Explore every episode of the podcast The RTW Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surviving Stage IV Cancer: The Power of Patient Peer Navigators | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:24:45 | |
At 49, Karen Peterson was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Two years later it was stage IV, with a prognosis measured in months. Karen tells Stephanie Sirota how biomarker testing and a Phase 1 immunotherapy trial saved her life, why she walked out on her original oncologist, and what underrepresentation in clinical trials looks like up close. She also explains how Karen's Club, a New York City nonprofit and 2026 grantee partner of the RTW Foundation, helps patients of color use their own test results to make informed decisions about trials. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver
Featuring: Karen Peterson, Founder and Chief Patient Advocate, Karen's Club, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer, RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Diagnosed at 49 02:36 - The vow, and an unannounced visit 04:54 - The immunotherapy trial that saved her life 06:19 - From patient to advocate 08:35 - Who to tell, who to lean on 09:52 - Leaving her oncologist 12:05 - Patients who ran out of time 14:14 - Fear, trust, and the first call 16:02 - Why representation shapes the data 17:17 - The positive impact of peer navigation 18:08 - Working with clinicians 18:59 - How Karen's Club works 20:03 - A CAR T success story 21:38 - The RTW Foundation partnership 22:54 - What decision makers should know 23:26 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Karen Peterson, Founder and Chief Patient Advocate of Karen's Club, a 2026 grantee partner of the RTW Foundation, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Biotech's Early Innings: The Signals Investors Should Watch For | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:28:08 | |
Episode Description Is there still time for investors to join the biotech rally, or have they already missed it? Rod Wong says there is still plenty of opportunity and sits down with Stephanie Sirota to make the case. They start by contrasting high-profile concerns about AI’s risks with Rod’s more measured view: manage the downside, and position early to capture the benefits. He then explains why today’s rally is built on real commercial data and fundamentals rather than the hype around technology platforms in 2020, and why cancer could be the biotech sector’s flag-bearer for the next decade. Rod discusses how FDA leadership is signaling more support for biotech innovation, how an M&A wave is reshaping the sector, and how commercial launches are outperforming expectations. Looking ahead, Rod shares what he’s watching next. He closes with his biggest-picture takeaway: that medicine is entering a golden age of innovation, one that AI’s growing impact on drug discovery productivity will only help accelerate. Podcast Team ● Producer and Editor: Tim Young ● Cinematography: Peter Garofalo ● Assistant Camera/Swing: Kate Montgomery ● Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota ● Editorial Advisors: Steve Alperin and Jim Heins ● Theme Music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz, with additional music by APM Music. Featuring: Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – AI and the Fate of Humanity 04:13 – Tech vs. Biotech: Value and Villains 06:27 – The RTW Model 09:35 – What's Driving the Recovery Now 12:58 – The Decade of Oncology 15:16 – FDA Leaning into Innovation 18:39 – M&A and the Eli Lilly Effect 21:08 – Launch Performance and Public Markets 24:28 – What's Next 25:21 – Closing Thoughts Disclaimer This interview features Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only. | |||
| The 3x Survivor: CEO of Her Own Body: Amanda Rice on Patient Self-Advocacy and the Fight for Fertility Preservation Coverage | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:23:36 | |
A cancer diagnosis in your early 30s. A doctor who says chemotherapy could leave you infertile. An insurer who says you don't qualify for fertility benefits because you "aren't infertile yet." Amanda Rice lived that call and built The Chick Mission in response: a nonprofit that has funded egg-freezing cycles for nearly 900 women and helped pass fertility preservation coverage into law in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Amanda joins Stephanie Sirota to unpack both sides of what she calls being the "CEO of your own body": the self-advocacy required inside a doctor's office, and the coalition-building required inside a state legislature. They also get into the part of survivorship nobody warns you about, the depression that can follow being declared cancer-free, and what Amanda wishes every oncologist would ask a newly diagnosed patient. Podcast Team • Producer and Director: Devon Leaver, recorded at RTW headquarters in New York • Editor: Dominique Guerra • Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin • Production Support: Annabelle Chan • Sound Engineer: Stephanie Polonio • Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota • Special Thanks: John Wasilewski • Theme Music: "Ganymede" by Yehezkel Raz. Additional music by APM Music. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – "You Aren’t Infertile Yet": The Insurance Call 02:30 – From Fundraising Career to The Chick Mission 05:45 – The 48-Hour Hope Grant 07:45 – CEO of Your Own Body 09:30 – Putting Ourselves Out of Business: The State-by-State Playbook 11:45 – Texas, Arizona, and the Medicaid Gap 14:10 – Resilience After "Cancer-Free" 16:40 – Following the Science 19:15 – Rewriting the First Oncologist Conversation 21:30 – Worthy of More Than Survival 22:25 – Outro Disclaimer This interview features Amanda Rice, Founder and CEO of The Chick Mission, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only. | |||
| Innovation is the Best Medicine | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:20:15 | |
RTW Podcast Episode 302: Innovation is the Best Medicine: Rod Wong on Driving Innovation and Fixing the Affordability Crisis Episode Description American medical care rests on two pillars: innovation and affordability. Get either one wrong and patients pay the price. RTW's Rod Wong joins Stephanie Sirota to unpack both. On innovation, they trace the “Innovation Treadmill,” the cycle that forces drugmakers to keep discovering new medicines as older ones lose exclusivity and go generic, and why that cycle is even more fragile than it looks. On affordability, they get into what's actually driving costs: the relative bargain Americans get on drug prices, the near-total absence of price transparency in medical care, and the revenue that flows to insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and hospitals instead of to the innovators taking the risk. Podcast Team • Producer: Katerina Rosen • Editor: Matt Colbourne • Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota • Editorial Advisor: Jim Heins • Theme Music: Goofy by Danny Shields and Mague by Jozeque Featuring: Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Follow Us Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:48 – The Drug Innovation Treadmill 05:04 – The Economics of Innovation 08:22 – Gene Therapy at a Crossroads 11:05 – Fixing Healthcare’s Incentive Problem 12:27 – A Policy Roadmap for Reform 16:21 – Rebalancing the System 18:28 – Closing Thoughts Disclaimer This interview features Rod Wong, Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, in conversation with Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect their own views and opinions as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this episode is intended as investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation to provide investment advisory services. The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of RTW Investments, its affiliates, or its clients. This content is for informational purposes only. | |||
| Redefining the Weight Loss Revolution Beyond GLP1s: Influential Voices in the New Food Economy | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:25:20 | |
Americans spend $1.4 trillion a year on food, and a growing share of that spending is decided in the grocery aisle by people holding a phone. Hunter Stoler, the certified health coach behind Health with Hunter, joins RTW's Stephanie Sirota to discuss what nearly two million followers are putting in their carts and why the largest retailers are paying attention. From losing 50 pounds and keeping it off, to reading ingredient lists instead of front-of-box claims, to the arrival of “GLP-1 friendly” shelf tags that carry no agreed definition, this is a view of how consumer demand is reshaping what mainstream grocers choose to stock. Podcast team Producer & Editor: Tim Young Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Cinematographer: Peter Garofalo Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Editorial Advisors: Steve Alperin, Jim Heins Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Featuring: Hunter Stoler, certified health coach and creator of Health with Hunter, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:18 - The Thanksgiving wake-up call 02:53 - What made the weight loss stick 03:46 - Learning to shop, and what bad habits cost 06:43 - Choosing influence over the clinical path 08:56 - Obesity: willpower, environment, or the food supply 11:15 - Reading the ingredients, not the front of the box 12:32 - Better-for-you goes mainstream 14:16 - GLP-1s and the new shelf 15:23 - Protecting muscle and prioritizing protein 19:03 - Inside the grocery walkthrough 22:20 - Change requires change Disclaimer This interview was given by Hunter Stoler, certified health coach and creator of Health with Hunter, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements by RTW personnel reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date of recording. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Nothing in this episode is medical advice. Listeners should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their own health decisions. | |||
| Psilocybin on the Verge: Treating Depression at Compass Pathways | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:24:02 | |
Treatment-resistant depression affects four million Americans, and until now, patients have had almost no options. Dr. Steve Levine of Compass Pathways joins RTW's Stephanie Sirota to discuss COMP360, a psilocybin-based therapy for treatment-resistant depression. From the science behind rapid and durable response, to the regulatory path, reimbursement infrastructure, and what's next for PTSD, this is a rare inside look at how the most promising new chapter in psychiatric medicine gets built. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Research Consultant: Connor Williams Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Additional Music: APM Music Featuring: Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer of Compass Pathways, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer. Don't forget to listen to part 1 of Stephanie's discussion, Psilocybin: Counterculture to Cutting-Edge Psychiatry. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:37 – Steve Levine & Compass Pathways 5:27 - The Treatment Resistant Depression Journey 9:42 - Who are the TRD Patients? 11:06 - Holding Psychedelics to the Same Standard 18:25 - Why PTSD Is the Next Frontier 21:01 - Lifestyle's Role in Treatment Durability 22:41 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer of Compass Pathways, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Psilocybin: Counterculture to Cutting-Edge Psychiatry | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:24:52 | |
Are psychedelics poised to transform mental health treatment? Connor Williams joins Stephanie Sirota for a deep dive into psilocybin, the science behind its effects on the brain, and its potential in treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other serious conditions. As clinical trials advance and FDA pathways take shape, psychedelics have moved from counterculture to clinic, raising critical questions for patients, clinicians, and investors alike. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production support: Annabelle Chan Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Research Consultant: Connor Williams Theme music: Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Senior Research Analyst, Connor Williams, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments Stay tuned for part 2 of Stephanie's discussion on Psychedelics with Dr. Steve Levine, Chief Patient Officer at Compass Pathways. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:12 - Explaining Psilocybin 4:21 – Recreational Use to Medical Use 6:03 - Compass Pathways’ Story 11:18 - Getting Psychedelics to Patients 16:04 - Myth or Fact: Psilocybin 21:15 - What’s next for Psilocybin? 20:02 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Senior Research Analyst, Connor Williams, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| ASCO: The Biggest Event in Oncology | 28 May 2026 | 00:24:59 | |
For decades, some cancers were a near-certain death sentence. Now, a new generation of cancer drugs—many coming from biotech, not big pharma—is changing that. RTW’s Chris Liu discusses ASCO 2026, and breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and other hard-to-treat tumors. What's driving the progress, why is it happening now, and what does it mean for the future of cancer care? PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Production Assistant: Nicole M. Rosales Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie A. Sirota Research Consultant: Chris Liu Research Consultant: Julia Harper Research Consultant: Lauren Lee Theme Music: Yehezkel Raz Additional Music: APM Music Featuring by Chris Liu, Senior Research Analyst, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner, and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:04 – The Evolution of Cancer Treatments 3:19 - Unmet Needs in Oncology 10:03 - Treating Pancreatic Cancer 14:20 - The Importance of ASCO 16:48 - The Rise of Chinese Biotech 21:54 - Trends in Oncology 23:42 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Chris Liu, Senior Research Analyst, and moderated by Partner, and Chief Business Officer Stephanie Sirota, at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Women's Health: An Investing Whitespace | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:20:06 | |
Menopause, perimenopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are reshaping the conversation around women’s health and longevity. OB/GYN Dr. Stephanie Lam explains the science, symptoms, and why women’s healthcare may represent a major investing whitespace. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production support: Annabelle Chan Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Theme music: Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Dr. Stephanie Lam, OB/GYN, Carnegie Women’s Health, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer, RTW Investments, LP. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 - Dr. Lam’s Path to OB/GYN 2:01 - Defining Menopause and Perimenopause 5:05 - The Health Impact of HRT 8:08 - A Holistic View of Women’s Health 10:35 - GLPs and Women’s Healthcare 14:25 - Investment Whitespaces in Women’s Health 19:03 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Stephanie Lam, OB/GYN at Carnegie Women’s Health in New York, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Gene Editing: From CRISPR to Curative Medicine | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:24:20 | |
What if you could fix disease by rewriting DNA? From CRISPR to next-gen gene editing, Stephanie Sirota and Beam Therapeutics CEO John Evans break down base editing, prime editing, and the path to one-time cures. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: Ying Yu Lin Production support: Annabelle Chan Executive Editorial Advisor: Stephanie Sirota Research Consultant: Piratip Pratumsuwan Theme music by: Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: John Evans, CEO and Board Member of Beam Therapeutics, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 1:15 – Gene Editing, Gene Therapy, Base and Prime Editing 4:18 – Challenges in Gene Editing 6:09 – In Vivo and Ex Vivo 9:33 – What is A1AT Deficiency? 13:44 – Safety in Gene Editing 15:52 – AI and Beam Therapeutics 21:25 – John Evans’ Journey into Biotech 23:06 – Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by John Evans, CEO and Board Member of Beam Therapeutics, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Biotech’s Next Era: Innovation and Commercialization | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:24:57 | |
Rod Wong joins Stephanie Sirota to trace biotech's evolution. What forces built today’s innovation landscape, and what might the next decade reveal? PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. Learn more about 'Innovation is the Best Medicine' here. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 1:22 – Gene therapy and biotech 4:51 – Rod Wong’s journey into biotech 9:55 – Rod Wong: Investor or Business Builder? 12:43 – Growing trends in biotechnology 15:36 – Generating Alpha in Biotech 21:54 – Looking forward for RTW 23:51 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| The Split Vote: UroGen and the FDA | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:23:56 | |
When an FDA panel held her company’s future in the balance, UroGen Pharma CEO Liz Barrett refused to fold, even with the odds stacked, a plunging stock, and one vote deciding it all. PODCAST TEAM Producer and Director: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Production Support: Annabelle Chan Story Consultants: Partner & Research Analyst Tony Nguyen, and Chief Corporate Finance Officer, Chris Seiter. Featuring: Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:54 – Liz Barrett’s pharma journey 03:26 - UroGen: the product and the pipeline 08:31 - The FDA vote on UroGen 15:07 - UroGen and RTW’s relationship 18:42 - Liz Barrett’s leadership style 22:40 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Liz Barrett, President & CEO of UroGen Pharma, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| 14 Months to Treatment: Breaking Records in Rare Disease Therapy | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:22:21 | |
From a Thanksgiving night emergency to one of the fastest gene therapies ever deployed, this is the story of a family’s relentless pursuit to help their daughter, and how RTW Foundation made it possible. This episode was recorded on June 11, 2025, and the clinical trial details discussed may have changed; please see ellysteam.org for the most current information on Elly’s case. PODCAST TEAM Producer & Director: Devon Leaver Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Editor: Dominique Guerra Research Consultants: Joe Katakowski, PhD, and Nicole Litt Story Consultant: Samantha Darris Theme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel Raz Additional music: APM Music Featuring: Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. FOLLOW US Now you can follow along in the format you prefer. Watch the video feed of this podcast on YouTube or read the transcript at rtwfunds.com/podcasts. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:16 – Elly’s Diagnosis 04:37 - Finding a treatment with RTW Foundation 09:42 - Elly’s journey: from research to treatment 14:50 - Becoming the first child to receive an IRF2BPL gene replacement therapy 17:17 - Expanding the clinical trial for NEDAMSS 19:12 - How to improve drug research and development 21:18 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Michelle Krueger, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group, and the co-founder of Elly’s Team, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Losing Sleep and Lives: Matthew Walker on the Global Sleep Epidemic | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
Lack of sleep can be deadly and costly. Matthew Walker, author of NYT bestseller Why We Sleep and Stephanie Sirota explore the science of sleep, how not sleeping can hurt our health and economy, and the global sleep epidemic. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Matthew Walker PhD, Author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - Matthew Walker’s journey into sleep science 03:01 - Understanding the different types of sleep 06:06 - How to deal with jet lag 08:22 - The effect of sleep on young adults 11:02 - The impact of sleep on productivity 14:13 - Analyzing the dream state 17:34 - Sleeping, dreaming, and the relationship with mental health 19:59 - The future of sleep studies 21:34 - Sleep as the foundation of health 23:58 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Matthew Walker, Author of Why We Sleep, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| From drop to double: Akero’s surging stock | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:13:47 | |
When Akero’s stock dropped after a trial setback, why did RTW double down that same day? CEO Andrew Cheng joins RTW’s Rod Wong to share how he navigated the biotech storm, why he believed in efruxifermin (EFX,) and what’s next for liver disease treatment. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Production Coordinator: YingYu Lin Featuring: Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Rod Wong in 2023 00:22 – Introduction 01:01 – Introducing Akero Therapeutics and MASH 03:51 – Discussing Akero’s Trials and Setbacks 08:32 – Becoming pioneers in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic treatment 11:05 – Challenges of being a biotech CEO 12:52 – Outro and Disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, and moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Ditching Delay: GH001’s Instant Impact on Depression | 05 May 2025 | 00:22:02 | |
Connor Williams was shocked when the data came back for GH001. What could this mean for the future of treatment-resistant depression? Listen to his exclusive interview with Dr. Valcheva, the CEO of GH Research, to find out. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments. Don't forget to listen to part 1 of Connor’s discussion on treatment resistant depression and psychedelics with Stephanie Sirota, Managing Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:09 – About GH Research 04:20 – Becoming CEO of GH Research 06:27 – The difference between GH001 and other psychedelics 11:37 – The difficulties of developing a scheduled substance 12:27 – Dealing with the stigma of psychedelics 15:31 – What else can GH001 treat? 17:26 – The future of GH Research 20:53 – Outro and Disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva MD, CEO of GH Research, and moderated by Connor Williams, Senior Research Analyst at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Changing Minds: Psychedelics as Legitimate Medicine | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:23:22 | |
If you’re dismissing psychedelics in pharma, think again. Stephanie Sirota and Connor Williams discuss overcoming stigma and regulatory challenges, and the results of a recent clinical trial that could signal a new era for mental health care. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Stay tuned for a deep dive into psychedelics with the CEO of GH Research, Dr. Velichka (Villy) Valcheva, moderated by Connor Williams. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:21 - The development of psychiatric drugs 03:29 - Treatment resistant patients in the U.S. and the international market 05:50 - The need for new depression treatment drugs 08:05 - The rise of psychedelics & the impact of regulations and policies 13:58 - New areas of study in psychedelics 14:43- The valuation of psychedelics and what it means for investors 17:53 - Discovering GH Research and its novel approach to TRD 22:11 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Connor Williams, Senior Researcher at RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner and Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW's views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| Inside the clinic: GLP-1s with Dr. Rekha B. Kumar | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:20:59 | |
Dr. Rekha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at Found, and Stephanie Sirota explore Rekha’s rise from academia, and her passion for obesity medicine. As new weight management therapies emerge, Rekha emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to maximize their potential. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, moderated by Stephanie Sirota. Don't forget to listen to part one of Stephanie's discussion on GLP-1s with Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Dr. Rekha Kumar’s journey into obesity medicine 04:18 - Establishing Found and treating obesity patients 08:56 - Telehealth and its impact on obesity treatment 12:59 - Understanding how GLP-1s work 17:18 - Obesity as an area of study in medicine 18:47 - Thoughts on the future of obesity medicine 20:02 - Outro DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, and Chief Medical Officer at Found, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer and Partner at RTW Investments. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. | |||
| The $1 trillion GLP-1 revolution with Rod Wong | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:20:42 | |
Rod Wong and Stephanie Sirota delve into the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs, focusing on their impact on obesity and related diseases. Rod shares his insights into the next generation of obesity therapies and the opportunities they present for innovation and investment in the biotech sector. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Rod Wong, moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments. Stay tuned for part two of our discussion on GLP-1s where we welcome Dr. Rekha B. Kumar to the studio at RTW HQ. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introductions 00:39 - Understanding the importance of GLP-1s 02:27 - GLPs in the cycle of obesity drug development 05:13 - Public and private company interest in obesity drugs 06:58 - Cost benefits of GLP-1s and their Impact on the healthcare system 10:30 - The value of GLP-1s in the investor space 12:36 - GLP-1s in the international market 16:12 - The expansion of large companies into GLP-1s 18:35 - Thoughts on recent investments and the potential of Kailera Therapeutics 19:52 - Outro and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview was given by Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of RTW Investments, and moderated by Stephanie Sirota, Chief Business Officer, and Partner at RTW Investments. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. | |||
| Revolutionizing RNA therapeutics - Avidity Biosciences | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:22:10 | |
Sarah Boyce from Avidity Biosciences and Piratip Pratumsuwan from RTW Investments explore the strategic decisions and innovations that have driven Avidity's success. They cover her approach to overcoming the challenges of scaling a biotech company, the impact of Avidity’s groundbreaking work on treating rare genetic disorders, and Sarah’s vision for the future of RNA-based therapies. PODCAST TEAM Producer: Devon Leaver Technical Director: Joseph Sebring Editor: Dominique Guerra Featuring: Sarah Boyce, President and CEO of Avidity Biosciences, and Piratip Pratumsuwan, Managing Director; Research Analyst at RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introducing Sarah Boyce and Piratip Pratumsuwan 01:09 - Avidity Biosciences: Pioneering RNA therapeutics 02:20 - Joining Avidity: A bold decision 03:55 - Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities 12:00 - FSHD and Fortitude 18:21 - Looking Ahead: The future of RNA therapeutics 20:10 - Championing women in biotechnology 21:43 - Credits and disclaimer DISCLAIMER This interview and testimonial was given by Sarah Boyce, CEO of Avidity Biosciences, a company in which RTW has made an equity investment on behalf of its managed funds. No compensation was provided to Ms. Boyce. Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. | |||
| The power of partnership – Prometheus Biosciences | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:44:43 | |
Mark McKenna from Prometheus Biosciences and Josh Kennedy-Smith from RTW Investments tell us about the white-knuckle ride that is building a pharmaceutical start-up, their passion for providing better care solutions for patients, the recent deal with Merck and the power of a strong partnership with your investor. Host: Josh Baldwin, RTW Investments Featuring: Mark McKenna, CEO of Prometheus Biosciences and Josh Kennedy-Smith, Managing Director; Research Analyst of RTW Investments. FOLLOW US Love our podcast? Follow us on LinkedIn at RTW Investments, LP and check out our website for the latest updates and insights. To make sure you never miss an episode, you can subscribe to the RTW podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and most other podcast platforms. DISCLAIMER Statements reflect RTW’s views and opinions as of the date hereof and not as of any future date. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. | |||