The Real Economy Blog

Life Sciences

The life sciences sector comprises some of the middle market’s fastest-growing companies. Whether developing life-saving new drugs or robotic components for surgery, this vibrant sector is a hotbed of innovation.

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of June 14

by , , and

Given the high volume of mergers and acquisitions in life sciences, changes in the leadership and focus of the Federal Trade Commission will be closely watched in the coming months as scrutiny could shift to the technology industry. We examine the possible impact below. We also look at CureVac’s COVID-19 vaccine trial results, how events at a plant in New ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of June 7

by , , and

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Alzheimer’s drug, aducanumab, ushered in both a likely blockbuster for developer Biogen and sparked a debate both within the biopharma industry and among health care providers. We also look at a major medical device acquisition, investment in synthetic biology, a White House report on supply chain risk, ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of May 17

by , and

While COVID-19 does not discriminate in infecting patients, the data actually shows that virus outcomes have disproportionately affected minority communities. Further, despite a focus on improving diversity in trials for the disease, the trials fell short of diversity goals. A new study looks at why and how biopharma companies can improve. This week we also ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of May 10

by , and

There are a few key milestones in the life cycle of a biopharma: raising your series A, starting your first clinical trial, going public and, for an increasing percent of companies, launching your first drug on your own. But developing a drug and successfully launching it requires different expertise and exposes the company to different risks. This week we ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of May 3

by , and

Public health experts are raising new concerns that achieving herd immunity in the United States looks increasingly unlikely. Although this doesn’t reduce the urgent need to get as many people vaccinated as possible, it does mean that we may need to begin planning for how we will live with COVID-19 as an endemic part of life. This week in our five things ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of April 26

by , and

Getting people vaccinated can be a public health challenge. Getting them to come back for a second dose at the right time can be even more difficult. This week we highlight why people may be skipping their second COVID-19 dose and how challenging getting that second dose can be even for people motivated to receive it. We also look at a Food and Drug ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of April 19

by , and

This week we look at comments from acting Food and Drug Administration commissioner Janet Woodcock on perceptions that the agency is getting tougher on drug companies during the approval process. We also highlight new uses of CRISPR to control gene expression, venture funds focused on life sciences, newly approved remote monitoring devices and a $17 billion ... READ MORE >

5 things to know in life sciences: Week of April 12

by , and

For the past few months, we've shared stories of positive developments in the race for COVID-19 vaccines and vaccinations. This week, we look at the long backstory of the challenges that have haunted the AstraZeneca vaccine efforts and why it is so critical for the world that these issues are resolved. We also look at the use of machine learning to improve ... READ MORE >