Episodes

  • Can We Fix Healthcare? A Look Inside Our System

    Can We Fix Healthcare? A Look Inside Our System
    Oct 15 2024
    The U.S. healthcare system is a puzzle for many.

    To fix it, we need smarter discussions and a deeper understanding of both the industry and the policies that shape it.

    In this episode, host John Stanford talks to healthcare policy expert Brian Reid, Principal at Reid Strategic and author of the Cost Curve newsletter, to discuss the challenges of fixing the incentives that have led to a broken healthcare system.

    We also discuss:
    • How the healthcare debate often overlooks the needs of patients, focusing instead on assigning blame to various system stakeholders.
    • The potential consequences price controls could have on pharmaceutical innovation (particularly for small molecules and cancer treatments).
    • Why the current healthcare environment discourages companies from investing in long-term R&D, particularly in drug types that primarily benefit the elderly.
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    19 mins
  • Protecting Innovation: Small Molecules and the Future of Medicine

    Protecting Innovation: Small Molecules and the Future of Medicine
    Sep 13 2024
    Science should lead our policy decisions—not the other way around.

    In this episode, Kirsten Axelson, Senior Policy Lab Advisor at Incubate Coalition, dives deep into the power of small molecule medicines, the promise they hold for the future, and how our current policy landscape may upend their development.

    This conversation focuses on Incubate Policy Lab’s most recent white paper, which sheds light on the crucial role these molecules play not only in innovative drug development, but also in ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments.

    Listeners will learn:
    • ​​The crucial role small molecules play in modern medicine, especially in treating conditions like cancer and neurological diseases.
    • How current policy decisions, such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act, could negatively affect the development and accessibility of small molecule drugs.
    • Why small molecule medicines contribute to equitable access to healthcare, especially for underserved populations and in global health contexts.

    To learn more about Kirsten’s white paper, please go to incubatecoalition.org
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    18 mins
  • CEO Series Part 1: Sherine Chan, CEO & Co-founder of Neuroene Therapeutics

    CEO Series Part 1: Sherine Chan, CEO & Co-founder of Neuroene Therapeutics
    Jun 28 2024
    As part of our inaugural CEO series, we're excited to welcome Sherine Chan, the CEO and Co-Founder of Neuroene Therapeutics.

    In this episode, Sherine shares her journey from academia to helming a cutting-edge biotech company. She explores the groundbreaking work her company is pioneering in targeting the powerhouses of cells: mitochondria. Sherine also dives into the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act on the development of small-molecule drugs

    We also discuss:
    • Neuroene Therapeutics' ongoing projects.
    • The critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's, and mitochondrial disorders.
    • Sherine's insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists.
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    17 mins
  • Dispelling Misconceptions in Biopharmaceutical IP Regulation

    Dispelling Misconceptions in Biopharmaceutical IP Regulation
    May 3 2024
    On World IP Day, Kirsten Axelsen, Senior Advisor of the Incubate Policy Lab, joins host John Stanford to announce the newest whitepaper, delve into the myths and realities surrounding IP in the pharmaceutical industry, explore the dynamics of patent regulations, and touch on the contentious discussions around patent thickets and pharmaceutical pricing under new legislative environments like the Inflation Reduction Act.

    Join us as we also discuss:
    • What to expect out of the Incubate Policy Lab
    • The role that venture investment plays in advancing promising science and technology.
    • The latest whitepaper that addresses misconceptions about IP
    • The implications of IRA policies in weakening the generics industry, potentially disrupting the balance that has historically led to affordable drug pricing post-patent expiration.
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    25 mins
  • When the Feds Come Marching In: A Deep Dive on The Bayh-Dole Act

    When the Feds Come Marching In: A Deep Dive on The Bayh-Dole Act
    Apr 11 2024
    Joe Allen, Executive Director of The Bayh-Dole Coalition, was at the forefront of the Bayh-Dole Act back in December 1980, which allowed researchers to own inventions resulting from federally funded research. However, 43 years later, the March-In Rights framework proposed by the Biden administration threatens to weaken America’s innovation. In this episode, Joe delves into the potential implications of this framework on drug pricing, the pipeline, and overall innovation.

    Join us as we discuss:
    • The significance of the Bayh-Dole Act and intellectual property in transforming how America drives innovation.
    • Why public-private partnerships and collaboration in the medical field are key for funding research projects.
    • The implications of enacting March-In Rights on the drug development pipeline
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    22 mins
  • Beyond Medicine: Solving Disparities in Cancer Care

    Beyond Medicine: Solving Disparities in Cancer Care
    Sep 13 2023
    How can we create better outcomes for cancer patients?

    That’s the big goal Mohit Manrao is aiming for in his work as SVP & Head of US Oncology at AstraZeneca. In this episode, Mohit shares his perspective on the future of oncology and the pursuit of patient-centric care in a post-Inflation Reduction Act world.

    Join us as we discuss:
    • AstraZeneca's goal of launching 15 new drugs by 2030
    • Solving for disparities in care and improving health equity
    • Timeline for drug development and its effect on patient outcomes
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    25 mins
  • Balancing Access and Affordability in the Future of Healthcare

    Balancing Access and Affordability in the Future of Healthcare
    Aug 23 2023
    Can we create a future healthcare system that is accessible and affordable for all patients?

    That’s the major question that Mary R. Grealy, CEO of Healthcare Leadership Council, is trying to answer through her work. Mary, a former speech pathologist turned lawyer, shares insights from her unique journey from the healthcare field to advocating for patient-centered, value-based healthcare systems. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mary shares the challenges faced in the industry but also her hope for a future where patients are empowered through collaboration and innovation.

    Join us as we discuss:
    • Why collaboration between stakeholders is key
    • Practical tips for advocates to make a compelling case to Congress
    • The potential effects of the new price-setting system
    • The impact of proposed legislation on treatments and cures
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    26 mins
  • Making Patients the Center of U.S. Healthcare Reform

    Making Patients the Center of U.S. Healthcare Reform
    May 11 2023
    With recent movement in healthcare including President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot and the Inflation Reduction Act, one thing is clear: American healthcare is at a crossroads.

    As we begin to tackle the conversation of healthcare reform, how can we rebuild the system around patients?

    In this episode, MacKay Jimeson, Executive Director of The Patient Access & Affordability Project at Patients Rising, joins the show to explain how the system was never designed for patients, the benefits of a patient-centric system, and what the future holds for the industry.

    Join us as we discuss:
    • Why patient-centricity is notably absent in our healthcare system
    • MacKay’s op-ed in response to President Biden’s SOTU
    • The impact of The Inflation Reduction Act and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on today’s healthcare landscape
    • The true human impact of medicines


    MacKay’s Op-Ed: https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/09/state-of-the-union-highlights-americas-awkward-conversation-on-science-medicine-and-financing-the-development-of-new-medicines/

    MacKay’s Bio:
    https://accessandaffordability.org/person/02-mackay-jimeson/
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    35 mins