SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE

Natalia Mesa

Contributing Writer

Natalia is an independent journalist based in Brooklyn, New York, who writes about life science, health and technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Tools needed to carry out scientific experiments in biology and chemistry. Modern vector illustration on a red background.
Clinical Research
FDA, NIH Accelerate Shift Away From Animal Research as Experts Warn of Limitations
The FDA and NIH recently announced plans to phase out animal testing requirements for some therapies. While organoid and AI providers celebrate, scientists warn that questions over safety, applicability and implementation remain.
May 19, 2025
 · 
6 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Empty Wheelchair under Cloud in Desert on a blue sky background. 3d Rendering
Spinal muscular atrophy
6 Therapies on the Horizon for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Since 2016, the FDA has approved three disease-modifying treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, with several companies—including Novartis, Scholar Rock and Biogen—progressing novel candidates through clinical trials.
March 24, 2025
 · 
5 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing enzyme, 3d illustration
Drug Development
CRISPR on the Cusp: The Promise and the Pain Points
Gene editing technologies are advancing rapidly in the clinic, with the potential first approval later this year, but challenges remain.
July 7, 2023
 · 
7 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Pictured: Two brains with light bulbs_iStock, Feod
Drug Development
Public-Private Alliance Chooses Eight Rare Diseases for Focused Gene Therapy Development
The Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium intends to bring AAV-based gene therapies to patients whose diseases are often ignored by commercial interests.
June 16, 2023
 · 
5 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Pictured: CVS Health's signage outside its office in Texas
CVS Health Winding Down Clinical Trial Business
Less than two years after announcing the launch of its clinical trial services business, CVS Health reported that it will shut down the division by the end of 2024.
May 17, 2023
 · 
3 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Pictured: Close-up of a microscope/Kkolosov/iStock
Business
Will Advancements in AI Lead to Job Loss in Biotech?
The biotechnology industry may not suffer as many losses as other industries due to generative AI, but the future of the job market is still uncertain for some.
May 10, 2023
 · 
3 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Pictured: 3D illustration of antibody-drug conjugates carrying toxic payloads
Drug Development
Biopharma Bets Big on Antibody-Drug Conjugates
After a brief slump, interest in ADCs is at an all-time high, highlighted by a handful of recent multi-million- and billion-dollar acquisitions.
May 5, 2023
 · 
5 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
A patient takes her own vitals during a remote doc
Drug Development
FDA Guidance May Bolster Confidence in Decentralized Clinical Trials
The FDA’s new guidance on decentralized clinical trials clarifies how investigators and trial sponsors can use digital health technologies and involve primary healthcare practitioners.
May 5, 2023
 · 
3 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
Pictured: A Walgreens in Las Vegas on the night of
Drug Development
Walgreens Launches Partnership with Prothena to Compete with CVS, Walmart
The joint venture between Walgreens and Prothena to accelerate the approval of an Alzheimer’s treatment is the latest in biotech and retail chain alliances.
April 27, 2023
 · 
5 min read
 · 
Natalia Mesa
OSZAR »