Remembering J. Craig Venter, PhD

Bristol Myers Squibb has selected Houston as the site for a new $2.3 billion multi-modal manufacturing campus designed to support drug product and finished goods manufacturing from late development through launch. Recursion, Roche, and its Genentech subsidiary have announced plans to co-develop a neuroscience discovery program based on the first validated target discovered through an AI map. Editors reminisce over the changes in science since the COVID-19 pandemic in light of a new large NIH-funded study that shows COVID-19 can reactivate dormant viruses, including Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus. In other infectious disease news, drug-resistant Candida auris was found to persist in hair follicles by exposing chitin, triggering interferon-γ that suppresses skin defenses and creates a niche for fungal colonization.Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Julianna LeMieux, PhD, for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: BMS Chooses Houston for $2.3B Manufacturing FacilityBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Aug 10, 2026Next 10 U.S. Biopharma ClustersBy Alex Philippidis, GEN, Aug 12, 2026Recursion Partners with Genentech to Advance First Validated Neuro Target Discovered Through AI MapBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Aug 5, 2026COVID-19 Reactivates Dormant Viruses, Offering New Clues to Long COVIDGEN, Aug 5, 2026Trump’s Treatments: Regeneron’s Antibodies and Gilead’s Remdesivir ExplainedBy Alex Philippidis, GEN, Oct 5, 2020Lessons from the COVID Crisis: An Interview with Peter HotezBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, Oct 19, 2022How to Conquer Coronavirus: Top 35 Treatments in DevelopmentBy Alex Philippidis, GEN, March 2, 2020Candida auris Persists in Hair Follicles, Hijacks Immune SignalingGEN, August 10, 2026The State of Biotech SummitSeptember 23, 2026 Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  The State of Biologics Testing 2026Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026Subscribe to GEN’s newslettersTouching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the business news section of this week’s episode, Axiom Biosciences recently announced its plans to go public and made headlines for its plans to do so on the Hong Kong Exchange rather than a U.S. market. We dig into the company’s reasoning. Then we turn our attention to Latigo’s report of positive Phase IIb data for its non-opioid acute pain candidate, and its plans to go through a planned IPO soon. Switching to some science news, we discuss findings from a study that identified genetic risk factors for fibromyalgia syndrome as well as links to other neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. And lastly, a potential base editing therapy for Huntington’s disease that has shown promise in mice.Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news. Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: StockWatch: Axiom CEO Explains Plans for Hong Kong IPO By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 27, 2026Latigo Reports Positive Phase IIb Data for Non-Opioid Acute Pain Candidate By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 30, 2026Genetic Study of Fibromyalgia Points to Neurological Basis GEN, July 29, 2026Base Editing Strategy Alleviates Huntington’s Disease in Mice GEN, July 29, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD The State of Biologics Testing 2026Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Promise hits Parkinson’s disease therapy, as a Phase I/II clinical study has demonstrated the feasibility of transplanting stem-cell-derived dopamine progenitor cells into the brain. In preclinical research, a new platform uses the brain’s fluid transport pathways to effectively deliver AAVs to therapeutic targets in mice. We’ll also cover the accelerating infrastructure moment for AI-driven drug discovery, with billion-dollar investments flowing into end-to-end platforms driven by models and compute, rather than single drug assets. In business, Insilico’s revenue leaps as the company’s AI-developed lead candidate moves to Phase III, while Vertex acquires Crinetics for $10 billion.   Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.    Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:   Engineered AAVs Harness Glymphatic System to Reach Brain Targets in Mice GEN, July 9, 2026  Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise in First Human Parkinson’s Disease Trial GEN, July 9, 2026  Pharma Races to Scale AI as Billions Flow into Drug Discovery By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, July 6, 2026  StockWatch: Insilico Projects Profit, Revenue Leaps as AI-Developed Lead Candidate Moves to Phase III By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 12, 2026  Vertex Eyes Expansion Beyond Cystic Fibrosis with Planned $10B Crinetics Buyout By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, July 7, 2026  Top 20 Drugs Heading for the Patent Cliff, 2026-2029 By Alex Philippidis, GEN Magazine, Nov 1, 2025  Touching Base Podcast  Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD   Behind the Breakthroughs  Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD   The State of Biologics Testing 2026 Charles River Laboratories and GEN, June 10, 2026 Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More big biotech deals on the docket this week. First, Merck KGaA is buying Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion to expand its presence in high-growth life science markets. We dive into the details of this deal and then turn our attention to a $2.5 million collaboration to use artificial intelligence to find drug candidates for neuroimmune disorders. That deal involves Insilico Medicine and SK Biopharmaceuticals. Still on the theme of AI, we discuss Anthropic’s Claude Science, the latest entrant to the growing ecosystem of tech platforms specialized for biology, and a set of models for antibiotic design and vaccine target prediction. Lastly, we dig into two recent publications that discuss vaccines for Nipah virus and one of its relatives, and for treating schistosomiasis.Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.   Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne for $11.3B, Expanding Life Science Tools Presence By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 25, 2026Insilico, SK Launch Up-to-$2.5B Neuroimmune AI Drug CollaborationBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 28, 2026Claude Science Is Here, Antibiotics Designed by Text Prompt Among Applications By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, June 30, 2026Schistosomiasis Vaccine Shows Strong Immune Memory in Early Clinical TrialsGEN, June 29, 2026 Nipah and Hendra Viruses: Antibody Cocktail Provides Complete Protection in Hamster ModelGEN, June 26, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are still talking about big pharma deals and biotech fundraising in this episode. The big news this week was Parabilis Medicines’s history-making IPO. We dive into the drug developer’s plans for the eye-popping $770.5 million that it raised. Next, we discuss the details of a collaboration between Merck and Protillion Biosciences to use artificial intelligence to discover multiple therapeutic candidates. Turning to some newly published research, we discuss the early results of a first-in-human clinical trial that is testing a dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies, a CRISPR system engineered to selectively trigger cancer cell death by chromatin shredding, and a novel mRNA delivery platform for delivering gene therapies starting with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, and Fay Lin, PhD, for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.   Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  StockWatch: Parabilis Medicines Makes Wall Street History with $770.5M IPOBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 14, 2026Merck, Protillion Launch AI Drug Discovery Collaboration with Up-to-$510M in Milestone PaymentsBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 16, 2026First-in-Human Trial Reports Promising Dual Lassa–Rabies Vaccine DataGEN, June 9, 2026CRISPR Shreds Undruggable Cancer Cells with PrecisionBy Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, June 8, 2026New mRNA Delivery Platform Restores Muscle Function in DMD ModelsGEN, June 11, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we start with news that Fulcrum Therapeutics is scrapping its lead pipeline program for sickle cell disease following concerns from the FDA about the drug’s risks and benefits. Also on the docket, news of Eli Lilly’s latest spending. The pharma giant has added its genetic medicines pipeline and capabilities by signing a $1.9 billion agreement with Ascidian Therapeutics to develop RNA exon editors for treating inherited kidney diseases. Next up, updates to an open-source model for binder design and protein function mapping. Finally, on the peer-review front, we dive into some of the latest vaccine research including insights into the mechanisms that cross-reactive T cells use to target multiple viral species in a single family and an improvement to standard polio vaccines. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.   Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  Fulcrum Halts Development of SCD Candidate Pociredir, Sets Strategic ReviewBy Alex Philippidis and Kevin Davies, PhD, GEN Edge, June 2, 2026 Lilly, Ascidian Launch Up-to-$1.9B RNA Exon Editor Collaboration Targeting Inherited Kidney DiseasesBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, June 3, 2026 Biohub Releases Protein Biology World Model to Address DiseaseBy Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 27, 2026 Cross-Reactive T Cells Could Point to Broad Vaccines or Treatments for Measles, Nipah VirusGEN, June 2, 2026Experimental Adjuvant Could Strengthen Mucosal Immunity with Injectable Polio Vaccines GEN, June 4, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agentic AI is growing in its applications. Google DeepMind and Edison are leveraging the growing capabilities by developing AI Scientists. These platforms are poised to streamline the scientific process, aiding human scientists with a variety of tasks. Meanwhile, despite positive data in its Phase III DMD therapy trial, Regenxbio’s stock fell for a variety of reasons. 10X Genomics and Harvard University are suing Element Biosciences over patents for a multiomics platform. Finally, Bristol Meyers Squibb is partnering with Hengrui Pharma to develop 13 early-stage programs with the potential to grow their investment to a predicted $15 billion in sales. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Alex Philippidis, Fay Lin, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  Google DeepMind and Edison Are Building the AI Scientist By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, May 19, 2026StockWatch: Regenxbio Tumbles Despite Positive Pivotal Data for DMD Gene Therapy CandidateBy Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 17, 2026 10x Genomics, Harvard Target Element’s Multiomics Platform in Patent Lawsuit By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 12, 2026 BMS, Hengrui Pharma Partner on 13 Programs in Up-to-$15.2B Collaboration By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, May 13, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD  The State of Precision Medicine SummitJoin us June 3, 2026Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Venter recently passed away at the age of 79 from complications following a cancer diagnosis. He was well known in both science and industry and was an integral part of sequencing the human genome in the late 90s, competing with the government organized Human Genome Project. Through his career, he made many other important contributions in microbiology, with the “minimal cell”, in synthetic biology, and in personalized medicine. GEN editors share anecdotes of their experiences with him, reflect on the impact that his work has had on various fields in biology, in biotech, and in how the world has responded to the disruptions caused by Venter.  Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, John Sterling, Kevin Davies, PhD, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base: Genomics Pioneer and Life Sciences Entrepreneur J. Craig Venter Dies at 79 GEN, April 30, 2026 J. Craig Venter Describes a Human Genomics Revolution Still In ProgressBy J. Craig Venter, PhD, GEN, June 13, 2025 Lessons from the Minimal CellBy Hana El-Samad, PhD, GEN, August 21, 2023 From Sequencing to Sailing: Three Decades of Adventure with Craig VenterBy Fay Lin, PhD, GEN, March 8, 2023 “Cracking the Genome” By Kevin Davies, PhDTouching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some GEN editors were in sunny San Diego covering the hottest research, trends, and products from the American Association for Cancer Research meeting. We kick things off with news from America’s Finest City, particularly around the growing role of AI in oncology. Then we dive into two new research studies. In the first, scientists used CRISPR to identify genes in primary CD4+ T cells that promote or restrict HIV infection. The second study described engineered implantable liver constructs that could eventually serve as a stopgap for patients waiting for donor transplants. Finally, the acquisitions keep coming as Eli Lilly scoops up CAR T cell therapy developer Kelonia for $7B. Also, Revolution Medicines has shared some impressive data from a Phase III trial of its pancreatic cancer drug. Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD, Alex Philippidis, and Uduak Thomas for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  AACR 2026: A Video Update from San Diego By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, and Damian Doherty, GEN, April 21, 2026AACR 2026 Video Update: Cancer Research Edges Toward an AI-Driven EraBy Fay Lin, PhD, and Jonathan Grinstein, PhD, GEN, April 22, 2026Using AI in Healthcare Ethically by Considering HumanityBy Corinna Singleman, PhD, IPM, November 18, 202510x Genomics Unveils Atera Spatial Platform at AACR Meeting By Julianna LeMieux, PhD, GEN, April 19, 2026CRISPR Screens Map Human T‑Cell Genes That Promote or Block HIV Infection GEN, April 20, 2026Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering Grow Liver Tissue In‑Body GEN, April 20, 2026 StockWatch: Revolution’s Phase III Pancreatic Cancer Data Dazzles Investors, Analysts By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 19, 2026 Lilly to Acquire Kelonia for Up to $7B, Expanding Cancer Cell Therapy Pipeline By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 20, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From designing drugs with a simple text prompt to running experiments guided by extended reality, a new wave of agentic AI is transforming the modern lab. Our editors discuss the latest autonomous systems accelerating biological discovery. In business deals, Gilead Sciences has acquired Tubulis in a transaction worth up to $5 billion, strengthening the buyer’s position in antibody–drug conjugates for cancer. Correspondingly, Eli Lilly and Biogen are each making billion-dollar-plus bets, acquiring Centessa, a sleep disorder drug developer, and Apellis, known for its work in immunology and rare diseases. Our episode rounds out by unpacking the dynamic obesity drug market, where intensifying competition from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is prompting Lilly to temper the 2026 sales outlook for its oral obesity drug, Foundayo.Join GEN editors Corinna Singleman, PhD, Fay Lin, PhD and Alex Philippidis for a discussion of the latest biotech and biopharma news.  Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:  Can AI Agents Automate Scientific Discovery? By Fay Lin, PhD, GEN Edge, April 1, 2026Gilead to Acquire Tubulis for Up to $5B, Expanding Cancer ADC Capabilities By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 7, 2026Lilly Acquires Centessa for Up to $7.8B; Biogen Buys Apellis for Up to $6.1B By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, March 31, 2026StockWatch: Price War Dampens Lilly Surge After Oral GLP-1 Wins FDA Nod By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, April 5, 2026Touching Base Podcast Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD  Behind the Breakthroughs Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD Touching Base is the dynamic podcast series from the editors of GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News). Each episode features a rotating cast of senior editors including John Sterling, Kevin Davies, Julianna LeMieux, Alex Philippidis, Uduak Thomas, Corinna Singleman and Fay Lin who delve into emerging stories, exchange ideas, and debate the latest trends in biotech. Additionally, they talk to some of the leading voices in the industry about what's now and next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.