The RTW Podcast

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 TEAMProducer & Director: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraProduction Coordinator: YingYu LinProduction Support: Annabelle ChanTheme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel RazAdditional music: APM MusicFeaturing: Rod Wong, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, moderated by Stephanie A. Sirota, Partner, Chief Business Officer at RTW Investments.FOLLOW USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction1:22 – Gene therapy and biotech4:51 – Rod Wong’s journey into biotech9:55 – Rod Wong: Investor or Business Builder?12:43 – Growing trends in biotechnology15:36 – Generating Alpha in Biotech21:54 – Looking forward for RTW23:51 - OutroDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer and Director: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraProduction Coordinator: YingYu LinProduction Support: Annabelle ChanStory 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction00:54 – Liz Barrett’s pharma journey03:26 - UroGen: the product and the pipeline08:31 - The FDA vote on UroGen15:07 - UroGen and RTW’s relationship18:42 - Liz Barrett’s leadership style22:40 - OutroDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer & Director: Devon LeaverProduction Coordinator: YingYu LinEditor: Dominique GuerraResearch Consultants: Joe Katakowski, PhD, and Nicole LittStory Consultant: Samantha DarrisTheme music: Ganymede by Yehezkel RazAdditional music: APM MusicFeaturing: 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 USNow 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction01:16 – Elly’s Diagnosis04:37 - Finding a treatment with RTW Foundation09:42 - Elly’s journey: from research to treatment14:50 - Becoming the first child to receive an IRF2BPL gene replacement therapy17:17 - Expanding the clinical trial for NEDAMSS19:12 - How to improve drug research and development21:18 - Outro and disclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction00:46 - Matthew Walker’s journey into sleep science03:01 - Understanding the different types of sleep06:06 - How to deal with jet lag08:22 - The effect of sleep on young adults11:02 - The impact of sleep on productivity14:13 - Analyzing the dream state17:34 - Sleeping, dreaming, and the relationship with mental health19:59 - The future of sleep studies21:34 - Sleep as the foundation of health23:58 - Outro and disclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraProduction Coordinator: YingYu LinFeaturing: Andrew Cheng, CEO of Akero Therapeutics, moderated by Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer RTW Investments.FOLLOW USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 – Rod Wong in 202300:22 – Introduction01:01 – Introducing Akero Therapeutics and MASH03:51 – Discussing Akero’s Trials and Setbacks08:32 – Becoming pioneers in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic treatment11:05 – Challenges of being a biotech CEO12:52 – Outro and DisclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction01:09 – About GH Research04:20 – Becoming CEO of GH Research06:27 – The difference between GH001 and other psychedelics11:37 – The difficulties of developing a scheduled substance12:27 – Dealing with the stigma of psychedelics15:31 – What else can GH001 treat?17:26 – The future of GH Research20:53 – Outro and DisclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction00:21 - The development of psychiatric drugs03:29 - Treatment resistant patients in the U.S. and the international market05:50 - The need for new depression treatment drugs08:05 - The rise of psychedelics & the impact of regulations and policies13:58 - New areas of study in psychedelics14:43- The valuation of psychedelics and what it means for investors17:53 - Discovering GH Research and its novel approach to TRD22:11 - Outro and disclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction00:38 - Dr. Rekha Kumar’s journey into obesity medicine04:18 - Establishing Found and treating obesity patients08:56 - Telehealth and its impact on obesity treatment12:59 - Understanding how GLP-1s work17:18 - Obesity as an area of study in medicine18:47 - Thoughts on the future of obesity medicine20:02 - OutroDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: 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 USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introductions00:39 - Understanding the importance of GLP-1s02:27 - GLPs in the cycle of obesity drug development05:13 - Public and private company interest in obesity drugs06:58 - Cost benefits of GLP-1s and their Impact on the healthcare system10:30 - The value of GLP-1s in the investor space12:36 - GLP-1s in the international market16:12 - The expansion of large companies into GLP-1s18:35 - Thoughts on recent investments and the potential of Kailera Therapeutics19:52 - Outro and disclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 TEAMProducer: Devon LeaverTechnical Director: Joseph SebringEditor: Dominique GuerraFeaturing: Sarah Boyce, President and CEO of Avidity Biosciences, and Piratip Pratumsuwan, Managing Director; Research Analyst at RTW Investments.FOLLOW USLove 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introducing Sarah Boyce and Piratip Pratumsuwan01:09 - Avidity Biosciences: Pioneering RNA therapeutics02:20 - Joining Avidity: A bold decision03:55 - Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities12:00 - FSHD and Fortitude18:21 - Looking Ahead: The future of RNA therapeutics20:10 - Championing women in biotechnology21:43 - Credits and disclaimerDISCLAIMERThis 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.

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 InvestmentsFeaturing: Mark McKenna, CEO of Prometheus Biosciences and Josh Kennedy-Smith, Managing Director; Research Analyst of RTW Investments.FOLLOW USLove 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.DISCLAIMERStatements 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.