Xtalks Life Science Podcast

Pharma By The Numbers: Celebrating 20 Years of Xtalks with an Analysis of the Industry

In this episode, Xtalks’ senior editorial staff discuss how the pharmaceutical industry has changed – and stayed the same – in the last 2 decades. Sarah talks about the global value of the pharmaceutical industry in 2002 versus today and which companies made the top 3 based on revenue.Sarah also shared the top-selling drugs in 2002, 2012 and 2022, and how much the industry as a whole has invested in R&D in those years. The team discusses the number of new drugs and biologics approved by the FDA each year, and debates whether the regulator will be able to keep up with growing submission numbers and the expectation of speedy approval decisions. The team also talked about the role of Xtalks in knowledge dissemination and facilitating meaningful conversations in the pharma industry through webinars, written content, videos and, of course, this podcast!To read more, visit Pharma By The Numbers: A Retrospective Look at the Industry and 20 Years of Xtalks History. For a closer look at the stats discussed in this episode, check out this infographic.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Definitive Healthcare’s VP, Head of Healthcare Consulting, Manu Garg, about Healthcare Commercial Intelligence

This episode features an interview with Manu Garg, VP, Head of Healthcare Consulting at Definitive Healthcare. Sarah and Manu discussed the transformative role of healthcare commercial intelligence in the industry today, and how machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing care delivery for patients. As new drug development is increasingly focused on targeted therapies for rare diseases and other indications with limited patient pools, healthcare commercial intelligence can help companies find their target market and help direct resources. Manu explained how both large and small pharmas, biotechs and medtechs can benefit from Definitive Healthcare’s SaaS-based tools.Manu explained how AI is helping to predict tumor mutations so that cell and gene therapies can be targeted to individual patient’s needs, realizing the true promise of “personalized medicine.” He also discussed why the healthcare sector needs to adopt new ways of using patient-generated device-based health data to bring care to patients when and where they need it.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Tidepool’s CEO and Co-Founder Howard Look About an Automated Insulin Dosing App for Type 1 Diabetes

This episode features an interview with Howard Look, CEO and co-founder of Tidepool, a non-profit organization that has a range of software tools for people with diabetes and the clinics that serve them. Tidepool recently received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of Tidepool Loop, an automated insulin dosing app meant for the management of type 1 diabetes in patients who are six years of age and older. Howard spoke about the FDA clearance and discussed how Tidepool Loop addresses an unmet need in the type 1 diabetes space.Howard shared his story about his personal connection to diabetes and what prompted him to start Tidepool. He discussed his strategy for engaging stakeholders — the patients, health care providers, caregivers and payers — to pave the way for individuals with type 1 diabetes to access Tidepool Loop.Hear more about Tidepool Loop and Tidepool’s continuing work in the diabetes management space.Read more here:Tidepool Loop Is FDA Cleared as an Automated Insulin Dosing App for Type 1 DiabetesFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Neuromod COO Diarmuid Flavin About the FDA Approval of Tinnitus Treatment Lenire

This episode features an interview with Diarmuid Flavin, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Neuromod, a Dublin-based medical device company specializing in the treatment of tinnitus, a condition known as “ringing in the ears.” Tinnitus is believed to impact between 10 to 15 percent of adults worldwide.The company recently received De Novo approval from the FDA for its tinnitus treatment Lenire. Lenire is the first of its kind, non-invasive, bimodal neuromodulation device that stimulates nerves to treat tinnitus. Diarmuid spoke about the approval and how Lenire helps address a significant unmet need in the tinnitus space. Diarmuid brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience in a range of medical device, technology, and pharmaceutical companies to Neuromod, where he assumes responsibility for the company’s strategic operational execution, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering & Technology, Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain teams. Hear more about Lenire and Neuromod’s continuing work in biomodal neuromodulation technologies.Read more here:Lenire Bimodal Neuromodulation Device by Neuromod Improves Tinnitus Symptoms in Clinical TrialFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA approval of First Geographic Atrophy Treatment and Authorization of First At-Home Combo COVID-19 and Flu Test

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the FDA approval of Apellis Pharmaceuticals’ Syfovre (pegcetacoplan injection) for the treatment of geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness. The condition is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for which there have been no treatment options up until this recent approval. Hear more about the drug, including some questions about its clinical benefit.Ayesha also talked about the FDA’s emergency use authorization (EUA) of Lucira Health’s over-the-counter (OTC) combination COVID-19 and flu diagnostic that can be administered at-home. The molecular PCR test is the first at-home combination test that can differentiate and detect the Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2 viruses in 30 minutes or less. The editorial team discussed the utility of the test, including settings in which they may be useful in and whether they may even be needed at all.Read the full articles here:Apellis’ Syfovre Approved as First Treatment for Geographic Atrophy Despite Uncertain Clinical BenefitFDA Authorizes First At-Home Combination COVID and Flu TestFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Cala Health’s CCO Doug Biehn about Neuromodulation Therapy Cala Trio for Hand Tremors

In this week’s Xtalks Life Science podcast episode, Sarah spoke with Doug Biehn, Chief Commercial Officer at Cala Health, a bioelectronic medicine company that develops wearable neuromodulation therapies.The company’s lead product, Cala Trio, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for transient relief of hand tremors in adults with essential tremor (ET).Tune into the episode to learn more about Cala Health’s individualized prescription neuromodulation therapy. Doug discussed the day-to-day struggles of patients with ET and the challenges they face when seeking medication for their condition. Doug also shared the benefits of Cala Trio for the relief of hand tremors and how company is committed to ensuring all patients have access to this life-changing neuromodulation therapy.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @XtalksInstagram: @XtalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferencesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Sunrise’s At-Home Sleep Apnea Test Gets FDA Clearance + BMS-Pfizer Team up with Kareem Abdul Jabbar for AFib Awareness

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the FDA clearance of a new at-home sleep apnea test developed by Belgium-based scale-up Sunrise. The wireless, AI-powered device is placed on a user’s chin, making it non-invasive and easy to use. The test has been clinically validated against traditional polysomnography testing and can help provide an accurate sleep apnea diagnosis. Hear more about the device in this episode.Ayesha also talked about the teaming up of basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Bristol Myers Squibb/Pfizer Alliance for a new ad campaign to help raise awareness about atrial fibrillation (AFib). The basketball Hall of Famer was diagnosed with the condition and in a video for the campaign, he describes how he initially dismissed his symptoms. He encourages others to learn from his experience and seek medical attention as soon as any symptoms appear. February is also American Heart Month, which is marked every year to help promote awareness about cardiovascular health. Read the full articles here:Sunrise’s At-Home Sleep Apnea Test Gets FDA Clearance ‘No Time to Wait’ Ad Campaign from BMS-Pfizer Features Basketball Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for AFib Awareness For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Polarean Imaging CTO Dr. Bastiaan Driehuys on the FDA Approval of Lung Imaging Drug Device Combo Xenoview

In this week’s Xtalks Life Science podcast episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Dr. Bastiaan Driehuys, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Polarean Imaging. Polarean is a medical imaging company focused on improving the state of lung imaging. The company recently received FDA approval for its drug device combination product, Xenoview. Xenoview is a hyperpolarized contrast agent, prepared from the Xenon 129 Gas Blend, that is indicated for use with MRI to evaluate lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Tune into the episode to learn more about the FDA approval of Xenoview, including the journey to its approval. Hear about Dr. Driehuys’ extensive research career developing hyperpolarized Xenon 129 as an MRI contrast agent and how that led him to co-found Polarean with the goal of improving the state of lung imaging.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Amgen Launches Humira Biosimilar Amjevita + Potential New Blood Test for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the launch of Amgen’s Amjevita, the first Humira biosimilar to hit the market. Amjevita received FDA approval in 2016 and after a legal settlement with Humira maker AbbVie, has finally reached market launch. AbbVie has been embroiled in legal battles over accusations of overpatenting and price hiking to block Humira biosimilar competition. Hear more about Amjevita and how 2023 is a big year for Humira biosimilars with over half a dozen more launching this year.Ayesha also discussed new Alzheimer’s research from Kings College London that could lead to the development of a blood test for the early detection of the disease. The research found that certain biomarkers in the blood of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which some Alzheimer’s patients develop before being diagnosed with the disease, could predict the onset of Alzheimer’s up to 3.5 years before a clinical diagnosis is made. Learn more about the new research in this episode.Read the full articles here:Amgen’s Amjevita Enters Market as First Humira Biosimilar, But at Two Different Price PointsEarly Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease: New Research Shows How a Blood Test Could Lead to Earlier DiagnosisFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured 

Amazon’s New $5 Prescription Drug Program + Top 10 Pharma TV Ad Spenders in 2022

In this episode, Ayesha talked about Amazon Pharmacy’s new RxPass subscription prescription drug program called RxPass through which Amazon Prime members can purchase generic medications for a flat fee of $5 a month. The program is part of Amazon’s continuing expansion of its healthcare portfolio. Hear more about the program and how it aims to increase accessibility and affordability for customers.  Ayesha also shared who the top 10 pharma TV ad spenders were in 2022. Ad spending is at an all-time high in the US pharma industry, with companies maintaining a general preference for linear TV marketing over digital marketing. Companies that made it to the top 10 ad spend list included Novo Nordisk with its social media sensation diabetes drug Ozempic and AbbVie’s Rinvoq for eczema and arthritis. The top three spots were taken by ads for immunology drugs and the list includes four type 2 diabetes drugs. Read the full articles here:RxPass, Amazon’s New Prescription Drug Program, Offers Common Meds for a Flat Fee of $5Top 10 Pharma TV Ad Spenders in 2022 — Anti-Inflammatories and Diabetes Drugs DominateFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured