The Catalyst Brief
Dr. Priya Nandakumar
Author

Dr. Priya Nandakumar

Dr. Priya Nandakumar brings scientific and clinical insight to The Catalyst Brief’s coverage of biomedical research and healthcare innovation. Her work bridges experimental findings, clinical data, and industry strategy, helping readers interpret what new evidence means beyond the lab or trial setting. At The Catalyst Brief, Priya emphasizes translational relevance and long-term implications for patients and pipelines.

160 articlesMostly Regulatory & Policy and Biopharmaceutical Industry

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Inside the High-Stakes Search for a New CDC Director: Leadership and Public Health ChallengesRegulatory & Policy

Inside the High-Stakes Search for a New CDC Director: Leadership and Public Health Challenges

The search for a new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a multifaceted process marked by high expectations, political sensitivity, and urgent public health needs. At the helm of this search is Chris Klomp, a top Department of Health and Human Services official, who has shared insights into the deliberations and challenges faced amidst evolving health threats and governance demands.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 20, 2026
Political Influence Challenges FDA’s Role in Rare Disease Therapeutics DevelopmentRegulatory & Policy

Political Influence Challenges FDA’s Role in Rare Disease Therapeutics Development

The FDA stands at a critical crossroads in managing the evolving landscape of individualized therapies for rare diseases. Robert Califf, a former commissioner, underscores how political influence under President Trump seriously compromised the agency's decision-making rigour. Such pressures risk delaying or derailing promising new treatments essential for patients with rare conditions.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 20, 2026
FDA Policy Tracker 2026: Navigating RMAT Awards, Priority Vouchers, and Emerging Regulatory ChangesRegulatory & Policy

FDA Policy Tracker 2026: Navigating RMAT Awards, Priority Vouchers, and Emerging Regulatory Changes

As 2026 progresses, the FDA faces both momentum and scrutiny amid dramatic policy shifts affecting biopharma companies. Key issues involve the administration of Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) awards and challenges surrounding priority review vouchers, which have historically incentivized innovation but are now being questioned.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 19, 2026
Gossamer Bio Slashes Workforce Following Late-Stage Hypertension Trial FailureBiopharmaceutical Industry

Gossamer Bio Slashes Workforce Following Late-Stage Hypertension Trial Failure

Following the setback of its late-stage drug candidate for pulmonary arterial hypertension, Gossamer Bio initiated major layoffs as part of a cost-saving strategy. The failure of this pivotal trial raises uncertainty about the company's pipeline and financial stability.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 19, 2026
Changing Employers Can Lead to Significant Salary Gains in the U.S. Life Sciences Sector in 2026Healthcare Investment

Changing Employers Can Lead to Significant Salary Gains in the U.S. Life Sciences Sector in 2026

The 2026 labor market within the U.S. life sciences sector reflects a dynamic workforce environment where job mobility has become a critical strategy for salary advancement. A new BioSpace report highlights the substantial financial benefits for those switching employers amid ongoing economic pressures and industry recalibration.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 19, 2026
6 Things to Know About Stryker’s CyberattackRegulatory & Policy

6 Things to Know About Stryker’s Cyberattack

This recent cyberattack on Stryker, a major global medical device manufacturer, exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare cybersecurity. The attack caused widespread operational delays, affecting supply chains and posing risks to patient care delivery. Here are six essential points to understand the incident, its implications, and the broader lessons for healthcare organizations.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 14, 2026
AI Startup Waiv Spins Out of Owkin with $33M to Advance Precision Cancer Decision-MakingAI in Drug Discovery

AI Startup Waiv Spins Out of Owkin with $33M to Advance Precision Cancer Decision-Making

Waiv, which originated as the diagnostics division of AI-driven biotech company Owkin, has spun out as an independent entity with substantial new capital to propel its AI-based cancer diagnostic tools. This spinout will enable the company to focus more sharply on advancing precision medicine and clinical applications in oncology.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 13, 2026
Alltrna’s Clinical Acceleration Aims Leave 35% of Staff BehindBiopharmaceutical Industry

Alltrna’s Clinical Acceleration Aims Leave 35% of Staff Behind

As biotech companies accelerate clinical programs to achieve competitive and regulatory milestones, workforce adjustments often follow. Alltrna’s recent announcement of laying off over a third of its staff signals a critical phase in its development strategy, underscoring the balancing act between advancing pipelines and maintaining operational efficiency.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 6, 2026
Lilly Employer Connect: An Incremental Step Toward Flexible Access to Obesity Drugs for EmployersBiopharmaceutical Industry

Lilly Employer Connect: An Incremental Step Toward Flexible Access to Obesity Drugs for Employers

Eli Lilly has launched Lilly Employer Connect, a platform aimed at providing employers with more flexible access to treating obesity through drugs such as Zepbound. While the platform introduces practical options for employers, industry experts note that the progress is largely incremental rather than transformative. This post explores the platform, its features, and the implications for employers and the obesity treatment landscape.

Dr. Priya NandakumarDr. Priya NandakumarMar 6, 2026