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Is anything too weighty to be explained over the internet? Can a new spin on old technology outfox CAR-T? And does that controversial drug even work?

We discuss all that and more on the latest episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, Dorothy Pomerantz joins us to explain what it’s like to learn devastating medical information from the website of a consumer genetic testing company. Later, Amgen executive Dr. Greg Friberg joins us to explain why the company is betting on BiTEs, an approach to cancer immunotherapy that could succeed where CAR-Ts falter. Then, we dive into why Sarepta Therapeutics is yet to start an important clinical trial it promised the FDA three years ago. Finally, Friberg comes back for a special lightning round, featuring takes on pizza geography, the Four Horsemen of biotech, and whether Los Angeles is misunderstood.

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For more on what we cover, here’s Pomerantz’s story, here’s the Sarepta news, and here’s a transcript of the Friberg interview.

We’ll be back next Thursday evening — and every Thursday evening — so be sure to sign up on iTunes, 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].

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