Physiology connects genes and molecules to whole-body function, shaping every stage of drug discovery and development. In this sponsored episode of The Top Line, Sue Bodine, president-elect of the American Physiological Society and a professor at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, explains why physiology remains central to biomedical innovation.

Bodine details how physiology strengthens biotech and pharmaceutical research by clarifying how therapies behave in complex biological systems, identifying unintended effects and supporting stronger regulatory narratives. She also examines the expanding role of physiology in wearable technology, remote patient monitoring and artificial intelligence, where biological context is essential to turning large data sets into clinically meaningful insights.

The episode also highlights the society’s campaign, “Physiology: The Science Life Depends On,” aimed at elevating awareness of foundational science amid funding uncertainty. For executives, investors and health care leaders seeking sustainable innovation and patient impact, this discussion underscores a clear message: Breakthroughs depend on physiology. Listen to the full interview.