oxford that can detect cancers and even if they’ve metastasized. The test is based on measuring metabolites produced by tumor cells in blood samples using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The researchers found that the test could identify cancer among healthy people, those with localized cancer and individuals with cancer that has metastasized. The test could help detect cancers eve...
FDA and CDC Update Guidelines Amid Omicron + Life Science Trends for 2022
January 05, 2022 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBIn the first episode of 2022, Ayesha provided updates on Omicron and COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The FDA expanded authorization of booster doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to youth between 12 and 15 years of age, a third dose for immunocompromised children between five and 11 years old and a shorter wait time to get a booster for individuals 12 and older. Meanwhile, the CDC reduced isolation and quarantine periods by half to five days. The team discussed the implication of these updates and...
Biohaven Intranasal Migraine Drug Gets FDA Approval + Moderna's mRNA Influenza Vaccine
December 15, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, which is the last episode for the year (the team will be back in January!), Ayesha discusses the FDA approval of Biohaven’s intranasal spray Zavegepant indicated for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The drug is similar to the company oral dose tablet (ODT) Nurtec but is the first CGRP receptor antagonist in a nasal spray formulation. Some of the editorial team members shared their experiences with migraine headaches, and talked about the pros and cons of an intran...
Biohaven Intranasal Migraine Drug Gets FDA Approval + Moderna's mRNA Influenza Vaccine
December 15, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, which is the last episode for the year (the team will be back in January!), Ayesha discusses the FDA approval of Biohaven’s intranasal spray Zavegepant indicated for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The drug is similar to the company oral dose tablet (ODT) Nurtec but is the first CGRP receptor antagonist in a nasal spray formulation. Some of the editorial team members shared their experiences with migraine headaches, and talked about the pros and cons of an intran...
Moderna and Pfizer Premature Statements on Omicron + FDA Approves New Hepatitis B Vaccine
December 08, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed statements from Moderna and Pfizer regarding Omicron and the need for new variant-specific boosters. Moderna’s CEO sparked concerns when he said the current vaccines likely won’t be effective against Omicron, while Pfizer’s CEO said vaccines for COVID-19 will likely be needed for many years. The editorial team discussed the impact of these comments as they were relatively premature given that not much is known about Omicron yet, such as its transmissibility ...
Moderna and Pfizer Premature Statements on Omicron + FDA Approves New Hepatitis B Vaccine
December 08, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed statements from Moderna and Pfizer regarding Omicron and the need for new variant-specific boosters. Moderna’s CEO sparked concerns when he said the current vaccines likely won’t be effective against Omicron, while Pfizer’s CEO said vaccines for COVID-19 will likely be needed for many years. The editorial team discussed the impact of these comments as they were relatively premature given that not much is known about Omicron yet, such as its transmissibility ...
WHO Declares Omicron Variant of Concern + Seizure Drug Recalled Over Faulty Seal
December 01, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed Omicron, the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. The editorial team talked about the emergence of variants amid low vaccine uptake in some parts of the world owing to vaccine inequities and vaccine hesitancy. Omicron’s transmissibility, severity and the effectiveness of the current vaccines against it remain unknown. Amid border closures and travel bans being instituted by countries worldwide, the team agreed that the pandemic isn’t over yet and new varian...
Virtual Reality Treatment for Chronic Pain + Canadian CDMO Biovectra to Build mRNA Manufacturing Plant
November 24, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discussed the first FDA-approved virtual reality treatment for chronic lower back pain. The virtual reality system is called EaseVRx and is developed by virtual reality medtech company AppliedVR. The non-invasive treatment system is self-administered and is designed for at-home use. It consists of a virtual reality headset, controller and breath amplifier, and has preloaded software with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral skill-based content including e...
Xtalks Voices: Magnus Medical CEO Dr. Brett Wingeier Talks About Neurostimulation for Depression
November 17, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode, the editorial team had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Brett Wingeier, CEO of neuromodulation MedTech company Magnus Medical about the company’s Magnus System for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The neurostimulation device received breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month. The team heard from Dr. Wingeier about the challenges of treating depression and how neuromodulation shows clinical effectiveness for pa...
Xtalks Voices: Magnus Medical CEO Dr. Brett Wingeier Talks About Neurostimulation for Depression
November 17, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode, the editorial team had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Brett Wingeier, CEO of neuromodulation MedTech company Magnus Medical about the company’s Magnus System for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The neurostimulation device received breakthrough device designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month. The team heard from Dr. Wingeier about the challenges of treating depression and how neuromodulation shows clinical effectiveness for pa...
Pfizer's COVID-19 Antiviral Pill + FDA Approves AbbVie's Eyedrop for Presbyopia
November 10, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode, the editorial team discussed Pfizer’s new oral antiviral pill for the treatment of COVID-19. Pfizer released data from an interim analysis of a Phase III trial evaluating the drug, which shows that it can reduce the risk of hospitalizations by almost 90 percent. It also prevented COVID-19 related deaths in the study. The results were so strong that an independent data monitoring committee and the FDA told Pfizer they could stop enrolling participants in the trial. Ayesha and...
Pfizer's COVID-19 Antiviral Pill + FDA Approves AbbVie's Eyedrop for Presbyopia
November 10, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode, the editorial team discussed Pfizer’s new oral antiviral pill for the treatment of COVID-19. Pfizer released data from an interim analysis of a Phase III trial evaluating the drug, which shows that it can reduce the risk of hospitalizations by almost 90 percent. It also prevented COVID-19 related deaths in the study. The results were so strong that an independent data monitoring committee and the FDA told Pfizer they could stop enrolling participants in the trial. Ayesha and...
FDA Authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 + Genentech’s Drug Delivery System for Macular Degeneration
November 03, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discusses the FDA’s authorization of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. The authorization was based on trial data that showed the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated and induced robust immune responses among children in this age group; side effects were generally mild to moderate. Amid concerns of the rare adverse event of myocarditis in children and adolescents following vaccination with mRNA vaccines, the FDA conducted its...
FDA Authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 + Genentech’s Drug Delivery System for Macular Degeneration
November 03, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discusses the FDA’s authorization of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. The authorization was based on trial data that showed the vaccine was safe, well-tolerated and induced robust immune responses among children in this age group; side effects were generally mild to moderate. Amid concerns of the rare adverse event of myocarditis in children and adolescents following vaccination with mRNA vaccines, the FDA conducted its...
FDA Approves Interchangeable Humira Biosimilar + Gene Silencing Treatment for Porphyria Gets Nod From England's NICE
October 27, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode, the editorial team discusses the FDA approval of Cyltezo as the first interchangeable biosimilar for AbbVie’s Humira. The approval lends to the growing Humira biosimilars market, which will take off in 2023 with Boehringer Ingelheim’s Cyltezo and biosimilars from Amgen, Merck and Alvotech. AbbVie has been facing a lot of heat over accusations of price gouging and patent abuses to block Humira biosimilars from entering the market. The team had an interesting discussion about ...
Moderna Unwilling to Share COVID-19 Recipe + Singer Mary J Blige Partners with Hologic for Breast Cancer Awareness
October 20, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode, the editorial team talks about Moderna’s unwillingness to share its COVID-19 vaccine formula with other countries, namely low- and middle-income countries who continue to face issues accessing COVID-19 vaccines. The company said it would be more efficient for it to aim to produce more of the vaccines themselves to deliver to poorer countries. While developing countries continue to call for IP waivers on COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccine makers like Pfizer and Moderna resisting ...
Moderna Unwilling to Share COVID-19 Recipe + Singer Mary J Blige Partners with Hologic for Breast Cancer Awareness
October 20, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode, the editorial team talks about Moderna’s unwillingness to share its COVID-19 vaccine formula with other countries, namely low- and middle-income countries who continue to face issues accessing COVID-19 vaccines. The company said it would be more efficient for it to aim to produce more of the vaccines themselves to deliver to poorer countries. While developing countries continue to call for IP waivers on COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccine makers like Pfizer and Moderna resisting ...
Researchers Develop Arthritis Vaccine + Medtronic Expands Recall on Insulin Pumps
October 13, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about World Arthritis Day, which is on October 12 every year, with this year’s theme being raising awareness about early diagnosis. In addition to timely diagnosis, there may soon be a preventative vaccine for inflammatory arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a vaccine against inflammatory arthritis that has shown promise in animal models. The team talked about how a vaccine for arthritis is a ...
CDC Says Flu and COVID-19 Shots Can Be Co-Administered + Merck's Oral Antiviral for COVID-19 Shows Stellar Results
October 06, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about the CDC’s updated guidance according to which the COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as the flu shot and other vaccines. The new guidelines comes after the federal health agency says there is now substantial data around the COVID-19 vaccines to show that it is safe to be administered alongside other vaccines. Additionally, studies show that immunization against influenza may protect against severe symptoms of COVID-19. The editorial te...
New FDA "Bad Ad" Quiz + Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Young Children
September 29, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about the FDA’s new interactive quiz as part of its Bad Ad outreach program that targets misleading pharmaceutical promotions. Although the Bad Ad program is primarily directed towards healthcare providers, the general public can also anonymously report dubious ads to the FDA’s Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP), which runs the program. The new quiz is likely a part of more materials to come to help beef up the Bad Ad program, which has been receiving ...
New FDA "Bad Ad" Quiz + Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Data for Young Children
September 29, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode, Ayesha talks about the FDA’s new interactive quiz as part of its Bad Ad outreach program that targets misleading pharmaceutical promotions. Although the Bad Ad program is primarily directed towards healthcare providers, the general public can also anonymously report dubious ads to the FDA’s Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP), which runs the program. The new quiz is likely a part of more materials to come to help beef up the Bad Ad program, which has been receiving ...
FDA on COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters + Advocacy Group Pushes for Speedy FDA Approval of ALS Drug
September 22, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this episode, Ayesha discusses the FDA’s pending decision on authorizing COVID-19 vaccine boosters for the general public. While an FDA vaccine advisory committee voted against boosters for individuals 16 years of age and older last week, the FDA is still working towards its final decision on the matter. At the same time, the advisory panel recommended offering third doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to those 65 years and older, as well as high risk individuals. The team discussed the ...
Eli Lilly to Develop RNA Editing Therapies + Study Shows Benefits of Daily Steps
September 15, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBWith RNA being the popular new “it” molecule in genetic research, Ayesha discusses Eli Lilly’s new partnership with biotech company ProQR to develop RNA-based therapeutics in this episode. The $1.5 billion deal will see Lilly leverage ProQR’s proprietary RNA editing platform to develop targets of interest. The team discusses how the success of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have heightened interest in RNA-based therapies. The editorial team also talked about a new study that found walking 7,00...
World's First Smart Knee + Alzheimer's Blood Test
September 08, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBKnee replacements may soon be getting smarter with the world’s first smart knee implant. In this episode, Ayesha discusses a new personalized knee implant with integrated smart technology that recently received FDA clearance. Using sensors and cloud connectivity, it can help patients and practitioners monitor post-operative progress in real-time. The editorial team also talked about new data from a clinical validation study for an Alzheimer’s blood test that can predict the disease years b...