Trump, Chinese biotech, and an industry career reshaped by illness

Are Chinese biotechs taking over?

September 12, 2025 Check out STAT+

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On this week's episode of "The Readout LOUD": a drug-industry career reshaped by illness, and the potential for political blowback against Chinese biotech. Listeners of this podcast probably know pharma consultant Mike Rea for his annual ranking of drug company R&D productivity. But this week, he penned a poignant personal essay explaining how some medical setbacks have impacted his professional life. He joins us to discuss. But first, President Trump is considering a significant crackdown on drugs invented in China, according to a recent report in the New York Times. Industry support for the possible measures are mixed, however. While strengthening the U.S. biopharma industry garners wide support, so too does the freedom to source innovative drugs from Chinese biotechs.  LISTEN NOW Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode Visit the archive to see past episodes

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