All-In E35: Biogen's controversial Alzheimer's drug approval, the billionaire space race, Bitcoin & more
Episode 35 • 6/13/2021
Biogen's Controversial Alzheimer's Drug Approval
- FDA approved Aducanumab, first new Alzheimer's treatment in nearly 20 years
- Controversial approval after advisory panel unanimously voted against it and 3 members resigned in protest
- Drug costs $56,000/year but only costs ~$5 to manufacture
- Limited efficacy data showing 23% decline in progression in highest dose group
- Discussion around whether approval was appropriate given limited evidence but potential hope for patients
- Debate around drug pricing and healthcare economics
The Billionaire Space Race
- Jeff Bezos announced he'll go to space on Blue Origin's first crewed flight with his brother
- Richard Branson trying to beat Bezos by going up first on Virgin Galactic
- Discussion of safety risks and wisdom of billionaires taking personal risk
- Agreement that private space competition is good for innovation
- Debate about military implications and importance of US leadership in space
Return to Office Policies
- Major tech companies announcing hybrid work policies (3 days in office)
- Apple employees pushing back on return-to-office mandate
- Discussion of supervision challenges with remote work
- Debate around productivity and culture impacts
- Agreement that onboarding new employees remotely remains a challenge
Bitcoin Conference & "Toxic" Culture
- Bitcoin conference in Miami marked by maximalist behavior
- Discussion of "toxic" bitcoin culture emerging
- Debate about whether this helps or hurts cryptocurrency adoption
- Broader discussion of young men's frustration and cult-like behavior
Other Topics
- Housing crisis and institutional buyers driving up prices
- ProPublica's leak of billionaire tax records
- Nuclear power as clean energy solution
- Competition with China and "996" work culture
- Education and meritocracy debates
The episode provided deep discussion of several major current events while exploring broader themes around innovation, regulation, and societal challenges.