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Touching Base

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN)

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.

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#56
August 13 · 37 min
BMS’s New Facility, Recursion–Genentech Partnership, Long-COVID and Persistent C.auris
Bristol Myers Squibb has selected Houston as the site for a new $2.3 billion multi-modal manufacturing campus designed to support drug product and finished goods manufacturing from late development through launch. Recursion, Roche, and its Genentech subsidiary have announced plans to co-develop a neuroscience discovery program based on the first validated target discovered through an AI map. Editors reminisce over the changes in science since the COVID-19 pandemic in light of a new large NIH-funded study that shows COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses, including Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus. In other infectious disease news, drug-resistant Candida auris was found to persist in hair follicles by exposing chitin, triggering interferon-γ that suppresses skin defenses and creates a niche for fungal colonization. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Julianna LeMieux, 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:  BMS Chooses Houston for $2.3B Manufacturing Facility By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Aug 10, 2026 Next 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters By Alex Philippidis, GEN, Aug 12, 2026 Recursion Partners with Genentech to Advance First Validated Neuro Target Discovered Through AI Map By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Aug 5, 2026 COVID-19 Reactivates Dormant Viruses, Offering New Clues to Long COVID GEN, Aug 5, 2026 Trump’s Treatments: Regeneron’s Antibodies and Gilead’s Remdesivir Explained By Alex Philippidis, GEN, Oct 5, 2020 Lessons from the COVID Crisis: An Interview with Peter Hotez By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Oct 19, 2022 How to Conquer Coronavirus: Top 35 Treatments in Development By Alex Philippidis, GEN, March 2, 2020 Candida auris Persists in Hair Follicles, Hijacks Immune Signaling GEN, August 10, 2026 The State of Biotech Summit September 23, 2026 Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD The State of Biologics Testing 2026 Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026 Subscribe to GEN’s newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#55
July 31 · 32 min
Axiom’s Hong Kong Bet, Latigo’s Positive Phase II, and Base Editors for Huntington’s
In the business news section of this week’s episode, Axiom Biosciences recently announced its plans to go public and made headlines for its plans to do so on the Hong Kong Exchange rather than a U.S. market. We dig into the company’s reasoning. Then we turn our attention to Latigo’s report of positive Phase IIb data for its non-opioid acute pain candidate, and its plans to go through a planned IPO soon. Switching to some science news, we discuss findings from a study that identified genetic risk factors for fibromyalgia syndrome as well as links to other neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. And lastly, a potential base editing therapy for Huntington’s disease that has shown promise in mice. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, 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:  StockWatch: Axiom CEO Explains Plans for Hong Kong IPO By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 27, 2026 Latigo Reports Positive Phase IIb Data for Non-Opioid Acute Pain Candidate By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 30, 2026 Genetic Study of Fibromyalgia Points to Neurological Basis GEN, July 29, 2026 Base Editing Strategy Alleviates Huntington’s Disease in Mice GEN, July 29, 2026 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  The State of Biologics Testing 2026 Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#54
July 17 · 32 min
Parkinson’s in the Clinic, Insilico enters Phase III, Vertex Acquires Crinetics
Promise hits Parkinson’s disease therapy, as a Phase I/II clinical study has demonstrated the feasibility of transplanting stem-cell-derived dopamine progenitor cells into the brain. In preclinical research, a new platform uses the brain’s fluid transport pathways to effectively deliver AAVs to therapeutic targets in mice. We’ll also cover the accelerating infrastructure moment for AI-driven drug discovery, with billion-dollar investments flowing into end-to-end platforms driven by models and compute, rather than single drug assets. In business, Insilico’s revenue leaps as the company’s AI-developed lead candidate moves to Phase III, while Vertex acquires Crinetics for $10 billion. 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:  Engineered AAVs Harness Glymphatic System to Reach Brain Targets in Mice GEN, July 9, 2026 Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise in First Human Parkinson’s Disease Trial GEN, July 9, 2026 Pharma Races to Scale AI as Billions Flow into Drug Discovery By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, July 6, 2026 StockWatch: Insilico Projects Profit, Revenue Leaps as AI-Developed Lead Candidate Moves to Phase III By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 12, 2026 Vertex Eyes Expansion Beyond Cystic Fibrosis with Planned $10B Crinetics Buyout By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 7, 2026 Top 20 Drugs Heading for the Patent Cliff, 2026-2029 By Alex Philippidis, GEN Magazine, Nov 1, 2025 Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  The State of Biologics Testing 2026 Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#53
July 2 · 35 min
Merck and Insilico Make Deals, Claude Science’s Debut, Vaccines for Neglected Diseases
More big biotech deals on the docket this week. First, Merck KGaA is buying Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion to expand its presence in high-growth life science markets. We dive into the details of this deal and then turn our attention to a $2.5 million collaboration to use artificial intelligence to find drug candidates for neuroimmune disorders. That deal involves Insilico Medicine and SK Biopharmaceuticals. Still on the theme of AI, we discuss Anthropic’s Claude Science, the latest entrant to the growing ecosystem of tech platforms specialized for biology, and a set of models for antibiotic design and vaccine target prediction. Lastly, we dig into two recent publications that discuss vaccines for Nipah virus and one of its relatives, and for treating schistosomiasis. 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: Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne for $11.3B, Expanding Life Science Tools Presence By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 25, 2026 Insilico, SK Launch Up-to-$2.5B Neuroimmune AI Drug Collaboration By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 28, 2026 Claude Science Is Here, Antibiotics Designed by Text Prompt Among Applications By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, June 30, 2026 Schistosomiasis Vaccine Shows Strong Immune Memory in Early Clinical Trials GEN, June 29, 2026 Nipah and Hendra Viruses: Antibody Cocktail Provides Complete Protection in Hamster Model GEN, June 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.
#52
June 18 · 34 min
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.
#51
June 4 · 37 min
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.
#50
May 22 · 32 min
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.
#49
May 7 · 43 min
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.
#48
April 23 · 33 min
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.
#47
April 9 · 31 min
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.
#46
March 26 · 39 min
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.
#45
March 13 · 41 min
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.
#44
February 27 · 38 min
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.
#43
February 13 · 32 min
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.
#42
January 30 · 34 min
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.
#41
Dec 18, 2025 · 41 min
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.
#40
Dec 4, 2025 · 35 min
Lung Organoids, Autism and Sarcopenia Insights in Mice, and a Bidding War Ends
Stories on lung organoids and autism were some of the most read this week. We kicked things off by digging into recent breakthroughs in both areas including an automated method for manufacturing iPSC-derived lung organoids and how a combination of supplements reduced autism-linked behaviors in mice. Still on the topic of new research, we discussed how a protein in the extracellular matrix helps muscle stem cells repair aging muscles. In business news, the bidding war between Lundbeck and Alkermes over Avadel Pharmaceuticals has ended. We talk about the possible implications of Lundbeck’s decision to back out and next steps for Alkermes. Then we dive into Protego Biopharma’s recent fundraising round, and efforts to develop small-molecule pharmacological chaperones that modulate protein stability in disease. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, 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: Lung Organoids Generated in Bulk Using Stirred Bioreactor Technology GEN, December 1, 2025 Autism-Linked Behaviors in Mice Reduced by Nutrient Trio GEN, December 3, 2025 Muscle Stem Cells Bolstered by ECM Protein Tenascin-C GEN, December 5, 2025 Protego Closes $130M Series B to Fund Pivotal Trial of AL Amyloidosis Candidate By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 3, 2025 Lundbeck Ends Bidding War for Avadel, After Alkermes’ Up-to-$2.37B Offer By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 1, 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.
#39
Nov 20, 2025 · 41 min
New Nasal Vaccines, Korro Stock Dips, J&J and Merck Acquisitions, and Dyno GATC
Nasal vaccines show new promise for human papillomavirus (HPV) to address cervical cancer and whooping cough. In business news, Korro's stock craters 81% as AATD interim Phase I/II results miss expectations. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson acquires Halda to expand their cancer pipeline while Merck acquires Cidara to boost antivirals. Lastly, the inaugural Genetic Agency Technology Conference (GATC) hosted by Dyno Therapeutics brought together a diverse group of researchers, entrepreneurs, and patient advocates to discuss the mission of genetic agency, or an individual’s ability to take action at the genetic level to live a healthier life. 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: Cervical Cancer May Be Treatable with Intranasal Nanogel Vaccine GEN, November 15, 2025 Novel Nasal Spray Vaccine for Pertussis Shows Promise By Corinna Singleman, PhD, GEN, November 12, 2025 StockWatch: Korro Craters 81% on Data; Patient Death Sours Analysts on Intellia By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 16, 2025 J&J Expands Cancer Pipeline with $3B Halda Acquisition By Alex Philippidis, GENEdge, November 18, 2025 Merck to Acquire Cidara for $9.2B, Bolstering Antiviral Pipeline By Alex Philippidis, GEN, November 15, 2025 AI Meets Genetic Agency at Dyno GATC 2025 By Fay Lin, PhD, GENEdge, November 14, 2025 Genetic Agency on Display at GATC 2025 By Kevin Davies, PhD, and Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, November 13, 2025 Dyno GATC Announces AI Agents, Muscle Capsid, and Manufacturing Partner By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, November 11, 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.
#38
Nov 7, 2025 · 31 min
uniQure Staggers at FDA, Recursion's Microglia Map, and Leadership Transitions
uniQure's “game changing” data announced in September, which showed significant slowing of Huntington’s disease (HD) progression in patients treated with its gene therapy candidate AMT-130, may not be enough to secure FDA approval. We also discuss Recursion's pivotal leadership transitions, as Najat Khan, PhD, chief R&D officer and chief commercial officer, is set to take over as the company's CEO effective January 1. The AI drug developer has made big bets filling the biology data gap and recently announced a "Google Map of the brain" to advance neurodegenerative disease targets. In open-source AI for drug discovery, the release of the latest Boltz model, BoltzGen, advances the platform from structural predictions to the design of "any" therapeutic modality, all available for commercial use. 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:  uniQure Staggers as FDA Questions Data for Huntington’s Gene Therapy Candidate By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, November 3, 2025   StockWatch: uniQure Shares Reach Five-Year High on “Game Changing” Huntington’s Data Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, September 28, 2025 Gene Therapy Significantly Slows Huntington Disease Progression GEN, September 24, 2025 Recursion, Roche Unveil Microglia Map of Neuro Disease Targets By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, October 29, 2025 BoltzGen Democratizes AI Therapeutic Design, Expands Druggable Universe By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 27, 2025 The State of AI in Drug Discovery On Demand    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.
#37
Oct 24, 2025 · 24 min
Artificial Intelligence in the Emerald City and Targeting Colon Cancer Stem Cells 
We are gearing up for our annual AI in Drug Discovery summit in a few days. So, for this episode, we focused on some recent AI news coverage. First, GEN senior editor Fay Lin, PhD, visited Seattle recently for some AI-focused meetings. She discusses her experiences in the Emerald City including an exclusive in-person interview with Nobel laureate, David Baker, PhD, on what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to using AI to design proteins de novo.  Then we discuss new research from University of California, San Diego, that used machine learning to identify networks of genes that could be targeted to reprogram cancer stem cells. We also go over some early studies that point to a possible drug candidate for colon cancer.     Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, 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:    Brunkow, Ramsdell, Sakaguchi Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Peripheral Immune Tolerance  Uduak Thomas, GEN, October 6, 2025    AI in Protein Design: Hype vs. Reality Explained by David Baker  By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 20, 2025     Nobel Anniversary: David Baker Keynotes STEM Fundraiser by ARCS Foundation Seattle  By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, October 14, 2025      AI Treatment Reprograms and Triggers Cancer Stem Cells to Self-Destruct  GEN, October 20, 2025      The State of AI in Drug Discovery Registration    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.

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