Touching Base

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
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Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. −2 d

    Historic Biotech IPO, Merck, Protillion’s AI Deal, Testing a Lassa–Rabies Vaccine

    We are still talking about big pharma deals and biotech fundraising in this episode. The big news this week was Parabilis Medicines’s history-making IPO. We dive into the drug developer’s plans for the eye-popping $770.5 million that it raised. Next, we discuss the details of a collaboration between Merck and Protillion Biosciences to use artificial intelligence to discover multiple therapeutic candidates. Turning to some newly published research, we discuss the early results of a first-in-human clinical trial that is testing a dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies, a CRISPR system engineered to selectively trigger cancer cell death by chromatin shredding, and a novel mRNA delivery platform for delivering gene therapies starting with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, and Fay Lin, PhD, for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.      Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    StockWatch: Parabilis Medicines Makes Wall Street History with $770.5M IPO By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 14, 2026 Merck, Protillion Launch AI Drug Discovery Collaboration with Up-to-$510M in Milestone Payments By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 16, 2026 First-in-Human Trial Reports Promising Dual Lassa–Rabies Vaccine Data GEN, June 9, 2026 CRISPR Shreds Undruggable Cancer Cells with Precision By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, June 8, 2026 New mRNA Delivery Platform Restores Muscle Function in DMD Models GEN, June 11, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  2. 4 juni

    A Billion-Dollar Deal, Trial Trouble, Biohub Updates, and Vaccine Research News

    In this week’s episode, we start with news that Fulcrum Therapeutics is scrapping its lead pipeline program for sickle cell disease following concerns from the FDA about the drug’s risks and benefits. Also on the docket, news of Eli Lilly’s latest spending. The pharma giant has added its genetic medicines pipeline and capabilities by signing a $1.9 billion agreement with Ascidian Therapeutics to develop RNA exon editors for treating inherited kidney diseases. Next up, updates to an open-source model for binder design and protein function mapping. Finally, on the peer-review front, we dive into some of the latest vaccine research including insights into the mechanisms that cross-reactive T cells use to target multiple viral species in a single family and an improvement to standard polio vaccines.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.      Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    Fulcrum Halts Development of SCD Candidate Pociredir, Sets Strategic Review By Alex Philippidis and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 2, 2026   Lilly, Ascidian Launch Up-to-$1.9B RNA Exon Editor Collaboration Targeting Inherited Kidney Diseases By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 3, 2026   Biohub Releases Protein Biology World Model to Address Disease By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 27, 2026   Cross-Reactive T Cells Could Point to Broad Vaccines or Treatments for Measles, Nipah Virus GEN, June 2, 2026 Experimental Adjuvant Could Strengthen Mucosal Immunity with Injectable Polio Vaccines  GEN, June 4, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  3. 22 maj

    AI Scientists, Stock Tumble, Patent Lawsuit, and New Partnerships

    Agentic AI is growing in its applications. Google DeepMind and Edison are leveraging the growing capabilities by developing AI Scientists. These platforms are poised to streamline the scientific process, aiding human scientists with a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, despite positive data in its Phase III DMD therapy trial, Regenxbio’s stock fell for a variety of reasons. 10X Genomics and Harvard University are suing Element Biosciences over patents for a multiomics platform. Finally, Bristol Meyers Squibb is partnering with Hengrui Pharma to develop 13 early-stage programs with the potential to grow their investment to a predicted $15 billion in sales.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    Google DeepMind and Edison Are Building the AI Scientist By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 19, 2026 StockWatch: Regenxbio Tumbles Despite Positive Pivotal Data for DMD Gene Therapy Candidate By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 17, 2026   10x Genomics, Harvard Target Element’s Multiomics Platform in Patent Lawsuit By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 12, 2026   BMS, Hengrui Pharma Partner on 13 Programs in Up-to-$15.2B Collaboration By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 13, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD    The State of Precision Medicine Summit Join us June 3, 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  4. 7 maj

    Remembering J. Craig Venter, PhD

    Craig Venter recently passed away at the age of 79 from complications following a cancer diagnosis. He was well known in both science and industry and was an integral part of sequencing the human genome in the late 90s, competing with the government organized Human Genome Project. Through his career, he made many other important contributions in microbiology, with the “minimal cell”, in synthetic biology, and in personalized medicine. GEN editors share anecdotes of their experiences with him, reflect on the impact that his work has had on various fields in biology, in biotech, and in how the world has responded to the disruptions caused by Venter.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, John Sterling, Kevin Davies, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  Genomics Pioneer and Life Sciences Entrepreneur J. Craig Venter Dies at 79 GEN, April 30, 2026   J. Craig Venter Describes a Human Genomics Revolution Still In Progress By J. Craig Venter, PhD, GEN, June 13, 2025   Lessons from the Minimal Cell By Hana El-Samad, PhD, GEN, August 21, 2023   From Sequencing to Sailing: Three Decades of Adventure with Craig Venter By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 8, 2023   “Cracking the Genome” By Kevin Davies, PhD Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  5. 23 apr.

    AI in Oncology Takes Off, Tackling HIV and Liver Disease, Pharma’s Recent Gains

    Some GEN editors were in sunny San Diego covering the hottest research, trends, and products from the American Association for Cancer Research meeting. We kick things off with news from America’s Finest City, particularly around the growing role of AI in oncology. Then we dive into two new research studies. In the first, scientists used CRISPR to identify genes in primary CD4+ T cells that promote or restrict HIV infection. The second study described engineered implantable liver constructs that could eventually serve as a stopgap for patients waiting for donor transplants. Finally, the acquisitions keep coming as Eli Lilly scoops up CAR T cell therapy developer Kelonia for $7B. Also, Revolution Medicines has shared some impressive data from a Phase III trial of its pancreatic cancer drug.  Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    AACR 2026: A Video Update from San Diego By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Damian Doherty, GEN, April 21, 2026 AACR 2026 Video Update: Cancer Research Edges Toward an AI-Driven Era By Fay Lin, PhD, and Jonathan Grinstein, PhD, GEN, April 22, 2026 Using AI in Healthcare Ethically by Considering Humanity By Corinna Singleman, PhD, IPM, November 18, 2025 10x Genomics Unveils Atera Spatial Platform at AACR Meeting By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, April 19, 2026 CRISPR Screens Map Human T‑Cell Genes That Promote or Block HIV Infection GEN, April 20, 2026 Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering Grow Liver Tissue In‑Body GEN, April 20, 2026   StockWatch: Revolution’s Phase III Pancreatic Cancer Data Dazzles Investors, Analysts By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 19, 2026   Lilly to Acquire Kelonia for Up to $7B, Expanding Cancer Cell Therapy Pipeline By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 20, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  6. 9 apr.

    Drugs from a Text Prompt, Wegovy Pill Competition Dampens Lilly’s Surge

    From designing drugs with a simple text prompt to running experiments guided by extended reality, a new wave of agentic AI is transforming the modern lab. Our editors discuss the latest autonomous systems accelerating biological discovery. In business deals, Gilead Sciences has acquired Tubulis in a transaction worth up to $5 billion, strengthening the buyer’s position in antibody–drug conjugates for cancer. Correspondingly, Eli Lilly and Biogen are each making billion-dollar-plus bets, acquiring Centessa, a sleep disorder drug developer, and Apellis, known for its work in immunology and rare diseases. Our episode rounds out by unpacking the dynamic obesity drug market, where intensifying competition from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is prompting Lilly to temper the 2026 sales outlook for its oral obesity drug, Foundayo. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    Can AI Agents Automate Scientific Discovery? By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, April 1, 2026 Gilead to Acquire Tubulis for Up to $5B, Expanding Cancer ADC Capabilities By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 7, 2026 Lilly Acquires Centessa for Up to $7.8B; Biogen Buys Apellis for Up to $6.1B By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 31, 2026 StockWatch: Price War Dampens Lilly Surge After Oral GLP-1 Wins FDA Nod By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 5, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  7. 26 mars

    Agentic AI, Virtual Cell, LNP Vaccine Boosters, Engineered Organs, and Mergers

    This week, agentic AI steps into the limelight buoyed by the momentum from generative AI. And there’s a new virtual cell model in town courtesy of AI-drug developer Xaira Therapeutics. From the frontiers of AI, our discussion turned to feats of engineering in regenerative medicine and lipid nanoparticles. In one study, scientists redesigned LNPs to avoid the liver and accumulate in the lymph nodes. In the other, efforts to develop and implant a lab grown esophagus from donor pigs bear fruit. Finally, Novartis plans to spend up to $3 billion to expand its cancer pipeline with the acquisition of Pikavation Therapeutics. And Merck is acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.7 billion also with an eye towards boosting its cancer portfolio.    Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    NVIDIA GTC 2026: Agentic AI Inflection Hits Healthcare and Life Sciences By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, March 18, 2026 Xaira’s First Virtual Cell Model Is Largest To-Date, Toward Complex Biology By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, March 25, 2026   Modified Lipid Nanoparticles Boost mRNA Vaccine Delivery to Lymph Nodes GEN, March 24, 2026 Engineered Esophagus Rebuilds Missing Organ Segment in Pig Models GEN, March 20, 2026 Novartis Acquires Pikavation for Up to $3B, Expanding Cancer Pipeline GEN, March 22, 2026 Merck Bolsters Cancer Pipeline with $6.7B Terns Buyout By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 25, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  8. 13 mars

    Bacteria 4D Simulation, Safer Large Gene Insertion, uniQure Roller Coaster

    A new study from the J. Craig Venter Institute simulates the complete life cycle of a minimal bacterial cell in 4D space and time at nanoscale resolution. Meanwhile, in gene editing, a new technology has designed DNA donors that evade the immune system, allowing safer large gene insertion that is one step closer to scalable mutation-agnostic therapies. In brain diseases, researchers have found a novel blood-based biomarker that can predict a woman’s risk of developing dementia as many as 25 years before symptoms appear. Our episode rounds out with uniQure’s roller coaster stock, following Vinay Prasad, MD, and his second departure from the FDA.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Uduak Thomas and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:    Simulating Life: 4D Whole-Cell Model of a Minimal Bacterium GEN, March 9, 2026   Safer Large DNA Insertion Moves Genetic Medicine Toward Scalability By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 11, 2026 Blood Biomarker Predicts Women’s Dementia Risk Up to 25 Years Early GEN, March 10, 2026 StockWatch: Under Fire from FDA, uniQure Stock Roller-Coasters By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 8, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD    Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
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Om

Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Skapad av
    Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
  • Aktiva år
    2023 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    52
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
  • Programmets webbplats
    Touching Base

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