Jared Whitlock
@jaredwhitlock.bsky.social
features editor @endpts.com / fall 2021 fellow
@ksjatmit.bsky.social
Writing (and editing) stories on rare disease medicine, diagnostics and China
Reach out privately on Signal: jaredwhitlock.73
@ksjatmit.bsky.social
Writing (and editing) stories on rare disease medicine, diagnostics and China
Reach out privately on Signal: jaredwhitlock.73
Pinned
A teenager faced constant seizures. Could a drug developed just for him stop them?
SAN DIEGO — Connor Dalby’s shrieks filled his playroom, and the rest of the house. The teenager hushed when his mom, Kelley, asked a long-coming question: “Are you ready for the ...
endpts.com
I'm new here. So I write (and sometimes edit) in-depth stories on rare disease medicine, genomics, China and other topics.
Here's an example:
endpts.com/a-teenager-f...
Would love to be in touch!
Here's an example:
endpts.com/a-teenager-f...
Would love to be in touch!
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
We've been here before but let's see how FDA responds this time w/ Prasad wielding his influence. (I'm sure WSJ ed board + Loomer are already drafting their 2 cents...)
"Sarepta's Duchenne confirmatory trial fails, but biotech will ask FDA for full approval anyways"
endpoints.news/duchenne-con...
"Sarepta's Duchenne confirmatory trial fails, but biotech will ask FDA for full approval anyways"
endpoints.news/duchenne-con...
November 4, 2025 at 1:26 AM
We've been here before but let's see how FDA responds this time w/ Prasad wielding his influence. (I'm sure WSJ ed board + Loomer are already drafting their 2 cents...)
"Sarepta's Duchenne confirmatory trial fails, but biotech will ask FDA for full approval anyways"
endpoints.news/duchenne-con...
"Sarepta's Duchenne confirmatory trial fails, but biotech will ask FDA for full approval anyways"
endpoints.news/duchenne-con...
Good piece from @leileiwu.bsky.social:
Post-Hoc: As China moves beyond ‘me-too,’ do Western regulators need to reconsider?
endpoints.news/as-china-mov...
Post-Hoc: As China moves beyond ‘me-too,’ do Western regulators need to reconsider?
endpoints.news/as-china-mov...
Post-Hoc: As China moves beyond ‘me-too,’ do Western regulators need to reconsider?
Analysis: Chinese biotech dominates ESMO cancer conference with 3 major studies, including Kelun's Sac-TMT ADC showing 40% reduced death risk, sparking debate on FDA's stance on China-only data.
endpoints.news
October 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Good piece from @leileiwu.bsky.social:
Post-Hoc: As China moves beyond ‘me-too,’ do Western regulators need to reconsider?
endpoints.news/as-china-mov...
Post-Hoc: As China moves beyond ‘me-too,’ do Western regulators need to reconsider?
endpoints.news/as-china-mov...
Grail’s blood test got better at telling when a positive result actually means cancer based on study findings, potentially strengthening the company’s case for a wider rollout, though questions remain.
endpoints.news/grails-cance...
endpoints.news/grails-cance...
Grail reports fewer false alarms for blood cancer test ahead of FDA filing
Grail’s blood test got better at telling when a positive result actually means cancer based on study findings, potentially strengthening the company’s case for a wider rollout, though questions remain...
endpoints.news
October 17, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Grail’s blood test got better at telling when a positive result actually means cancer based on study findings, potentially strengthening the company’s case for a wider rollout, though questions remain.
endpoints.news/grails-cance...
endpoints.news/grails-cance...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
Thank you everyone for making yesterday such an amazing, dream-come-true pub day for Lab Dog! The fun continues today with a live in-studio interview on @wamu.org.web.brid.gy 1A. Tune in or catch it later on the podcast! www.npr.org/podcasts/510...
1A
Listening to the news can feel like a journey. But 1A guides you beyond the headlines – and cuts through the noise. Let's get to the heart of the story, together – on 1A.Support NPR and get your news ...
www.npr.org
October 15, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Thank you everyone for making yesterday such an amazing, dream-come-true pub day for Lab Dog! The fun continues today with a live in-studio interview on @wamu.org.web.brid.gy 1A. Tune in or catch it later on the podcast! www.npr.org/podcasts/510...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
This one truly hurts. 💔
D'Angelo was a singular, once in a generation talent.
It feels cruel to lose him at a time when great artistry is sorely needed.
apnews.com/article/dang...
D'Angelo was a singular, once in a generation talent.
It feels cruel to lose him at a time when great artistry is sorely needed.
apnews.com/article/dang...
D’Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B singer who became an icon with ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel),’ dies
D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning R&B singer recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for garnering mainstream attention with the shirtless “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video, has died.
apnews.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:46 PM
This one truly hurts. 💔
D'Angelo was a singular, once in a generation talent.
It feels cruel to lose him at a time when great artistry is sorely needed.
apnews.com/article/dang...
D'Angelo was a singular, once in a generation talent.
It feels cruel to lose him at a time when great artistry is sorely needed.
apnews.com/article/dang...
ICYMI:
In China, biotech startups are racing to make low-cost gene therapies, challenging multi-million dollar price tags and aiming to bolster global reach.
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
In China, biotech startups are racing to make low-cost gene therapies, challenging multi-million dollar price tags and aiming to bolster global reach.
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
In China, a low-cost push to rival a life-saving, $2M medicine
Indian veterinarian Nirnay Murthy sought Lantu Biopharma's experimental gene therapy for his son's spinal muscular atrophy after being unable to afford Novartis's $2.1M Zolgensma treatment.
endpoints.news
October 13, 2025 at 3:50 PM
ICYMI:
In China, biotech startups are racing to make low-cost gene therapies, challenging multi-million dollar price tags and aiming to bolster global reach.
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
In China, biotech startups are racing to make low-cost gene therapies, challenging multi-million dollar price tags and aiming to bolster global reach.
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
“We will show the world that there is a better, more responsible, and economically more sensible way of drug development,” -- Chinese biotech offering a low-cost version of a gene therapy that saves the lives of small children but at a cost of $2m
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
In China, a low-cost push to rival a life-saving, $2M medicine
Indian veterinarian Nirnay Murthy sought Lantu Biopharma's experimental gene therapy for his son's spinal muscular atrophy after being unable to afford Novartis's $2.1M Zolgensma treatment.
endpoints.news
October 10, 2025 at 9:36 AM
“We will show the world that there is a better, more responsible, and economically more sensible way of drug development,” -- Chinese biotech offering a low-cost version of a gene therapy that saves the lives of small children but at a cost of $2m
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
For families, a $2.1M medicine can feel like both a miracle and an out-of-reach reality.
Now, biotechs in China are racing to develop lower-cost alternatives:
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
Now, biotechs in China are racing to develop lower-cost alternatives:
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
In China, a low-cost push to rival a life-saving, $2M medicine
Indian veterinarian Nirnay Murthy sought Lantu Biopharma's experimental gene therapy for his son's spinal muscular atrophy after being unable to afford Novartis's $2.1M Zolgensma treatment.
endpoints.news
October 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
For families, a $2.1M medicine can feel like both a miracle and an out-of-reach reality.
Now, biotechs in China are racing to develop lower-cost alternatives:
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
Now, biotechs in China are racing to develop lower-cost alternatives:
endpoints.news/chinese-biot...
HHS says ‘the science speaks for itself’ on mRNA cuts. Scientists it cites disagree
Good piece from @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/researchers-...
Good piece from @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/researchers-...
HHS says ‘the science speaks for itself’ on mRNA cuts. Some of the scientists it cites disagree
Some of the studies that underpin the Trump administration’s decision to veer away from mRNA vaccine research are being misapplied, co-authors of the work say, muddling the move by HHS and Secretary R...
endpoints.news
August 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
HHS says ‘the science speaks for itself’ on mRNA cuts. Scientists it cites disagree
Good piece from @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/researchers-...
Good piece from @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/researchers-...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
The session at #AAIC25 on Roche's next-gen #Alzheimers drug #trontinemab was jam packed and despite one patient's death, the excitement for this drug was palpable. Read more about the dramatic amyloid reduction and surprisingly low ARIA in @endpts.com - endpoints.news/roche-double...
Roche doubles down on its Alzheimer's ambitions as next-gen amyloid-lowering drug excites scientists
Roche revealed the latest cut of data from its closely-watched Phase 1/2 study of trontinemab, an amyloid-targeting antibody designed to latch onto receptors that yank it across the protective blood-b...
endpoints.news
July 28, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The session at #AAIC25 on Roche's next-gen #Alzheimers drug #trontinemab was jam packed and despite one patient's death, the excitement for this drug was palpable. Read more about the dramatic amyloid reduction and surprisingly low ARIA in @endpts.com - endpoints.news/roche-double...
We are closely reporting on this story. If you have any tips, please contact me on Signal at jaredwhitlock.73
endpoints.news/fda-asks-sar...
endpoints.news/fda-asks-sar...
Breaking: FDA will ask Sarepta to stop selling Duchenne treatment, following patient deaths
FDA to request Sarepta halt shipments of DMD drug Elevidys after two patient deaths, HHS official says. Trading of $SRPT shares paused after decline.
endpoints.news
July 18, 2025 at 6:18 PM
We are closely reporting on this story. If you have any tips, please contact me on Signal at jaredwhitlock.73
endpoints.news/fda-asks-sar...
endpoints.news/fda-asks-sar...
Sarepta Therapeutics said that a patient died in a clinical trial testing one of its gene therapies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, the latest death for a company that’s already under heightened scrutiny for safety concerns.
endpoints.news/sarepta-pati...
endpoints.news/sarepta-pati...
Sarepta patient dies in limb-girdle study, latest death after earlier patient safety concerns
Patient dies from liver failure in Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy trial for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, following two deaths in company's Elevidys DMD program.
endpoints.news
July 18, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Sarepta Therapeutics said that a patient died in a clinical trial testing one of its gene therapies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, the latest death for a company that’s already under heightened scrutiny for safety concerns.
endpoints.news/sarepta-pati...
endpoints.news/sarepta-pati...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
Fascinating story today from @levfacher.bsky.social about a rehab center where patients are currently being treated for substance use disorder with GLP-1 drugs — even as clinical trials measuring their effectiveness as anti-addiction medications remain years from reading out data.
New: Inside the elite Pennsylvania rehab facility aggressively prescribing GLP-1s, normally used for weight loss, as medications to treat addiction
“I truly think these medications work because obesity is an addiction to food.”
www.statnews.com/2025/07/14/g...
“I truly think these medications work because obesity is an addiction to food.”
www.statnews.com/2025/07/14/g...
Ozempic for addiction: How an elite rehab center is using GLP-1s to 'obliterate' all kinds of cravings
Pointing to Ozempic as a paradigm shift, an elite rehab center is experimenting with GLP-1s to tame many forms of addiction.
www.statnews.com
July 14, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Fascinating story today from @levfacher.bsky.social about a rehab center where patients are currently being treated for substance use disorder with GLP-1 drugs — even as clinical trials measuring their effectiveness as anti-addiction medications remain years from reading out data.
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
In Focus: The Trump administration disbanded a federal newborn screening panel, and patients now face a hard and unpredictable path to diagnosis and treatment.
The Trump administration disbanded a newborn screening panel. Advocates now face a harder path
atient groups face a harder and unpredictable path going state-by-state to boost screening for rare but treatable conditions after the Trump administration disbanded a federal advisory committee on ne...
endpoints.news
July 15, 2025 at 6:19 PM
In Focus: The Trump administration disbanded a federal newborn screening panel, and patients now face a hard and unpredictable path to diagnosis and treatment.
The Trump administration disbanded a newborn screening panel. Advocates now face a harder path.
“It’s not acceptance. It’s next-level rage," one parent told me.
endpoints.news/the-trump-ad...
“It’s not acceptance. It’s next-level rage," one parent told me.
endpoints.news/the-trump-ad...
The Trump administration disbanded a newborn screening panel. Advocates now face a harder path
atient groups face a harder and unpredictable path going state-by-state to boost screening for rare but treatable conditions after the Trump administration disbanded a federal advisory committee on ne...
endpoints.news
July 15, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The Trump administration disbanded a newborn screening panel. Advocates now face a harder path.
“It’s not acceptance. It’s next-level rage," one parent told me.
endpoints.news/the-trump-ad...
“It’s not acceptance. It’s next-level rage," one parent told me.
endpoints.news/the-trump-ad...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
As China’s drug industry expands, US biotech investors are divided: cash in or push back? Some, like Curie.Bio’s Zach Weinberg, are calling for action to limit China’s growing role in R&D.
China’s rise splits US biotech investors: Cash in, or counter?
US investors debate response to China's rise in drug development, with some seeing a national security threat while others embrace collaboration. FDA and policymakers consider reforms to maintain comp...
endpoints.news
July 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
As China’s drug industry expands, US biotech investors are divided: cash in or push back? Some, like Curie.Bio’s Zach Weinberg, are calling for action to limit China’s growing role in R&D.
One biotech VC calls China a threat. Another says Americans won’t forgive politicians who impede life-saving drugs.
Inside the investor split on China’s ascent in drug development.
w/ @andrewedunn.bsky.social + @kylelahucik.bsky.social, @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/us-investors...
Inside the investor split on China’s ascent in drug development.
w/ @andrewedunn.bsky.social + @kylelahucik.bsky.social, @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/us-investors...
China’s rise splits US biotech investors: Cash in, or counter?
US investors debate response to China's rise in drug development, with some seeing a national security threat while others embrace collaboration. FDA and policymakers consider reforms to maintain comp...
endpoints.news
July 2, 2025 at 3:26 PM
One biotech VC calls China a threat. Another says Americans won’t forgive politicians who impede life-saving drugs.
Inside the investor split on China’s ascent in drug development.
w/ @andrewedunn.bsky.social + @kylelahucik.bsky.social, @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/us-investors...
Inside the investor split on China’s ascent in drug development.
w/ @andrewedunn.bsky.social + @kylelahucik.bsky.social, @maxbayer.bsky.social
endpoints.news/us-investors...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
"In 25 years of covering the FDA, this would be a first," said @statnews.com Matt Herper commenting on the @endpts.com story about Makary today. See below #medsky #biosky
This is very concerning.
Endpoints reports that FDA chief Makary sought rejection of KalVista's drug after the company said FDA staffing issues were resulting in delays to its application.
In 25 years of covering the FDA, this would be a first.
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Endpoints reports that FDA chief Makary sought rejection of KalVista's drug after the company said FDA staffing issues were resulting in delays to its application.
In 25 years of covering the FDA, this would be a first.
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly attempted to reject KalVista Pharmaceuticals' drug application, sources said. An HHS spokesperson calls the claim 'totally false.'
endpoints.news
June 24, 2025 at 10:53 PM
"In 25 years of covering the FDA, this would be a first," said @statnews.com Matt Herper commenting on the @endpts.com story about Makary today. See below #medsky #biosky
Great scoop from @andrewedunn.bsky.social:
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly attempted to reject KalVista Pharmaceuticals' drug application, sources said. An HHS spokesperson calls the claim 'totally false.'
endpoints.news
June 24, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Great scoop from @andrewedunn.bsky.social:
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Exclusive: FDA's Makary sought rejection of KalVista’s drug in an unusual move by commissioner, sources say
endpoints.news/sources-fda-...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
I spoke with Jade Hindmon, host of @kpbssandiego.bsky.social Midday Edition, about the consequences of the current administration’s cuts to science funding. Please share to help spread the word and raise awareness.
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
Nobel laureate on how Trump's cuts are hurting science
Neuroscientist, biologist and 2021 Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian joined Midday Edition to talk about how the Trump administration's effort to cut back on science spending is impacting researche...
www.kpbs.org
June 19, 2025 at 12:27 AM
I spoke with Jade Hindmon, host of @kpbssandiego.bsky.social Midday Edition, about the consequences of the current administration’s cuts to science funding. Please share to help spread the word and raise awareness.
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
Can a drug developed for one person's rare form of ALS become a treatment for many others?
A treatment made just for a 26-year-old woman offers a glimpse into how customized therapies could be just a starting point.
endpoints.news/a-custom-als...
A treatment made just for a 26-year-old woman offers a glimpse into how customized therapies could be just a starting point.
endpoints.news/a-custom-als...
How a tailored ALS drug could help broaden rare disease therapies
In 2020, Jaci Hermstad died at age 26 from a rare and aggressive form of ALS. But her story didn’t end there.
endpoints.news
June 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Can a drug developed for one person's rare form of ALS become a treatment for many others?
A treatment made just for a 26-year-old woman offers a glimpse into how customized therapies could be just a starting point.
endpoints.news/a-custom-als...
A treatment made just for a 26-year-old woman offers a glimpse into how customized therapies could be just a starting point.
endpoints.news/a-custom-als...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
@jaredwhitlock.bsky.social has written an article about the many new companies spun out/spawned by ex-Illuminites. In it he references the crowdsourced "Illumina Diaspora" database Millard Chan and I created to keep track of them all.
sandiegomics.com/illumina-dia...
endpts.com/how-illumina...
sandiegomics.com/illumina-dia...
endpts.com/how-illumina...
DNA giant Illumina spawned an ecosystem of competitors and customers
For Illumina, its former employees are both a boon and a problem. In the 27 years since its founding, the DNA sequencing company unlocked new frontiers in biology, medicine and ...
endpts.com
May 29, 2025 at 9:13 PM
@jaredwhitlock.bsky.social has written an article about the many new companies spun out/spawned by ex-Illuminites. In it he references the crowdsourced "Illumina Diaspora" database Millard Chan and I created to keep track of them all.
sandiegomics.com/illumina-dia...
endpts.com/how-illumina...
sandiegomics.com/illumina-dia...
endpts.com/how-illumina...
DNA giant Illumina spawned an ecosystem. Now its former employees are both its customers and fiercest competitors.
My latest is an in-depth look at a different kind of corporate lineage story, via @endpts.com
endpts.com/how-illumina...
My latest is an in-depth look at a different kind of corporate lineage story, via @endpts.com
endpts.com/how-illumina...
DNA giant Illumina spawned an ecosystem of competitors and customers
For Illumina, its former employees are both a boon and a problem. In the 27 years since its founding, the DNA sequencing company unlocked new frontiers in biology, medicine and ...
endpts.com
May 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
DNA giant Illumina spawned an ecosystem. Now its former employees are both its customers and fiercest competitors.
My latest is an in-depth look at a different kind of corporate lineage story, via @endpts.com
endpts.com/how-illumina...
My latest is an in-depth look at a different kind of corporate lineage story, via @endpts.com
endpts.com/how-illumina...
Reposted by Jared Whitlock
During the pandemic boom years, young biotechs signed huge, long-term leases for space in a competitive market.
Now, many of them are being dragged down by those big obligations... and can't get rid of them,
@andrewedunn.bsky.social reports
Now, many of them are being dragged down by those big obligations... and can't get rid of them,
@andrewedunn.bsky.social reports
Big leases, bigger regrets: Biotech slump turns swanky offices from asset into liability
Biotech companies face financial strain from expensive long-term leases signed during pandemic boom, with Ginkgo Bioworks, Prime Medicine & others struggling with high lease obligations amid market do...
endpts.com
May 21, 2025 at 3:25 PM
During the pandemic boom years, young biotechs signed huge, long-term leases for space in a competitive market.
Now, many of them are being dragged down by those big obligations... and can't get rid of them,
@andrewedunn.bsky.social reports
Now, many of them are being dragged down by those big obligations... and can't get rid of them,
@andrewedunn.bsky.social reports