Life Sciences Weekly

Matthew Davison

Life Sciences Weekly is your go-to podcast for a fast, focused, and insightful snapshot of the week in medtech, biotech, and pharma. Each Saturday, we break down the latest market trends, FDA approvals and submissions, regulatory shifts, enforcement actions, startup funding, and M&A activity—all in under 20 minutes. Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or innovator, Life Sciences Weekly keeps you ahead of the curve with expert context and a spotlight on the stories shaping the future of health and science.

Episodes

  1. 08/02/2025

    August 2, 2025 - Life Sciences Weekly Recap

    Life Sciences Weekly - Episode 9 Recorded: August 2, 2025 Join us for Episode 9 of Life Sciences Weekly as we break down a week of volatility and progress across biotech, pharma, and medtech. With all major sector ETFs sliding—XBI down 2%, XPH off nearly 4%, and XHE dipping close to 4%—we spotlight sharp stock swings from Sarepta’s big rebound to Novo Nordisk’s record plunge. This episode covers the latest FDA clearances, from rapid COVID-19 diagnostics and wearable heart monitors to innovative radiotherapy platforms and single-use gastroscopes. On the drug front, we highlight new approvals for rare diseases, vision impairment, and generic antidepressants, plus expanded uses for leading therapies and safety label updates for top vaccines and biologics. We also report on rigorous FDA enforcement actions, major funding rounds in AI and radiopharma, and high-impact M&A—including Sanofi’s China deal for an RNAi rare disorder drug and Monogram Technologies’ historic autonomous robotic knee surgery, setting the stage for the future of orthopedic care. Don’t miss this week’s industry spotlight on medtech innovation, where AI, robotics, and advanced imaging are converging to revolutionize precision surgery and patient outcomes. Tune in for expert analysis, market movers, regulatory milestones, and the trends shaping the future of life sciences. Stay curious and be well! With your Life Sciences Industry Guide, Matt Davison

    14 min
  2. 06/07/2025

    June 7, 2025 - Life Sciences Weekly Recap

    Life Sciences Weekly - Episode 6 Recorded: June 7, 2025 In this episode of Life Sciences Weekly, host Matt Davison recaps a week of strong gains for biotech and pharma, with the S&P Biotech ETF climbing nearly 5% despite ongoing economic and policy headwinds. Medtech companies are adapting to tariff pressures and shifting guidance, while investors watch for renewed M&A activity and regulatory milestones. The episode highlights a wave of FDA approvals, including new cancer therapies, AI-powered diagnostics, and the first whole-room UV-C microbial reduction system. It also covers significant FDA enforcement actions, from warning letters to manufacturers across the globe to high-profile recalls affecting nasal swabs, infusion pumps, and tracheostomy tubes. Despite a sharp drop in biotech funding last month, we review innovative startups that secured major investments this week, and the M&A landscape is heating up with billion-dollar deals and strategic partnerships. In the Industry Spotlight, Matt examines Elsa, the FDA’s new generative AI tool designed to streamline regulatory review. While Elsa promises to speed up complex tasks and help offset staff reductions, its rapid rollout has sparked debate over accuracy, data security, and readiness for regulatory decision-making. Tune in for a concise, expert breakdown of the latest trends, deals, and innovations shaping the future of life sciences. **Please Note** We will be taking a 2 week break and resuming with episode 7 on June 28, 2025.  Until then, keep pushing the boundaries of science and stay inspired!  Thank you for listening.  With your Life Sciences Industry Guide, Matt Davison

    21 min
  3. 05/17/2025

    May 17, 2025 - Life Sciences Weekly Recap

    Life Sciences Weekly Podcast - Episode 3                                                                  Recorded: May 17, 2025 In Episode 3 of Life Sciences Weekly, host Matt Davison unpacks a pivotal week for the industry, marked by policy shifts, regulatory actions, and a surge in funding. The show opens with a market recap, highlighting renewed financial strength in the U.S. life sciences sector as venture capital, IPOs, and M&A activity rebound. Matt delivers a comprehensive overview of recent FDA approvals and regulatory updates, from new device clearances and gene therapy advances to first-in-class drug approvals for cancer and rare diseases. The episode then explores FDA enforcement actions, detailing new warning letters and import alerts for both U.S. and international manufacturers over serious GMP and sterility violations. The startup and funding segment shines a spotlight on major capital raises for companies developing cutting-edge therapies, AI-driven platforms, and next-generation manufacturing, with venture investment fueling demand for specialized lab and biomanufacturing space. In the Industry Spotlight, Matt breaks down President Trump’s revived “Most Favored Nation” drug pricing policy, examining how the executive order could reshape Medicare drug costs, spark legal battles, and trigger market volatility. The episode wraps with a reminder that regulatory vigilance, innovation, and investment are driving forces as the life sciences landscape continues to evolve. Stay tuned for more news, analysis, and expert insights next week on Life Sciences Weekly. With your Life Sciences Industry Guide, Matt Davison

    18 min
  4. 05/10/2025

    May 10, 2025 - Life Sciences Weekly Recap

    Life Sciences Weekly Podcast – Episode 2 Recorded: May 10, 2025 This week on Life Sciences Weekly, host Matt Davison breaks down a whirlwind of developments shaping the biotech, pharma, and medtech landscape. Tune in for a market recap as volatility rocks the sector, with biotech stocks tumbling after Dr. Vinay Prasad is named the new head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). Discover why Prasad’s evidence-driven, no-nonsense approach to drug approvals is sending shockwaves through the industry-and what it could mean for gene therapy and vaccine developers. Get the latest on FDA approvals, including new clearances for AI-powered imaging, at-home cancer screening, and rare disease treatments. Matt covers the FDA’s evolving regulatory pathways, missed approval deadlines amid HHS restructuring, and a notable slowdown in enforcement actions. In funding news, hear about major venture rounds, strategic investments, and academic-industry partnerships fueling the next wave of innovation-even as IPO windows remain tight. Plus, get a snapshot of Q1’s M&A and licensing trends across medtech and biopharma. The episode’s Industry Spotlight examines the intersection of regulatory change and unprecedented U.S. investment, with Gilead, AstraZeneca, Novartis, AbbVie, and others pouring billions into domestic R&D and manufacturing. As the FDA tightens its standards and the political climate shifts, find out how life sciences leaders are doubling down on American infrastructure and innovation. Don’t miss this comprehensive roundup of the week’s top stories, market moves, and the forces shaping the future of life sciences. Subscribe now for your essential industry briefing! With your Life Sciences Industry Guide, Matt Davison

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Life Sciences Weekly is your go-to podcast for a fast, focused, and insightful snapshot of the week in medtech, biotech, and pharma. Each Saturday, we break down the latest market trends, FDA approvals and submissions, regulatory shifts, enforcement actions, startup funding, and M&A activity—all in under 20 minutes. Whether you're an industry insider, investor, or innovator, Life Sciences Weekly keeps you ahead of the curve with expert context and a spotlight on the stories shaping the future of health and science.