Genentech’s cancer pivot, Pfizer’s sickle cell withdrawal, and a new schizophrenia drug

Why are Genentech’s cancer researchers concerned about the direction of the company? What led Pfizer to pull its sickle cell drug off global markets? And what cake did Adam make for all his podcast colleagues except Elaine?

We talk about all that and more on this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. Our colleague Jonathan Wosen joins us to discuss the recent setbacks and wins in oncology R&D, including Genentech’s decision to shut down its cancer immunology group, and the global ambitions of Akeso, the Chinese biotech behind Summit Therapeutics’ recent positive results.

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We also chat about the latest news in the life sciences, including Pfizer’s sudden announcement to pull its sickle cell drug and the imminent approval of Bristol Myers Squibb’s schizophrenia treatment.

For more on Genentech’s cancer pivot, go here; for more on Akeso’s ambitions, go here; and for more on Pfizer’s withdrawal of its sickle cell drug, go here.

Be sure to sign up for “The Readout LOUD” on Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherTuneIn, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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