Turbulence at the FDA, Bluebird Bio’s sale and young biotech VCs

February 28, 2025

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What's it like reporting on the FDA during the early and turbulent weeks of the Trump administration? Why did Bluebird Bio fail and are there broader lessons for the gene therapy field? And who are these young Turks making waves in the biotech VC world?

We talk about all that and more on this week's episode of the "The Readout LOUD," STAT's biotech podcast. It's a STAT reporter two-fer guest episode. First, Lizzy Lawrence joins from D.C. to dish on the upheaval and drama taking place at the FDA. Then, we'll chat with Jason Mast about Bluebird Bio, its fire sale to private equity and what lies ahead for the unsettled world of genetic medicines. Before those discussions, Allison provides some insight into the "new kids" on the biotech VC block.

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For more on Lizzy's FDA coverage, look here. For Adam's rant about Pfizer hiring former FDA official Patrizia Cavazzoni, click here. Jason's story about the sale of Bluebird can be read here. And Allison's biotech VC story can be found here.