Listen: A surprise success in Alzheimer’s and how FDA history seeded modern controversy

Does the latest Alzheimer’s disease drug actually work? When does the FDA call in security? And who’s going to be CEO of Biogen?

We cover all that and more this week on “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. Lecanemab, a new Alzheimer’s treatment from partners Biogen and Eisai, succeeded in a pivotal clinical trial, and we explain the surprising development and its sweeping implications. Then, oncologist Mikkael Sekeres joins us to talk about his new book, which is a history of the FDA and an insider’s look at one of the agency’s most contentious drug approval hearings.

For more on what we cover, here’s the news on lecanemab; here’s more on its unanswered questions; here’s how neurologists reacted to the news; here’s where you can buy Sekeres’ book; here’s where you can find episodes of Color Code; here’s where you can subscribe to the First Opinion Podcast; and here’s our complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Be sure to sign up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you have any feedback for us — topics to cover, guests to invite, vocal tics to cease — you can email [email protected].