Targeting the Toughest Diseases:
A podcast
Did you know there’s a connection between sickle cell disease and malaria? Or that ancient Egyptians detected type 1 diabetes using ants? Or that there’s even a link between muscular dystrophy and autism? In Targeting the Toughest Diseases – a podcast created in partnership with Vertex and Bloomberg Media Studios – we hear the stories of people living with these and other serious diseases, from experts all over the world who explain the often little-known histories of these conditions, and about how Vertex is using innovative tools, methods and a unique philosophy to search for treatments and cures.
Listen to the available episodes below and subscribe today.
Jordan Gass-Pooré
About the host
Jordan Gass-Pooré (she/her/hers) is the host of Targeting the Toughest Diseases, and is an award-winning podcast producer and investigative journalist with more than a decade of journalism experience. She is a member of the University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism and has produced CNN’s podcasts, “Chasing Life” and “Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction,” both hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Presently, Jordan is the creator, producer and host of “Hazard NJ,” a limited-series podcast about the impacts of climate change on hazardous Superfund sites in New Jersey. This podcast is in collaboration with the PBS affiliate NJ Spotlight News. She is also a producer of the investigative podcast “Sounds Like Hate,” created by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Until 20 Productions.
Jordan has a master’s degree in investigative journalism from City, University of London and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas State University.
Series trailer
Introducing: Targeting the Toughest Diseases
Targeting the Toughest Diseases looks at some of humanity’s most challenging diseases and how Vertex is using innovative tools, methods and a unique philosophy to search for treatments and cures. Produced in partnership with Bloomberg Media Studios – listen to our series trailer and subscribe today.
To access a script of the series trailer, click here.
Cystic fibrosis
Targeting Cystic Fibrosis
NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason’s career high came just days before his son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) – a genetic disease characterized by thick and sticky mucus that interferes with breathing, digestion, and the body’s ability to fight infections. Esiason now dedicates his free time to raising awareness to help fund the search for a cure. We explore how Vertex’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. David Altshuler, and the research team at Vertex have spent the last 20+ years researching the underlying cause of the disease – and their work is not yet finished.
To access a script of this episode, click here.
Sickle cell disease
Targeting Sickle Cell Disease
Terri Booker’s body burns with pain. She’s one of the 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease — a blood disorder that can cause severe pain, organ failure, and even premature death. The genetic condition came about to protect against malaria. Dr. William Hobbs leads clinical development for sickle cell disease at Vertex — their investigational research into sickle cell disease uses cutting-edge technology.
To access a script of this episode, click here.
APOL1-mediated kidney disease
Targeting Genetic Kidney Disease
NBA great Alonzo Mourning returned home from the Sydney Olympics after winning the gold medal feeling ill. He surprisingly was diagnosed shortly after with kidney disease. Scientists have discovered his type of kidney disease is linked to having genetic variants of the APOL1 gene – ones that 13% of people with African ancestry carry. Dr. Ogo Egbuna leads clinical development for the team researching APOL1-mediated kidney disease at Vertex where they’re investigating a small molecule therapy to target its underlying cause.
To access a script of this episode, click here.
Type 1 diabetes
Targeting Type 1 Diabetes
Madison Carter is a fearless investigative reporter. She takes no day for granted because she lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Dr. Doug Melton is a world-renowned stem cell researcher and distinguished fellow at Vertex – and his now grown children, Sam and Emma, live with T1D. Along with scientists like Dr. Felicia Pagliuca, who leads Vertex’s research into T1D, he's been on a quest to help Madison, Sam, Emma and others like them by investigating the disease at a cellular level.
To access a script of this episode, click here.
Pain
Targeting Pain
Quána Madison is one of the millions of Americans living with chronic pain. Dressing herself or even showering can be excruciating. Dr. Paul Negulescu and the research team at Vertex are thinking differently about pain – they’re investigating potential non-opioid based treatment options that aim to target pain where it starts.
To access a script of this episode, click here.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Targeting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Before John Killian's toddler son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), doctors told parents to simply take their children home and love them. The disease weakens the body's muscles and cognitive functions, which can lead to premature death. John’s son is now college-bound, thanks to the help of medical advancements that target the symptoms of the disease. Geneticist Dr. Alison McVie-Wylie and the research team at Vertex hope to move past only treating the symptoms of DMD by addressing the disease at its root cause.
To access a script of this episode, click here.