UnitedHealth’s doctor empire, an FDA departure, and Viking’s obesity moves

What makes UnitedHealth similar to Standard Oil? Is Viking Therapeutics an attractive acquisition target? And is Adam good at math?

We discuss all that and more in this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. Tara Bannow, our hospitals and insurance reporter, joins us to talk about a new investigation that shows how UnitedHealth wields its unrivaled physician empire to boost its profits and expand its influence.

We also cover the latest news in the life sciences, including Viking’s sped-up plans in obesity, the departure of a long time official at the Food and Drug Administration, and Kamala Harris’ views on health policies.

For the UnitedHealth investigation, go here; for more on Viking’s obesity drugs, go here; read about the FDA leadership shakeup here; and for more on Kamala Harris’ track record, go here.

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