Closing a zombie biotech, and Lilly's disappointing obesity readout

When do you pull the plug on a zombie company?

August 8, 2025 Check out STAT+

Sponsored By

How does a biotech company decide to shut itself down? Why does Eli Lilly have so much riding on its oral obesity candidate? And what's the outlook for Vertex's pain franchise? We discuss that and more on this on this week's episode of "The Readout LOUD," STAT's biotech podcast. We bring on Natalie Holles, who was the CEO of Third Harmonic Bio, which recently decided to dissolve and return cash to shareholders. She walks us through why the company has decided to do this and her advice for other biotech CEOs. We also chat about a disappointing readout from Eli Lilly's key small molecule GLP-1 candidate, setbacks in Vertex's pain business, and the story behind Replimmune's recent FDA rejection. Listen Now Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode Visit the archive to see past episodes

---

---

Enjoying The Readout LOUD? Tell us about your experience Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails

Update Newsletter Preferences     •    Contact Us     •    Advertise with Us     •    View in Browser