Xtalks Life Science Podcast

Interview with Thea Pharma’s Susan Benton about Eye Care and the FDA Approval of Iyuzeh

In this week’s Xtalks Life Science podcast episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Susan Benton, Country Manager at Thea Pharma, an eye care company that focuses on developing innovative eye care treatments to help further the future of ophthalmic treatment.Thea Pharma recently won FDA approval for its latest eye care product Iyuzeh for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Iyuzeh is the first and only preservative-free formulation of the medication latanoprost in the US. To talk more about the new FDA approval for Iyuzeh and about the great work being done at Thea Pharma, tune in to hear this informative and insightful interview with Susan Benton, who has more than 25 years of global commercial and business development experience in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, and has been responsible for the launch and commercialization of more than 15 products over the course of her career.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

XBB.1.5 Omicron Subvariant + FDA Approves AstraZeneca’s New Asthma Inhaler

In this week’s episode, Ayesha discussed the new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, also known as Kraken, which is rapidly circulating in parts of the US. It is the most transmissible variant yet and is highly immune evasive. COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in the country, including significant increases in hospitalizations and deaths. While XBB.1.5 has been found in dozens of other countries now, cases remain low around the world. Hear more about the new subvariant and why scientists are keeping a close eye on it.Ayesha also talked about the FDA approval of AstraZeneca’s asthma inhaler Airsupra, the first-in-class drug that contains both a beta agonist and corticosteroid. The inhaler is approved as a rescue medication for adults with asthma to help treat bronchoconstriction and asthma attacks. It’s the first inhaler that both treats symptoms and the underlying causes of an attack by targeting inflammation of the airways.Read the full articles here:XBB.1.5 Omicron Subvariant Being Closely Watched as Most Transmissible Variant YetAstraZeneca’s Airsupra Approved as First-In-Class Combo Asthma TreatmentFor 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 Breast Surgical Oncologist Dr. Monique Gary on Cancer Health Disparities

In this week’s Xtalks Life Science podcast episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Dr. Monique Gary, or Dr. Mo, a breast surgical oncologist, researcher, advocate and expert on cancer and healthcare disparities.Dr. Mo is passionate about developing integrative, holistic and innovative approaches to cancer treatment, prevention and survivorship both locally and throughout the world. She serves on the board of several community organizations and was recognized as a Leading Physicians of the World and Top Breast Surgeon in Pennsylvania for 2017, 2018 and 2019. On the show, Dr. Mo spoke about disparities in breast cancer treatment and care. particularly among minorities, including Black women. She shared ways in which patients can advocate for themselves; discussed some of the advancements in breast cancer screening and prevention; improving clinical trial participation; and the importance of strengthening relationships and communication between patient and physician communities. Hear the informative and insightful conversation in this episode.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

Life Science Trends for 2023

In this episode, Ayesha talked about some of the trends to look out for in the life sciences in 2023. With a handful of significant gene therapy approvals in 2022, the cell and gene therapy space continues to rapidly expand, and hence we can expect more ground-breaking gene therapy approvals in the coming year, particularly for rare diseases. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, this includes greater implementation of digital health in healthcare. What are the roadblocks and potential burdens of digital health, and can healthcare go completely digital? Also hear about the issue of drug shortages and how pharma companies hope to tackle it in 2023. Read the full article here:4 Life Sciences Trends for 2023For 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 the leaders at Amylyx, Maker of New FDA Approved ALS Drug Relyvrio

In this week’s Xtalks Life Science podcast episode, Ayesha and the team spoke with the co-founders and co-CEOs of Amylyx, Joshua Cohen and Justin Klee, and Amylyx’s General Manager of Canada Chris Aiello.Amylyx is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. On September 29th this year, Amylyx received FDA approval for its oral, fixed dose medication Relyvrio for the treatment of adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A few months earlier, the medication had received conditional approval in Canada, where it is marketed under the brand name Albrioza. To hear more about Relyvrio’s approval, including how the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS helped in the drug’s development, and Amylyx’s continuing work in neurodegenerative diseases, tune into the episode.Read more at:Relyvrio Approved as ALS Treatment by the FDAFor 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 Approves First Fecal Matter Therapy + PureTech Reveals New CBD Oral Capsule

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the FDA approval of Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ fecal matter-based therapy Rebyota for the treatment of recurrent C. difficile infections. While fecal matter transplants (FMT) have been a standard of care for recurrent CDIs, despite not having formal approval, Rebyota has become the first FDA approved FMT-based treatment for CDIs. Hear more about the drug and its approval in this episode. Ayesha also discussed a new CBD oral capsule being developed by PureTech Health for the treatment of epilepsy and potentially other indications as well. The drug will be going up against Jazz Pharma’s Epidiolex, which was first approved in 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with rare types of epilepsy. Hear about the advantages of an oral capsule formulation of CBD, including lower costs and not requiring the use of sesame oil.Read the full articles here:FDA Approves Rebyota as First Fecal Microbiome Therapy for Recurrent C. Difficile InfectionPureTech Reveals New CBD Pill to Rival Jazz’s EpidiolexFor 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

First Gene Therapy Approved for Hemophilia B + World AMR Awareness Week

In this episode, Ayesha shared news about the FDA approval of the first gene therapy for the rare blood disorder Hemophilia B. The approval was awarded to CSL Behring’s Hemgenix, a single-dose gene therapy that delivers a working copy of the gene that codes for the Factor IX protein that is deficient, or made in insufficient amounts, in patients with Hemophilia B. The therapy is now officially the world’s most expensive drug at $3.5 million per dose. Hear more about the therapy and how the high price tag of the new drug is actually lower than the cost of treating Hemophilia B patients over their lifetimes with current conventional treatment.Ayesha also talked about World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, which is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve awareness and take measures to combat the global health threat of AMR. The theme of this year’s awareness week was “Preventing AMR Together,” highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary and collective action against AMR. Ayesha spoke to experts from bioMérieux Canada and One Health to learn more about the global efforts against AMR and shared their insights in this episode.Read the full articles here:Hemgenix Approved as First Gene Therapy for Hemophilia BWorld Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week: Preventing AMR TogetherFor 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 Approves First Drug to Delay T1D + Positive Data for Pfizer’s Maternal RSV Vaccine

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the breakthrough FDA approval of Provention Bio’s Tzield for delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes in adult and pediatric patients. It’s the first approved treatment for slowing the progression of stage 2 type 1 diabetes to stage 3, the stage at which a clinical diagnosis is made. Tzield is an immunotherapy that was in development for over three decades. Find out more about the drug and how it may be a gamechanger for type 1 diabetes.Ayesha also talked about the latest positive Phase III trial data that Pfizer recently shared for its maternal RSV vaccine candidate. The data showed that the vaccine led to a significant reduction in the rate of severe medically attended lower respiratory tract illness (MA-LRTI) in newborns, a complication that can result from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Hear more about the vaccine trial data, based on which an independent data monitoring committee has recommended that Pfizer file with the FDA for approval.Read the full articles here:Tzield Gets FDA Nod to Become First Approved Drug to Delay Onset of Type 1 DiabetesPfizer Shares Positive Phase III Data for Maternal RSV Vaccine CandidateFor 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

Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (Semaglutide) Shortage and Fake Eli Lilly Twitter Account Announces Free Insulin

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage, largely attributed to off-label prescribing for weight loss and viral TikTok videos. The GLP-1 agonist is indicated as a type 2 diabetes treatment but has weight loss as a side effect. The shortage could give competitor Eli Lilly’s new dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist Mounjaro added market advantage, but can the company meet the unprecedented demand?Ayesha also talked about Eli Lilly falling victim to a fake Twitter account that tweeted the company was offering free insulin. The fraudulent account has a blue check, which users can purchase through a $8 per month subscription for the revamped Twitter Blue program introduced by Elon Musk. Lilly clarified the fake message, but the tweet has re-ignited debate about the cost of insulin in the US.Read the full articles here:Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic Shortage Spurs Demand for Eli Lilly’s Diabetes Injection MounjaroFraudulent Eli Lilly Twitter Account Announces Free InsulinFor 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 Eye Health Biotech Santen Pharmaceuticals’ CMO Peter Sallstig

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Peter Sallstig, MD, MBA, Global Head of Product Development Division and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Santen Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company focused on leveraging key, innovative technologies to develop solutions for eye-related problems worldwide. Recently, Santen received FDA approval for the company’s OMLONTI eye drops for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. In this interview, Dr. Sallstig spoke about OMLONTI, what makes his work and team at Santen so special and the company’s commitment to innovations in eye health. 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