When drug development gets personal

For nearly three decades, Jigar Raythatha has helped build biotech companies and bring new medicines to patients. But in 2023, the Third Rock Ventures partner found himself on the other side of drug development when he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. In a remarkable coincidence, the same day Raythatha underwent the MRI that would lead to his diagnosis, Servier announced positive phase 3 results for a drug targeting his type of cancer. The treatment, now approved as Voranigo, was originally developed by Agios Pharmaceuticals, one of the first companies backed by Third Rock. Today, Raythatha takes that very drug. In this episode of "The Top Line," Will Maddox speaks with Raythatha about his diagnosis, how his experience as a patient has changed his perspective on drug development and the advantages his industry knowledge and connections gave him in navigating treatment. They also discuss the importance of early-stage biotech investment, the risks involved in developing new medicines and why Raythatha believes taking chances on promising science remains essential. To learn more about the topics in this episode: Servier snags FDA approval for Voranigo, the first targeted therapy for a common type of brain tumor Nuvation cancels plans to test brain cancer drug directly against Voranigo on FDA's advice Servier to widen rare cancer offerings with $2.5B buyout of Day One and glioma drug Ojemda FDA greenlights Revolution Medicines' pancreatic cancer gamechanger Thank you, IQVIA Digital, for sponsoring today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.