The Top Line

Every year, the Fierce Medtech team highlights 15 standout companies that are pushing the boundaries of innovation in medical technology. From reinventing diagnostics and surgical tools to advancing AI and biological research, this year’s Fierce 15 is full of startups rethinking what care should look like—and improving on what came before. In this episode of "The Top Line," Fierce Medtech Senior Editor Conor Hale breaks down the themes and standout trends from this year’s list, offering a closer look at the ideas and technologies reshaping the healthcare landscape. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  * Introducing Fierce Medtech's Fierce 15 [https://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/introducing-fierce-medtechs-fierce-15] This episode is sponsored by Cencora [https://www.cencora.com/initiatives/pharma/supporting-biopharma-breakthroughs?utm_source=fiercepharma&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=gps_100_awareness&utm_content=podcast].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Each year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting brings together the biggest names and brightest minds in cancer research, and this year was no exception. In this episode of "The Top Line," Fierce reporters take you inside the action at ASCO 2025. Zoey Becker shares the story behind Johnson & Johnson’s dramatic “Breathtaking” campaign, staged on the 99th floor of Chicago’s Willis Tower. Angus Liu breaks down phase 3 data on Enhertu from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, while Gabrielle Masson overviews Bicara Therapeutics' investigational asset for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.  Plus, the team compares notes from the ASCO exhibit hall. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  * ASCO: AstraZeneca, Daiichi flex Enhertu's muscles in first-line breast cancer as they drop new phase 3 gastric cancer data [https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/astrazeneca-daiichi-flex-enhertu-first-line-breast-cancer-gastric-cancer] * 'Our data is resonating far more with the people that matter,' Bicara CEO says amid Merus race [https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/our-data-resonating-far-more-people-matter-bicara-ceo-says-amid-merus-race] * ASCO: J&J highlights Rybrevant-Lazcluze combo in 'Breathtaking Moments' lung cancer campaign high over Chicago skyline [https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/asco-jj-highlights-rybrevant-lazcluze-combo-breathtaking-moments-lung-cancer-campaign-set] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode of The Top Line, Fierce Biotech’s Chris Hayden sat down with Dr. Juergen Eckhardt of Bayer and Dr. Seth Ettenberg of BlueRock Therapeutics to discuss an innovative partnership that’s reshaping how big pharma teams up with biotech startups. BlueRock, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer, operates with the independence of a small biotech while benefiting from Bayer’s global reach and infrastructure. The “arm’s-length” model gives BlueRock the agility to innovate while leveraging Bayer’s resources in manufacturing, clinical trials and commercialization. The collaboration has already led to major milestones, including the development of a promising cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, which is expected to enter Phase 3 trials later this year. “This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a relationship,” Eckhardt said. “We’re combining the best of both worlds: biotech speed and pharma scale.” The episode also explores how Bayer’s experience in biologics manufacturing has helped BlueRock overcome one of regenerative medicine’s biggest challenges—scaling complex cell therapies. The model has proven so effective that Bayer has since replicated it with other companies, signaling a broader shift in how the company approaches innovation. To learn more about this unique partnership and what it means for the future of neurological disease treatment, listen to the full episode of The Top Line. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In the latest episode of The Top Line podcast, host Heath Clendenning interviews Cheryl Lubbert, CEO of Reverba Global, to discuss how science-led storytelling is reshaping communications in the pharmaceutical industry. Lubbert, a veteran executive with experience at Amgen, Abbott and Bristol Myers Squibb, says authenticity, empathy and transparency are now critical to rebuilding public trust. She argues that scientific data, when paired with real patient and caregiver stories, becomes more impactful—helping both healthcare providers and patients better understand and engage with treatments. Lubbert also highlights the growing importance of breaking down silos between marketing and medical affairs. By integrating these functions, she says pharma companies can provide more consistent, credible messaging and support shared decision-making in clinical settings. With real-world examples—from peer mentorship programs to immersive educational initiatives—Lubbert makes a compelling case for treating storytelling as a strategic tool, not just a creative one. For more on how these approaches are driving better outcomes, listen to the full episode of The Top Line. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Despite the long holiday weekend, news in biopharma never slows down. In this week’s episode of "The Top Line," the Fierce team breaks down some of the biggest stories from the past week. On the pharma side, Eric Sagonowsky and Kevin Dunleavy examine Big Pharma’s first-quarter 2025 performance. While most of the top 25 companies are still delivering strong sales growth despite emerging uncertainties in Washington, D.C., a few major players are starting to see a slowdown. Each company tells a different story, and Sagonowsky and Dunleavy dive into the nuances of the current commercial landscape. Later, Fierce Biotech's Gabrielle Masson and Darren Incorvaia highlight key data from the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy conference and preview what the team is watching at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. To learn more about the topics in this episode: * Seven top pharmas posted revenue declines in Q1. The common thread? All are US firms [https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/except-juggernaut-eli-lilly-several-us-drugmakers-saw-revenue-declines-q1]  * Atsena eye disease gene therapy hits safety goals, closes retinal splits in phase 1/2 [https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/atsena-eye-disease-gene-therapy-hits-safety-goals-closes-retinal-splits-7-9-patients] * https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/atsena-eye-disease-gene-therapy-hits-safety-goals-closes-retinal-splits-7-9-patientsASGCT: Analysts see Rocket gene therapy setting 'a new bar' for efficacy in heart condition [https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/asgct-rocket-gene-therapy-sets-new-bar-efficacy-heart-condition-analysts] * https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/asgct-rocket-gene-therapy-sets-new-bar-efficacy-heart-condition-analystsRocket crashes as gene therapy patient dies, FDA imposes hold [https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/rocket-crashes-gene-therapy-patient-dies-fda-imposes-hold]   This episode is sponsored by Cencora [https://www.cencora.com/initiatives/pharma/supporting-biopharma-breakthroughs?utm_source=fiercepharma&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=gps_100_awareness&utm_content=podcast].  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.