How rare is too rare when it comes to biotech research?

Can a donut hole get someone re-elected? And what does "positive" even mean, really?

We discuss all that and more on the latest episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, we discuss some confusing new clinical data in Alzheimer's disease that has led to controversy around a Biogen-developed treatment for Alzheimer's disease. STAT's Lev Facher joins us to discuss how the issue of drug pricing is shaping races across the U.S. ahead of the midterm elections. And then we explore how crowdfunded science for ultra-rare diseases has led to some inspiring stories and shined a light on a gray area in biotech research.

You can listen to the episode here. And you can expect another episode next Thursday evening — and every Thursday evening — so be sure to sign up on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.