Making Medicine

Incubate Coalition
  • 5.0 (15)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

There's a scientific breakthrough in your medicine cabinet. But how did it get there? At a time when medicines are helping us all live longer and healthier lives, this podcast will explore where these taken-for-granted miracles come from, how many of them almost never happened, where the life science ecosystem is taking us next, and most importantly, what it means for patients. From chance meetings that led to new ideas, to risky investments that never pay off, hear from the people behind today's and tomorrow's treatments, vaccines, technologies, devices, and yes, cures. In this golden age of health discovery and innovation fueled by record breaking investment in the life sciences, we'll bring guests who really understand what it means to be Making Medicine.

  1. 4D AGO

    How Policy Shapes the Future of Life Sciences

    In this New Year episode of the Making Medicine Podcast, we revisit a full-length conversation with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, focused on the policies shaping US life sciences. The discussion explores intellectual property, drug pricing dynamics, regulatory balance, and how innovation ecosystems grow at the state and national level. The episode examines approaches to sustaining research and development while maintaining global competitiveness. It also considers the long-term implications of regulatory uncertainty and international competition. Which policy issue do you think most impacts biotech innovation today? How should decision-makers balance affordability and long-term R&D investment? What does the US need to maintain leadership in life sciences? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true Timestamps: 0:00 Episode disclaimer  0:17 Welcome to Making Medicine and episode overview 0:30 Why this conversation matters for 2026 1:24 Introducing Senator Thom Tillis 2:16 Building a life sciences ecosystem in North Carolina 3:43 Economic impact of biotech investment 4:27 Tax and regulatory strategy for innovation 7:52 Balancing reform and economic stability 9:58 Why intellectual property matters for life sciences  12:18 Government involvement and innovation risks 13:51 Drug pricing policy and unintended consequences 17:05 R&D investment impacts and innovation trade-offs 20:26 Global competition and China’s growing role 22:55 Changing the narrative around life sciences 26:52 What’s next after public service 28:58 Closing reflections and future outlook DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    30 min

  2. 12/25/2025

    Year in Review: Biotech Innovation, Policy, and Global Competition

    In this special holiday episode, the Making Medicine Podcast looks back at standout conversations since the show’s July relaunch, covering biotech innovation, research funding, and global competitiveness. Highlights include discussions with industry leaders on venture capital, R&D stability, manufacturing, and the importance of a connected life sciences ecosystem. The episode also revisits conversations on international competition, commercialization challenges, and how policy choices shape innovation outcomes. Together, these moments underscore why long-term investment and coordination across the value chain matter for patients and progress. Which conversation stood out most to you this year? What policy or innovation topic should we explore more deeply in 2026? How do you see global competition shaping the future of biotech? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true  Timestamps: 0:00 Show disclaimer and welcome 0:23 Holiday greeting and episode overview 1:00 Industry snapshot and biotech competitiveness 3:36 R&D funding, NIH, and innovation stability 5:36 Global competition and maintaining leadership 8:23 Risks and resilience of the innovation economy 8:46 Policy ideas to support US biotech 14:12 Global perspectives on commercialization and pricing 17:20 Integrating early innovators and large pharma 21:27 Policy, pricing, and innovation trade-offs 27:37 IP, R&D incentives, and unintended consequences 28:23 Closing reflections and looking ahead to 2026 DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    29 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Biotech in 2025: Investment Trends, Congress, and Approvals

    In this year-in-review episode, we break down key biotech investment trends from 2025, major policy developments in Congress, and what they mean for innovation and patients. The conversation covers defense-related biotech priorities, healthcare affordability challenges, PBM reform efforts, and capital access for early-stage companies. We also preview new data on venture investment, emerging therapeutic areas, and AI-enabled drug development. The episode closes with a look at recent FDA approvals that highlight real progress reaching patients.   What stood out to you most in the 2025 biotech investment data? How do you see policy shaping innovation and capital formation in the year ahead? Which FDA approval gives you the most optimism for patients? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more:  https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true Timestamps: 0:00 Disclaimers and welcome 0:23 Year in review overview: biotech, policy, and innovation 0:45 Congress wraps up the year and the FY2026 NDAA 1:32 Healthcare legislation and premium pressures 3:19 PBM reform efforts and legislative outlook 5:39 Capital access update and the Invest Act 7:32 2025 biotech investment data preview 8:00 Leading therapeutic areas and rare disease trends 8:41 Geographic investment highlights by state 9:21 Investment by congressional district 10:16 AI-enabled biotech investment trends 10:46 FDA approvals corner 12:31 Closing thoughts and year-end reflections DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    12 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    What the NDAA Means for the Future of Biotech

    This episode breaks down how Congress is turning biotechnology into a core national security priority. John Stanford explains the biggest shifts in the 2025 defense bill, why China-focused guardrails are expanding, and how new investment rules could reshape biotech funding. We also cover a new bipartisan proposal to create a government-backed investment fund, and a high-stakes battle over ACA subsidies. What NDAA change do you think will impact biotech most? Should the U.S. invest directly in emerging biotechnologies? How should policymakers balance security with scientific innovation?   If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true   Timestamps: 0:00 Disclaimers & Intro 0:23 NDAA Overview and Why It Matters 1:54 Biotech as a Strategic National Security Capability 2:54 Domestic Biomanufacturing & Supply Chain Priorities 3:19 DoD Bioindustrial Base & New Biotech Office 4:34 Data Standardization, AI Readiness & Security 5:07 Guarding the U.S. Biotech Ecosystem from China 7:09 Intelligence Community’s New Biotech Role 8:00 Outbound Investment Regime Explained 10:12 Implications for Investors & Biotech Leaders 12:42 The Independence Investment Fund Act 14:37 Why Congress Wants a Government-Backed Biotech Fund 14:40 Senate Showdown on ACA Subsidies & Healthcare Costs 17:36 Why Access and Innovation Are Interconnected 18:17 Closing Thoughts & Call for Questions DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    19 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    Inside Congress: Senator Thom Tillis on Drug Pricing, IP, and the Future of Innovation

    In this episode of Making Medicine, host John Stanford sits down with Senator Thom Tillis, the first sitting U.S. Senator to join the show. Tillis opens up about his relationship with President Trump, the impact of Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing on U.S. innovation, and the forces shaping America’s biotech competitiveness. They discuss why predictable intellectual property and regulatory frameworks are critical for investment and how the U.S. can maintain a leading edge in life sciences. Don’t miss Tillis’s insights on why he chose not to seek reelection and what might come next for his career. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in biotech policy, life sciences innovation, or U.S. global competitiveness. What do you think about MFN-style pricing in the U.S.? How can policymakers best support biotech innovation? Which part of the life sciences ecosystem do you think needs the most attention right now? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to Making Medicine and Senator Thom Tillis 1:12 Tillis joins the podcast as the first sitting Senator 2:05 Early career and motivations in public service 4:20 Relationship with President Trump and MFN drug pricing 7:35 Potential impacts of MFN-style controls on U.S. innovation  10:10 America’s global biotech competitiveness and China 13:50 Importance of IP and regulatory predictability for investment 16:25 Reflections on policy successes and challenges 18:40 Decision not to seek reelection 20:30 What’s next for Senator Tillis 22:00 Key takeaways on biotech policy and U.S. innovation 24:15 Closing thoughts and call to action DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    29 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Making Medicine ft. Daphne Zohar. Biotech Flywheels, Policy Risks, and the Future of Innovation

    In this episode of the Making Medicine Podcast, John Stanford sits down with Daphne Zohar, Founder, CEO, and Board Member of Seaport Therapeutics to explore the forces shaping today’s biotech ecosystem. Daphne shares her entrepreneurial path from PureTech to Seaport, offering a rare inside look at building companies, catalyzing innovation, and scaling breakthrough science. The conversation dives into the Massachusetts biotech flywheel, competitiveness with China, U.S. policy risks like the pill penalty and MFN, and how regulatory uncertainty ripples through capital formation and patient impact. Daphne also highlights why she’s bullish heading into 2026 and offers tactical advice for founders gearing up for JPM.   What part of Daphne’s perspective resonated most with you? Which policy issue do you believe will most affect biotech innovation in 2025? What should we ask her next time she joins the show? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome & Introduction 1:12 Daphne Zohar’s Path into Biotech 3:05 The Seaport Therapeutics Story 6:10 Biotech Hangout & CEO Sisterhood 8:42 Why Massachusetts Leads in Biotech 10:55 The M&A Flywheel & Metsera Deal 13:40 China’s Biotech Strategy & U.S. Competitiveness 16:20 Pill Penalty, EPIC Act & Drug-Pricing Distortions 18:55 MFN Proposals & Impact on Early-Stage Biotechs 21:30 FDA Uncertainty: Regulation, Capital & Patients 24:00 Positive Signals Heading Into 2026 26:15 JPM Outlook & Advice for Founders DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    37 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Japan’s Life Sciences State of Play: The Takeaways You Can’t Miss

    In this special Tokyo edition of the Making Medicine Podcast, John Stanford hosts a powerhouse panel of biotech investors, founders, and industry leaders to break down Japan’s emerging life-sciences boom. Together, they explore Japan’s regulatory shifts, government incentives, and rising startup momentum. This episode unpacks how Japan is positioning itself as a global hub for regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and bioeconomy innovation. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, or simply curious about global biotech trends, you'll get a front-row seat to Japan’s life sciences ecosystem, and why the rest of the world is watching. What part of Japan’s biotech ecosystem surprised you the most? Do you think global biotech companies should be paying more attention to Japan? Why or why not? Where do you see the biggest opportunity for Japan to lead in biotech? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true Time Stamps: 0:00 Introduction: Why We’re Recording in Tokyo 2:45 Japan’s Biotech Vision: From Strategy to Reality 6:10 Role of Government & Public-Private Partnerships 9:20 Innovation Hubs: Shared Labs & Incubators 12:05 Investment Landscape: VCs, Funds & Incentives 15:30 Regenerative Medicine & iPSC Development 18:45 Gene & Cell Therapy Trends in Japan 22:00 Regulatory Reform & Drug Approval Acceleration 24:45 Global Biotech Partnerships: Japan’s Reach Abroad 27:10 Challenges: From Risk-Averse Culture to Commercialization 29:50 The Bioeconomy: Beyond Pharmaceuticals 32:15 What’s Next: Predictions for Japan’s Biotech Future DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    40 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Inside Biotech Leadership: Bill Newell on Innovation, Capital, and Policy at Sutro Biopharma

    Former Sutro Biopharma CEO Bill Newell joins host John Stanford to discuss the realities of leading a biotech company through economic uncertainty, long development timelines, and a shifting policy landscape. Bill shares lessons from 16 years at the helm, raising over $1.6 billion, navigating clinical trials, and building partnerships with global pharma leaders. The episode dives deep into the challenges of price controls, intellectual property reform, and the importance of FDA consistency for innovation. A must-watch for anyone interested in how science, policy, and investment intersect to bring new medicines to life. What surprised you most about the biotech development process? How do you think policymakers should balance access and innovation? Do you agree with Bill’s stance on price controls and IP reform? If you're new to the Making Medicine Podcast, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://x.com/MakingMedPod https://www.instagram.com/makingmedicinepod/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/making-medicine-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true DISCLAIMER: We’re reporting on the headlines, not making medical recommendations. For personal health questions, always consult a doctor.

    28 min
See All (58)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

There's a scientific breakthrough in your medicine cabinet. But how did it get there? At a time when medicines are helping us all live longer and healthier lives, this podcast will explore where these taken-for-granted miracles come from, how many of them almost never happened, where the life science ecosystem is taking us next, and most importantly, what it means for patients. From chance meetings that led to new ideas, to risky investments that never pay off, hear from the people behind today's and tomorrow's treatments, vaccines, technologies, devices, and yes, cures. In this golden age of health discovery and innovation fueled by record breaking investment in the life sciences, we'll bring guests who really understand what it means to be Making Medicine.

Information

  • Creator
    Incubate Coalition
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Sweet Fish
  • Show Website
    Making Medicine

You Might Also Like