The RTW Podcast

RTW Investments, LP
  • 5.0 (7)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

We’re witnessing a healthcare revolution, as medical and science innovations transform the lives of millions. Join as we speak to bright scientific minds, inspiring company founders and healthcare champions that are driving this exciting period of scientific discovery. Subscribe to catch each episode as it goes live. The content of this podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to provide investment advisory services, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment fund.

Episodes

  1. Biotech’s Next Era: Innovation and Commercialization

    JAN 12

    Biotech’s Next Era: Innovation and Commercialization

    Rod Wong joins Stephanie Sirota to trace biotech's evolution. What forces built today’s innovation landscape, and what might the next decade reveal? PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Learn more about 'Innovation is the Best Medicine' here. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 1:22 – Gene therapy and biotech 4:51 – Rod Wong’s journey into biotech 9:55 – Rod Wong: Investor or Business Builder? 12:43 – Growing trends in biotechnology 15:36 – Generating Alpha in Biotech 21:54 – Looking forward for RTW 23:51 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    25 min
  2. The Split Vote: UroGen and the FDA

    12/01/2025

    The Split Vote: UroGen and the FDA

    When an FDA panel held her company’s future in the balance, UroGen Pharma CEO Liz Barrett refused to fold, even with the odds stacked, a plunging stock, and one vote deciding it all. PODCAST TEAM Producer and Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Story Consultants: Partner & Research Analyst Tony Nguyen, and Chief Corporate Finance Officer, Chris Seiter. Featuring: Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:54 – Liz Barrett’s pharma journey 03:26 - UroGen: the product and the pipeline 08:31 - The FDA vote on UroGen 15:07 - UroGen and RTW’s relationship 18:42 - Liz Barrett’s leadership style 22:40 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    24 min
  3. 14 Months to Treatment: Breaking Records in Rare Disease Therapy

    10/06/2025

    14 Months to Treatment: Breaking Records in Rare Disease Therapy

    From a Thanksgiving night emergency to one of the fastest gene therapies ever deployed, this is the story of a family’s relentless pursuit to help their daughter, and how RTW Foundation made it possible. This episode was recorded on June 11, 2025, and the clinical trial details discussed may have changed; please see ellysteam.org for the most current information on Elly’s case. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Editor: Dominique Guerra Research Consultants: Joe Katakowski, PhD, and Nicole Litt Story Consultant: Samantha Darris Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. FOLLOW US Now you can follow along in the format you prefer. Watch the video feed of this podcast on YouTube or read the transcript at rtwfunds.com/podcasts. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 – Elly’s Diagnosis 04:37 - Finding a treatment with RTW Foundation 09:42 - Elly’s journey: from research to treatment 14:50 - Becoming the first child to receive an IRF2BPL gene replacement therapy 17:17 - Expanding the clinical trial for NEDAMSS 19:12 - How to improve drug research and development 21:18 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    22 min
  4. Losing Sleep and Lives: Matthew Walker on the Global Sleep Epidemic

    09/15/2025

    Losing Sleep and Lives: Matthew Walker on the Global Sleep Epidemic

    Lack of sleep can be deadly and costly. Matthew Walker, author of NYT bestseller Why We Sleep and Stephanie Sirota explore the science of sleep, how not sleeping can hurt our health and economy, and the global sleep epidemic. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Matthew Walker PhD, Author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - Matthew Walker’s journey into sleep science 03:01 - Understanding the different types of sleep 06:06 - How to deal with jet lag 08:22 - The effect of sleep on young adults 11:02 - The impact of sleep on productivity 14:13 - Analyzing the dream state 17:34 - Sleeping, dreaming, and the relationship with mental health 19:59 - The future of sleep studies 21:34 - Sleep as the foundation of health 23:58 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Matthew Walker, Author of Why We Sleep, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    25 min
  5. From drop to double: Akero’s surging stock

    07/14/2025

    From drop to double: Akero’s surging stock

    When Akero’s stock dropped after a trial setback, why did RTW double down that same day? CEO Andrew Cheng joins RTW’s Rod Wong to share how he navigated the biotech storm, why he believed in efruxifermin (EFX,) and what’s next for liver disease treatment. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Featuring: Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Rod Wong in 2023 00:22 – Introduction 01:01 – Introducing Akero Therapeutics and MASH 03:51 – Discussing Akero’s Trials and Setbacks 08:32 – Becoming pioneers in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic treatment 11:05 – Challenges of being a biotech CEO 12:52 – Outro and Disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, and moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    14 min
  6. Ditching Delay: GH001’s Instant Impact on Depression

    05/05/2025

    Ditching Delay: GH001’s Instant Impact on Depression

    Connor Williams was shocked when the data came back for GH001. What could this mean for the future of treatment-resistant depression? Listen to his exclusive interview with Dr. Valcheva, the CEO of GH Research, to find out. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments. Don't forget to listen to part 1 of Connor’s discussion on treatment resistant depression and psychedelics with Stephanie Sirota, Managing Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:09 – About GH Research 04:20 – Becoming CEO of GH Research 06:27 – The difference between GH001 and other psychedelics 11:37 – The difficulties of developing a scheduled substance 12:27 – Dealing with the stigma of psychedelics 15:31 – What else can GH001 treat? 17:26 – The future of GH Research 20:53 – Outro and Disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research, and moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    22 min
  7. Changing Minds: Psychedelics as Legitimate Medicine

    04/07/2025

    Changing Minds: Psychedelics as Legitimate Medicine

    If you’re dismissing psychedelics in pharma, think again. Stephanie Sirota and Connor Williams discuss overcoming stigma and regulatory challenges, and the results of a recent clinical trial that could signal a new era for mental health care. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Stay tuned for a deep dive into psychedelics with the CEO of GH Research, Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva, moderated by Connor Williams. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:21 - The development of psychiatric drugs 03:29 - Treatment resistant patients in the U.S. and the international market 05:50 - The need for new depression treatment drugs 08:05 - The rise of psychedelics & the impact of regulations and policies 13:58 - New areas of study in psychedelics 14:43- The valuation of psychedelics and what it means for investors 17:53 - Discovering GH Research and its novel approach to TRD 22:11 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    23 min
  8. Inside the clinic: GLP-1s with Dr. Rekha B. Kumar

    01/22/2025

    Inside the clinic: GLP-1s with Dr. Rekha B. Kumar

    Dr. Rekha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at Found, and Stephanie Sirota explore Rekha’s rise from academia, and her passion for obesity medicine. As new weight management therapies emerge, Rekha emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to maximize their potential. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, moderated by Stephanie Sirota. Don't forget to listen to part one of Stephanie's discussion on GLP-1s with Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Dr. Rekha Kumar’s journey into obesity medicine 04:18 - Establishing Found and treating obesity patients 08:56 - Telehealth and its impact on obesity treatment 12:59 - Understanding how GLP-1s work 17:18 - Obesity as an area of study in medicine 18:47 - Thoughts on the future of obesity medicine 20:02 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, and Chief Medical Officer at Found, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer and Partner at RTW Investments. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

    21 min
  9. The $1 trillion GLP-1 revolution with Rod Wong

    01/06/2025

    The $1 trillion GLP-1 revolution with Rod Wong

    Rod Wong and Stephanie Sirota delve into the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs, focusing on their impact on obesity and related diseases. Rod shares his insights into the next generation of obesity therapies and the opportunities they present for innovation and investment in the biotech sector. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Rod Wong, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments. Stay tuned for part two of our discussion on GLP-1s where we welcome Dr. Rekha B. Kumar to the studio at RTW HQ. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introductions 00:39 - Understanding the importance of GLP-1s 02:27 - GLPs in the cycle of obesity drug development 05:13 - Public and private company interest in obesity drugs 06:58 - Cost benefits of GLP-1s and their Impact on the healthcare system 10:30 - The value of GLP-1s in the investor space 12:36 - GLP-1s in the international market 16:12 - The expansion of large companies into GLP-1s 18:35 - Thoughts on recent investments and the potential of Kailera Therapeutics 19:52 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results.

    21 min
  10. Revolutionizing RNA therapeutics - Avidity Biosciences

    08/12/2024

    Revolutionizing RNA therapeutics - Avidity Biosciences

    Sarah Boyce from Avidity Biosciences and Piratip Pratumsuwan from RTW Investments explore the strategic decisions and innovations that have driven Avidity's success. They cover her approach to overcoming the challenges of scaling a biotech company, the impact of Avidity’s groundbreaking work on treating rare genetic disorders, and Sarah’s vision for the future of RNA-based therapies. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Technical Director: Joseph Sebring Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Sarah Boyce, President and CEO of Avidity Biosciences, and Piratip Pratumsuwan, Managing Director; Research Analyst at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introducing Sarah Boyce and Piratip Pratumsuwan 01:09 - Avidity Biosciences: Pioneering RNA therapeutics 02:20 - Joining Avidity: A bold decision 03:55 - Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities 12:00 - FSHD and Fortitude 18:21 - Looking Ahead: The future of RNA therapeutics 20:10 - Championing women in biotechnology 21:43 - Credits and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview and testimonial was given by Sarah Boyce, CEO of Avidity Biosciences, a company in which RTW has made an equity investment on behalf of its managed funds. No compensation was provided to Ms. Boyce. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results.

    22 min
  11. The power of partnership – Prometheus Biosciences

    12/01/2023

    The power of partnership – Prometheus Biosciences

    Mark McKenna from Prometheus Biosciences and Josh Kennedy-Smith from RTW Investments tell us about the white-knuckle ride that is building a pharmaceutical start-up, their passion for providing better care solutions for patients, the recent deal with Merck and the power of a strong partnership with your investor. Host: Josh Baldwin, RTW Investments Featuring: Mark McKenna, CEO of Prometheus Biosciences and Josh Kennedy-Smith, Managing Director; Research Analyst of RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. DISCLAIMER Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results.

    45 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We’re witnessing a healthcare revolution, as medical and science innovations transform the lives of millions. Join as we speak to bright scientific minds, inspiring company founders and healthcare champions that are driving this exciting period of scientific discovery. Subscribe to catch each episode as it goes live. The content of this podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to provide investment advisory services, or an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment fund.

Information

  • Creator
    RTW Investments, LP
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RTW Investments, LP 2023
  • Show Website
    The RTW Podcast

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