Avsnitt
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We are still talking about big pharma deals and biotech fundraising in this episode. The big news this week was Parabilis Medicines’s history-making IPO. We dive into the drug developer’s plans for the eye-popping $770.5 million that it raised. Next, we discuss the details of a collaboration between Merck and Protillion Biosciences to use artificial intelligence to discover multiple therapeutic candidates. Turning to some newly published research, we discuss the early results of a first-in-human clinical trial that is testing a dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies, a CRISPR system engineered to selectively trigger cancer cell death by chromatin shredding, and a novel mRNA delivery platform for delivering gene therapies starting with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, and Fay Lin, PhD, for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
StockWatch: Parabilis Medicines Makes Wall Street History with $770.5M IPO
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 14, 2026
Merck, Protillion Launch AI Drug Discovery Collaboration with Up-to-$510M in Milestone Payments
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 16, 2026
First-in-Human Trial Reports Promising Dual Lassa–Rabies Vaccine Data
GEN, June 9, 2026
CRISPR Shreds Undruggable Cancer Cells with Precision
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, June 8, 2026
New mRNA Delivery Platform Restores Muscle Function in DMD Models
GEN, June 11, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this week’s episode, we start with news that Fulcrum Therapeutics is scrapping its lead pipeline program for sickle cell disease following concerns from the FDA about the drug’s risks and benefits. Also on the docket, news of Eli Lilly’s latest spending. The pharma giant has added its genetic medicines pipeline and capabilities by signing a $1.9 billion agreement with Ascidian Therapeutics to develop RNA exon editors for treating inherited kidney diseases. Next up, updates to an open-source model for binder design and protein function mapping. Finally, on the peer-review front, we dive into some of the latest vaccine research including insights into the mechanisms that cross-reactive T cells use to target multiple viral species in a single family and an improvement to standard polio vaccines.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Fulcrum Halts Development of SCD Candidate Pociredir, Sets Strategic Review
By Alex Philippidis and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 2, 2026
Lilly, Ascidian Launch Up-to-$1.9B RNA Exon Editor Collaboration Targeting Inherited Kidney Diseases
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 3, 2026
Biohub Releases Protein Biology World Model to Address Disease
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 27, 2026
Cross-Reactive T Cells Could Point to Broad Vaccines or Treatments for Measles, Nipah Virus
GEN, June 2, 2026
Experimental Adjuvant Could Strengthen Mucosal Immunity with Injectable Polio Vaccines
GEN, June 4, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Agentic AI is growing in its applications. Google DeepMind and Edison are leveraging the growing capabilities by developing AI Scientists. These platforms are poised to streamline the scientific process, aiding human scientists with a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, despite positive data in its Phase III DMD therapy trial, Regenxbio’s stock fell for a variety of reasons. 10X Genomics and Harvard University are suing Element Biosciences over patents for a multiomics platform. Finally, Bristol Meyers Squibb is partnering with Hengrui Pharma to develop 13 early-stage programs with the potential to grow their investment to a predicted $15 billion in sales.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Google DeepMind and Edison Are Building the AI Scientist
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 19, 2026
StockWatch: Regenxbio Tumbles Despite Positive Pivotal Data for DMD Gene Therapy Candidate
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 17, 2026
10x Genomics, Harvard Target Element’s Multiomics Platform in Patent Lawsuit
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 12, 2026
BMS, Hengrui Pharma Partner on 13 Programs in Up-to-$15.2B Collaboration
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 13, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
The State of Precision Medicine Summit
Join us June 3, 2026
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Craig Venter recently passed away at the age of 79 from complications following a cancer diagnosis. He was well known in both science and industry and was an integral part of sequencing the human genome in the late 90s, competing with the government organized Human Genome Project. Through his career, he made many other important contributions in microbiology, with the “minimal cell”, in synthetic biology, and in personalized medicine. GEN editors share anecdotes of their experiences with him, reflect on the impact that his work has had on various fields in biology, in biotech, and in how the world has responded to the disruptions caused by Venter.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, John Sterling, Kevin Davies, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Genomics Pioneer and Life Sciences Entrepreneur J. Craig Venter Dies at 79
GEN, April 30, 2026
J. Craig Venter Describes a Human Genomics Revolution Still In Progress
By J. Craig Venter, PhD, GEN, June 13, 2025
Lessons from the Minimal Cell
By Hana El-Samad, PhD, GEN, August 21, 2023
From Sequencing to Sailing: Three Decades of Adventure with Craig Venter
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 8, 2023
“Cracking the Genome”
By Kevin Davies, PhD
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Some GEN editors were in sunny San Diego covering the hottest research, trends, and products from the American Association for Cancer Research meeting. We kick things off with news from America’s Finest City, particularly around the growing role of AI in oncology. Then we dive into two new research studies. In the first, scientists used CRISPR to identify genes in primary CD4+ T cells that promote or restrict HIV infection. The second study described engineered implantable liver constructs that could eventually serve as a stopgap for patients waiting for donor transplants. Finally, the acquisitions keep coming as Eli Lilly scoops up CAR T cell therapy developer Kelonia for $7B. Also, Revolution Medicines has shared some impressive data from a Phase III trial of its pancreatic cancer drug.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
AACR 2026: A Video Update from San Diego
By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Damian Doherty, GEN, April 21, 2026
AACR 2026 Video Update: Cancer Research Edges Toward an AI-Driven Era
By Fay Lin, PhD, and Jonathan Grinstein, PhD, GEN, April 22, 2026
Using AI in Healthcare Ethically by Considering Humanity
By Corinna Singleman, PhD, IPM, November 18, 2025
10x Genomics Unveils Atera Spatial Platform at AACR Meeting
By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, April 19, 2026
CRISPR Screens Map Human T‑Cell Genes That Promote or Block HIV Infection
GEN, April 20, 2026
Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering Grow Liver Tissue In‑Body
GEN, April 20, 2026
StockWatch: Revolution’s Phase III Pancreatic Cancer Data Dazzles Investors, Analysts
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 19, 2026
Lilly to Acquire Kelonia for Up to $7B, Expanding Cancer Cell Therapy Pipeline
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 20, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From designing drugs with a simple text prompt to running experiments guided by extended reality, a new wave of agentic AI is transforming the modern lab. Our editors discuss the latest autonomous systems accelerating biological discovery. In business deals, Gilead Sciences has acquired Tubulis in a transaction worth up to $5 billion, strengthening the buyer’s position in antibody–drug conjugates for cancer. Correspondingly, Eli Lilly and Biogen are each making billion-dollar-plus bets, acquiring Centessa, a sleep disorder drug developer, and Apellis, known for its work in immunology and rare diseases. Our episode rounds out by unpacking the dynamic obesity drug market, where intensifying competition from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is prompting Lilly to temper the 2026 sales outlook for its oral obesity drug, Foundayo.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Can AI Agents Automate Scientific Discovery?
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, April 1, 2026
Gilead to Acquire Tubulis for Up to $5B, Expanding Cancer ADC Capabilities
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 7, 2026
Lilly Acquires Centessa for Up to $7.8B; Biogen Buys Apellis for Up to $6.1B
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 31, 2026
StockWatch: Price War Dampens Lilly Surge After Oral GLP-1 Wins FDA Nod
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 5, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, agentic AI steps into the limelight buoyed by the momentum from generative AI. And there’s a new virtual cell model in town courtesy of AI-drug developer Xaira Therapeutics. From the frontiers of AI, our discussion turned to feats of engineering in regenerative medicine and lipid nanoparticles. In one study, scientists redesigned LNPs to avoid the liver and accumulate in the lymph nodes. In the other, efforts to develop and implant a lab grown esophagus from donor pigs bear fruit. Finally, Novartis plans to spend up to $3 billion to expand its cancer pipeline with the acquisition of Pikavation Therapeutics. And Merck is acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.7 billion also with an eye towards boosting its cancer portfolio.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
NVIDIA GTC 2026: Agentic AI Inflection Hits Healthcare and Life Sciences
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, March 18, 2026
Xaira’s First Virtual Cell Model Is Largest To-Date, Toward Complex Biology
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, March 25, 2026
Modified Lipid Nanoparticles Boost mRNA Vaccine Delivery to Lymph Nodes
GEN, March 24, 2026
Engineered Esophagus Rebuilds Missing Organ Segment in Pig Models
GEN, March 20, 2026
Novartis Acquires Pikavation for Up to $3B, Expanding Cancer Pipeline
GEN, March 22, 2026
Merck Bolsters Cancer Pipeline with $6.7B Terns Buyout
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 25, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A new study from the J. Craig Venter Institute simulates the complete life cycle of a minimal bacterial cell in 4D space and time at nanoscale resolution. Meanwhile, in gene editing, a new technology has designed DNA donors that evade the immune system, allowing safer large gene insertion that is one step closer to scalable mutation-agnostic therapies. In brain diseases, researchers have found a novel blood-based biomarker that can predict a woman’s risk of developing dementia as many as 25 years before symptoms appear. Our episode rounds out with uniQure’s roller coaster stock, following Vinay Prasad, MD, and his second departure from the FDA.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Simulating Life: 4D Whole-Cell Model of a Minimal Bacterium
GEN, March 9, 2026
Safer Large DNA Insertion Moves Genetic Medicine Toward Scalability
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 11, 2026
Blood Biomarker Predicts Women’s Dementia Risk Up to 25 Years Early
GEN, March 10, 2026
StockWatch: Under Fire from FDA, uniQure Stock Roller-Coasters
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 8, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In the industry news section of this week’s episode, we kick things off with Tamarind Bio’s efforts to develop user-friendly artificial intelligence tools for science researchers. Then we examine the impact of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s reversal on its earlier refusal to review Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for the flu, discuss Gilead’s acquisition of Arcellx to expand its cancer therapy pipeline, and dive into Takeda’s investment in Vir Biotech’s prostate cancer candidate. Then on the research front, we get into the science behind new protein-like polymers engineered to target and degrade some of cancer’s most challenging driver proteins. And we discuss a potential control switch for CAR T cells that could make these immunotherapies much safer.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Tamarind Bio Secures $13.6M Series A to Make AI More Accessible for Biology
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 24, 2026
StockWatch: FDA Reversal Boosts Moderna, But Not Other Vaccine Companies
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 21, 2026
Gilead to Acquire Arcellx for $7.8B, Adding Anito-Cel to Cancer Pipeline
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 23, 2026
Astellas, Vir Biotechnology Launch Up-to-$1.7B Prostate Cancer Collaboration
By Alex Philippidis, GEN, February 26, 2026
New Protein-Like Polymers Target, Degrade “Undruggable” Proteins Driving Cancer
GEN, February 11, 2026
Drug-Controlled CAR T Cells May Enable Safer Immunotherapy
GEN, February 23, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Women in Science Day (February 11) was the top of the list for discussion for GEN editors in this week’s podcast. They shared an anecdote on the history of the term “scientist”—hint it was coined for a woman. A modern scientist, Medra CEO Michelle Lee, discussed with GEN how the company is integrating robotics with AI for use in biological research. GEN attended SLAS this week and we got an update on the automation updates along with endeavors to increase the presence of women in biotech leadership. Finally, we get an update on Eli Lilly’s recent major deals followed by an update on Nektar Therapeutics clinical trial updates.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Data Is a Robotics Problem, Medra CEO Says Physical AI Will Transform Biology
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 11, 2026
Robots on the Red Line: A Video Update from SLAS 2026
GEN, February 11, 2026
SLAS Highlights: AI Labs, Small-Molecule SPR, Protein Interaction Assays, and Paper Labware
By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026
SLAS Highlights: Opening Keynote Spotlights Novel Target in Genomically Unstable Tumors
By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026
Opentrons Uses Nvidia Tech to Build Training Data That Powers Physical AI in the Lab
By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 9, 2026
Beyond Obesity: Lilly Inks Up to $11.25B in Cancer, Immune System Deals
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 10, 2026
Lilly, Seamless Ink Up-to-$1.12B Hearing Loss Collaboration
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 28, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We kick off the very first episode of 2026 with a major legal development. This week, the former CEO of CytoDyn was sentenced to 30 months in prison, more than a year after being convicted on multiple charges including four counts of securities fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and three counts of insider trading. Also, we examine recent investments in artificial intelligence by several major drugmakers, and where they are hoping the technology can make an impact. Then, the latest from 10x Genomics and its plans to expand into clinical diagnostics through new collaboration. And for some research news, a new study that explores how functional forms of amyloid can create stable memories.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Ex-CytoDyn CEO Sentenced to 30-Month Prison Term on Fraud, Insider Trading
By Alex Philippidis, GEN, January 27, 2026
Pharma Bets Big on AI Platforms with Flurry of New Year Deals
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, January 22, 2026
JPM: Nvidia Launches AI Collaborations with Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 13, 2026
Clinical Ambitions: 10x Expands Beyond Research with Trio of Collaborations
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 26, 2026
Chai’s the Limit for AI Antibody Designer After $130M Series B Funding
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 16, 2025
Lilly Expands AI Ties to Insilico, from Customer to Drug Discovery Partner
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 10, 2025
How Brain May Deliberately Form Amyloids to Turn Experiences Into Memories
GEN, January 26, 2026
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In the final episode of 2025, the GEN team came together to reflect on some of the stories over the last year that they each found impactful. Some of the stories were covered in GEN’s December issue, but our editors took the time to discuss some topics in a bit more depth during the podcast. The discussion began with an update on the progress of AI use in drug discovery. Cell and gene therapy was a big topic with the positive outcome for Baby KJ, while Sarepta dealt with a rollercoaster of a year with their DMD treatment, Elevidys. Research and biotech in Africa are growing and the discussion ranged from challenges to promise in research and development on the continent. This year’s NIH budget cuts and impacted institutions rounded out the conversation.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, Phd, Kevin Davies, Phd, John Sterling, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
GEN Editors Reflect on Six of the Biggest Stories of the Year
By Alex Philippidis, Savannah Wiegel, Fay Lin, PhD, Kevin Davies, PhD, Uduak Thomas, and Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, December 4, 2025
StockWatch: Sarepta Says Deaths of Two Elevidys Patients Posted on FDA Database Unrelated to Treatment
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 10
StockWatch: As Prasad Exits FDA, Analysts See Benefit for Sarepta, CGT Stocks
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 3
FDA Probes Death of Brazilian Boy Linked to Sarepta’s Elevidys
GEN Edge, July 27
Second DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 15
DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 18
From The Editor in Chief
John Sterling, December Issue of GEN
Gene Therapy in Africa
The State of CRISPR & Genome Editing Summit, June 11, 2025
TOP 50 NIH
By Alex Philippidis, GEN, December 4, 2025
FDA Cell & Gene Therapy roundtable: Cell and Gene Therapy Leaders Tell FDA: “Believe in American Solutions”
By Alex Philippidis, and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 5, 2025
Scientists in NYC Rally to Defend and Stand Up for Science
By Corinna Singleman, GEN, March 10, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Stories on lung organoids and autism were some of the most read this week. We kicked things off by digging into recent breakthroughs in both areas including an automated method for manufacturing iPSC-derived lung organoids and how a combination of supplements reduced autism-linked behaviors in mice. Still on the topic of new research, we discussed how a protein in the extracellular matrix helps muscle stem cells repair aging muscles. In business news, the bidding war between Lundbeck and Alkermes over Avadel Pharmaceuticals has ended. We talk about the possible implications of Lundbeck’s decision to back out and next steps for Alkermes. Then we dive into Protego Biopharma’s recent fundraising round, and efforts to develop small-molecule pharmacological chaperones that modulate protein stability in disease.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Lung Organoids Generated in Bulk Using Stirred Bioreactor Technology
GEN, December 1, 2025
Autism-Linked Behaviors in Mice Reduced by Nutrient Trio
GEN, December 3, 2025
Muscle Stem Cells Bolstered by ECM Protein Tenascin-C
GEN, December 5, 2025
Protego Closes $130M Series B to Fund Pivotal Trial of AL Amyloidosis Candidate
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 3, 2025
Lundbeck Ends Bidding War for Avadel, After Alkermes’ Up-to-$2.37B Offer
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 1, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nasal vaccines show new promise for human papillomavirus (HPV) to address cervical cancer and whooping cough. In business news, Korro's stock craters 81% as AATD interim Phase I/II results miss expectations. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson acquires Halda to expand their cancer pipeline while Merck acquires Cidara to boost antivirals. Lastly, the inaugural Genetic Agency Technology Conference (GATC) hosted by Dyno Therapeutics brought together a diverse group of researchers, entrepreneurs, and patient advocates to discuss the mission of genetic agency, or an individual’s ability to take action at the genetic level to live a healthier life.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Cervical Cancer May Be Treatable with Intranasal Nanogel Vaccine
GEN, November 15, 2025
Novel Nasal Spray Vaccine for Pertussis Shows Promise
By Corinna Singleman, PhD, GEN, November 12, 2025
StockWatch: Korro Craters 81% on Data; Patient Death Sours Analysts on Intellia
By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 16, 2025
J&J Expands Cancer Pipeline with $3B Halda Acquisition
By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 18, 2025
Merck to Acquire Cidara for $9.2B, Bolstering Antiviral Pipeline
By Alex Philippidis, GEN, November 15, 2025
AI Meets Genetic Agency at Dyno GATC 2025
By Fay Lin, PhD, GENEdge, November 14, 2025
Genetic Agency on Display at GATC 2025
By Kevin Davies, PhD, and Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, November 13, 2025
Dyno GATC Announces AI Agents, Muscle Capsid, and Manufacturing Partner
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, November 11, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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uniQure's “game changing” data announced in September, which showed significant slowing of Huntington’s disease (HD) progression in patients treated with its gene therapy candidate AMT-130, may not be enough to secure FDA approval. We also discuss Recursion's pivotal leadership transitions, as Najat Khan, PhD, chief R&D officer and chief commercial officer, is set to take over as the company's CEO effective January 1. The AI drug developer has made big bets filling the biology data gap and recently announced a "Google Map of the brain" to advance neurodegenerative disease targets. In open-source AI for drug discovery, the release of the latest Boltz model, BoltzGen, advances the platform from structural predictions to the design of "any" therapeutic modality, all available for commercial use.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
uniQure Staggers as FDA Questions Data for Huntington’s Gene Therapy Candidate
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 3, 2025
StockWatch: uniQure Shares Reach Five-Year High on “Game Changing” Huntington’s Data
Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 28, 2025
Gene Therapy Significantly Slows Huntington Disease Progression
GEN, September 24, 2025
Recursion, Roche Unveil Microglia Map of Neuro Disease Targets
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, October 29, 2025
BoltzGen Democratizes AI Therapeutic Design, Expands Druggable Universe
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 27, 2025
The State of AI in Drug Discovery On Demand
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We are gearing up for our annual AI in Drug Discovery summit in a few days. So, for this episode, we focused on some recent AI news coverage. First, GEN senior editor Fay Lin, PhD, visited Seattle recently for some AI-focused meetings. She discusses her experiences in the Emerald City including an exclusive in-person interview with Nobel laureate, David Baker, PhD, on what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to using AI to design proteins de novo. Then we discuss new research from University of California, San Diego, that used machine learning to identify networks of genes that could be targeted to reprogram cancer stem cells. We also go over some early studies that point to a possible drug candidate for colon cancer.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Brunkow, Ramsdell, Sakaguchi Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Peripheral Immune Tolerance
Uduak Thomas, GEN, October 6, 2025
AI in Protein Design: Hype vs. Reality Explained by David Baker
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 20, 2025
Nobel Anniversary: David Baker Keynotes STEM Fundraiser by ARCS Foundation Seattle
By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 14, 2025
AI Treatment Reprograms and Triggers Cancer Stem Cells to Self-Destruct
GEN, October 20, 2025
The State of AI in Drug Discovery Registration
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Metal-organic frameworks and peripheral immune tolerance were the big winners of the Nobel prizes in chemistry, and in physiology or medicine, respectively. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the winners and the impacts of their discoveries. Then we move over to some business news where we discuss a novel gene therapy for Huntington’s disease from uniQure that made waves recently. Early clinical trial data for AMT-130 showed that it could meaningfully slow the progression of the disease by as much as 75%. Also in business news, a new partnership involving Arbor Biotechnologies and Chiesi Group aims to develop gene editing therapies to target rare liver diseases.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Brunkow, Ramsdell, Sakaguchi Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Peripheral Immune Tolerance
Uduak Thomas, GEN, October 6, 2025
Metal-Organic Frameworks Win the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, October 8, 2025
Gene Therapy Significantly Slows Huntington Disease Progression
GEN, September 24, 2025
StockWatch: uniQure Shares Reach Five-Year High on “Game Changing” Huntington’s Data
Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 28, 2025
Chiesi, Arbor Target Rare Liver Diseases in Up-to-$2.1B Gene Editing Collaboration
Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, October 8, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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GEN has been at the forefront of biotech and bioprocessing news for over 40 years. Last week, editor in chief, John Sterling and deputy editor in chief, Julianna LeMieux, PhD, attended BioProcess International (BPI). This annual meeting is a hallmark event for GEN, where we attend talks, speak with a multitude of bioprocess companies, and keep up to date on the latest products and news for the year. John and Julianna discuss their experience at this year’s event. Additionally, GEN held its first ever client appreciation reception this year at BPI and Julianna describes the atmosphere.
Join GEN editors John Sterling, Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Corinna Singleman, PhD for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Boston’s Bioprocessing Buzz: GEN Reports Live from BPI 2025
Julianna LeMieux, PhD and John Sterling, GEN, September 18, 2025
Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters 2025
Alex Philippidis, GEN, August 1, 2025
Top 10 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations 2025
Alex Philippidis, GEN, September 15, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Novartis has agreed to license and develop Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ preclinical stage small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy ARO-SNCA, a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies, plus additional targets. Two stories this week covered very different types of cell reprogramming techniques for therapy development. The first approach may overcome the time delays and safety risks of traditional immunotherapies, especially for patients with aggressive, late-stage disease. Meanwhile, electrical stimulation of macrophages could represent a new therapy to boost the body’s own repair processes in a range of injury and disease situations. Finally, Eli Lilly saw its shares climb 5% this past week after announcing that its history-making oral obesity candidate, orforglipron, aced the Phase III ATTAIN-2 trial.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
The State of Biotech Summit Registration
Novartis Commits Up to $2.2B toward Developing Arrowhead siRNA Therapy
Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 2, 2025
Off-the-Shelf Immunotherapy Demonstrates Multipronged Attack Against Cancer
GEN, August 29, 2025
Human Macrophages “Reprogrammed” by Electrical Stimulation to Encourage Faster Healing
GEN, September 2, 2025
StockWatch: Analysts See $10B+ in Sales for Lilly Oral GLP-1
Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 1, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week’s episode explores two frontiers: space travel and artificial intelligence. First, we discuss a study testing whether mouse sperm cryopreserved and stored in the International Space Station could still produce healthy offspring back on Earth. It’s a question with real implications for the future of deep space missions and even space tourism. Then, we turn to recent advances in AI. We talk about a machine-learning model trained to predict more effective nanoparticles for delivering RNA vaccines and therapies. Also, we learn about an AI model that designs peptides for challenging targets in cancer and neurodegenerative disease without needing detailed protein structures.
Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
The State of Biotech Summit Registration
Space Station Stem Cells Successfully Produce Healthy Mice
GEN, August 18, 2025
COMET's Rocket Speed: AI-Designed Nanoparticles Accelerate mRNA Therapies
GEN, August 18, 2025
Protein Language Model Hits Undruggable Targets, No Structure Required
By Fay Lin, PhD GEN, August 14, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Visa fler
