The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) program has been one of the few market-based incentives pushing biotech companies to develop treatments for children with rare conditions. But when its authorization lapsed in late 2024, the future of dozens of pediatric research programs was suddenly thrown into question. In this episode of The Biotech Brief, we walk through what the PPRV program is, how it has helped incentivize pediatric drug development, and why Congress is now moving swiftly to bring it back. We explore what reauthorization would mean for patients, investors, and developers — and how the biotech ecosystem relies on policies like this to keep innovation flowing.

NIH grant cuts have halted hundreds of clinical trials—and now the agency has released a notice confirming delays and gaps in SBIR and STTR funding. In this episode of The Biotech Brief, we connect the dots between shrinking federal support, a stalled biotech innovation pipeline, and the growing pressure on startups and academic researchers alike. What does this mean for drug development timelines, investor confidence, and patient trust? And can the private sector step in fast enough to fill the gap?

Sanofi has officially ended its Phase III trial for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine targeting toddlers—citing futility as the reason for halting development. In this episode of The Biotech Brief, we unpack what happened and why it matters. From the biology of RSV and the unique challenges of vaccinating toddlers, to the competitive market landscape and strategic risks for pharma companies, we take you behind the headlines.

We explore how the program could’ve been salvaged through trial redesign, alternative regulatory strategies in lower-bar jurisdictions, or refined target populations—and why Sanofi may have opted out anyway. We also consider the wider implications for pediatric vaccine development, especially in an era of rising vaccine skepticism and shifting policy dynamics.

If you’re a biotech innovator, investor, or strategist, this episode offers insights into what it really takes to bring a pediatric vaccine to market—and what we can learn when a promising candidate falls short.