How do you sell lefty ideas to righty politicians?

What’s going on at Gilead Sciences? And why are biotech investors freaking out?

We discuss all that and more on the latest episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast. First, STAT D.C. correspondent Lev Facher joins us to talk about Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar’s efforts to convince conservatives that tying Medicare payments to overseas drug prices is a good idea. Then, we delve into how the federal government’s sudden scrutiny over investments from China is rattling biotech. That’s followed by quick explorations of a debate over the ethics of animal research, the scientific history of a new Amgen drug, and why Gilead’s latest move is inspiring more fret than relief.

You can listen to the episode here. To listen to future episodes, be sure to sign up on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.