Touching Base

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
  • 5,0 (4)
  • CIÊNCIAS DA VIDA
  • SEMANAL

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. HÁ 5 DIAS

    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

  2. 9 DE ABR.

    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

  3. 26 DE MAR.

    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

  4. 13 DE MAR.

    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

  5. 27 DE FEV.

    AI for Scientists, FDA Reverses Course, and Advances in Cancer Therapeutics

    In the industry news section of this week’s episode, we kick things off with Tamarind Bio’s efforts to develop user-friendly artificial intelligence tools for science researchers. Then we examine the impact of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s reversal on its earlier refusal to review Moderna’s mRNA vaccine for the flu, discuss Gilead’s acquisition of Arcellx to expand its cancer therapy pipeline, and dive into Takeda’s investment in Vir Biotech’s prostate cancer candidate. Then on the research front, we get into the science behind new protein-like polymers engineered to target and degrade some of cancer’s most challenging driver proteins. And we discuss a potential control switch for CAR T cells that could make these immunotherapies much safer.   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:    Tamarind Bio Secures $13.6M Series A to Make AI More Accessible for Biology By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 24, 2026   StockWatch: FDA Reversal Boosts Moderna, But Not Other Vaccine Companies By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 21, 2026 Gilead to Acquire Arcellx for $7.8B, Adding Anito-Cel to Cancer Pipeline By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 23, 2026 Astellas, Vir Biotechnology Launch Up-to-$1.7B Prostate Cancer Collaboration By Alex Philippidis, GEN, February 26, 2026 New Protein-Like Polymers Target, Degrade “Undruggable” Proteins Driving Cancer GEN, February 11, 2026 Drug-Controlled CAR T Cells May Enable Safer Immunotherapy GEN, February 23, 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.

    39 min

  6. 13 DE FEV.

    Women in Science, Robotics, Automation, SLAS, and Lilly Updates

    Women in Science Day (February 11) was the top of the list for discussion for GEN editors in this week’s podcast. They shared an anecdote on the history of the term “scientist”—hint it was coined for a woman. A modern scientist, Medra CEO Michelle Lee, discussed with GEN how the company is integrating robotics with AI for use in biological research. GEN attended SLAS this week and we got an update on the automation updates along with endeavors to increase the presence of women in biotech leadership. Finally, we get an update on Eli Lilly’s recent major deals followed by an update on Nektar Therapeutics clinical trial updates.     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:    Data Is a Robotics Problem, Medra CEO Says Physical AI Will Transform Biology By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, February 11, 2026 Robots on the Red Line: A Video Update from SLAS 2026 GEN, February 11, 2026 SLAS Highlights: AI Labs, Small-Molecule SPR, Protein Interaction Assays, and Paper Labware By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026 SLAS Highlights: Opening Keynote Spotlights Novel Target in Genomically Unstable Tumors By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 11, 2026 Opentrons Uses Nvidia Tech to Build Training Data That Powers Physical AI in the Lab By Uduak Thomas, GEN, February 9, 2026 Beyond Obesity: Lilly Inks Up to $11.25B in Cancer, Immune System Deals By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, February 10, 2026 Lilly, Seamless Ink Up-to-$1.12B Hearing Loss Collaboration By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 28, 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

  7. 30 DE JAN.

    Ex-CEO Behind Bars, 10x’s Clinical Ambitions, and Pharma’s AI Gambit

    We kick off the very first episode of 2026 with a major legal development. This week, the former CEO of CytoDyn was sentenced to 30 months in prison, more than a year after being convicted on multiple charges including four counts of securities fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and three counts of insider trading. Also, we examine recent investments in artificial intelligence by several major drugmakers, and where they are hoping the technology can make an impact. Then, the latest from 10x Genomics and its plans to expand into clinical diagnostics through new collaboration. And for some research news, a new study that explores how functional forms of amyloid can create stable memories.   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:    Ex-CytoDyn CEO Sentenced to 30-Month Prison Term on Fraud, Insider Trading By Alex Philippidis, GEN, January 27, 2026 Pharma Bets Big on AI Platforms with Flurry of New Year Deals By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, January 22, 2026 JPM: Nvidia Launches AI Collaborations with Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 13, 2026 Clinical Ambitions: 10x Expands Beyond Research with Trio of Collaborations By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, January 26, 2026 Chai’s the Limit for AI Antibody Designer After $130M Series B Funding By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 16, 2025 Lilly Expands AI Ties to Insilico, from Customer to Drug Discovery Partner By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 10, 2025 How Brain May Deliberately Form Amyloids to Turn Experiences Into Memories GEN, January 26, 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.

    34 min

  8. 18/12/2025

    Editors’ Choice: Top Stories of 2025

    In the final episode of 2025, the GEN team came together to reflect on some of the stories over the last year that they each found impactful. Some of the stories were covered in GEN’s December issue, but our editors took the time to discuss some topics in a bit more depth during the podcast. The discussion began with an update on the progress of AI use in drug discovery. Cell and gene therapy was a big topic with the positive outcome for Baby KJ, while Sarepta dealt with a rollercoaster of a year with their DMD treatment, Elevidys. Research and biotech in Africa are growing and the discussion ranged from challenges to promise in research and development on the continent. This year’s NIH budget cuts and impacted institutions rounded out the conversation. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, Phd, Kevin Davies, Phd, John Sterling, 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:    GEN Editors Reflect on Six of the Biggest Stories of the Year By Alex Philippidis, Savannah Wiegel, Fay Lin, PhD, Kevin Davies, PhD, Uduak Thomas, and Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, December 4, 2025 StockWatch: Sarepta Says Deaths of Two Elevidys Patients Posted on FDA Database Unrelated to Treatment By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 10 StockWatch: As Prasad Exits FDA, Analysts See Benefit for Sarepta, CGT Stocks By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, August 3 FDA Probes Death of Brazilian Boy Linked to Sarepta’s Elevidys GEN Edge, July 27 Second DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 15 DMD Patient Dies After Treatment with Sarepta Gene Therapy By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 18 From The Editor in Chief John Sterling, December Issue of GEN   Gene Therapy in Africa The State of CRISPR & Genome Editing Summit, June 11, 2025 TOP 50 NIH By Alex Philippidis, GEN, December 4, 2025 FDA Cell & Gene Therapy roundtable: Cell and Gene Therapy Leaders Tell FDA: “Believe in American Solutions” By Alex Philippidis, and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 5, 2025 Scientists in NYC Rally to Defend and Stand Up for Science By Corinna Singleman, GEN, March 10, 2025 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
Ver tudo (48)

Classificações e avaliações

5
de 5
4 avaliações

Sobre

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.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
  • Anos de atividade
    2023 - 2026
  • Episódios
    48
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)
  • Site do podcast
    Touching Base

Você também pode gostar de