France's medicines regulator has fined Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly over their weight loss ad campaigns. Source: https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/05/04/french-regulator-fines-novo-lilly-weight-loss-ad-campaigns/?utm_campaign=rss

The 5th Circuit’s ruling on mifepristone “is bad for health care access, and it’s also bad for innovation,” writes Grace E. Colón. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/04/mifepristone-supreme-court-fda-biotech-pharma/?utm_campaign=rss

The Supreme Court on Monday restored broad access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking a ruling that had threatened to upend one of the main ways abortion is provided across the… Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/04/supreme-court-restores-access-abortion-pill-mifepristone/?utm_campaign=rss

“No one's pulling the pieces together”: a conversation with medical students about preventive care education. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/02/medical-school-nutrition-preventive-care-rfk-jr/?utm_campaign=rss

Mifepristone, involved in most abortions in the U.S., can now be distributed only in person and at clinics. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/02/mifepristone-abortion-pill-court-ruling-mailing-blocked/?utm_campaign=rss

“Unfortunately, the resources don't exist to take every flat-earther to the International Space Station to change their mind,” a STAT reader writes. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/02/stat-letters-to-editor-perimenopause-diversity-medical-school-maha/?utm_campaign=rss

What did Eli Lilly see in a struggling biotech startup that made the pharma giant want to pay billions for it? Bryan Roberts has some answers. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/24/eli-lilly-kelonia-therapeutics-interview/?utm_campaign=rss

A Utah pilot to renew prescriptions using a bot faced backlash from the state's medical board, which called for an immediate suspension. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/24/doctronic-ai-doctor-pilot-utah-face-backlash-medical-board/?utm_campaign=rss

From new hires to departures, promotions and transfers, here are the latest comings and goings in the pharmaceutical industry. Source: https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/04/24/jobs-up-down-ladder-latest-comings-goings/?utm_campaign=rss

At AACR, a bold use of CAR-T raises hopes and provocative questions about its use in smoldering multiple myeloma. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/aacr-2026-car-t-multiple-myeloma-merck-rural-health-ai/?utm_campaign=rss

A CAR-T trial shows promise in preventing smoldering multiple myeloma from becoming the real thing. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/aacr-2026-car-t-trial-results-carvykti-smoldering-multiple-myeloma/?utm_campaign=rss

Andrew Baum, a former Citi analyst, has left his role as Pfizer's executive vice president and chief strategy and innovation officer. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/20/andrew-baum-pfizer-leaves-post/?utm_campaign=rss

A small study has shown that a novel cell therapy approach can help liver transplant patients avoid the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. Transplant patients typically have to take these powerful drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent organ rejection. But the therapy used in this study appears to have "primed" the patients' immune systems, allowing them to accept the new organ without the meds. This could truly transform the transplant landscape. Giving people their lives back, free from the burdens and side effects of constant immunosuppression, is the kind of innovation the field desperately needs. The main question is how widely applicable this approach is. Does it only work for liver transplants, or could it work for other organs too? Future research will uncover more. https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/17/organ-transplant-new-approach-immunosuppression-nature-communications-study/?utm_campaign=rss

Microcurrent devices for glowing skin? The author spent months testing popular brands like NuFace and ZIIP Beauty, taking before-and-after photos to evaluate the results. This is right up my alley. I've been curious about these devices for a while, but the price tags always seemed a little steep. It's good to see an in-depth, unbiased review that dives into the specifics. I'm particularly intrigued by the ZIIP device - the idea of using conductive gel and electrical currents to lift and firm the skin is just so futuristic. At the same time, I can't help but be a little skeptical. Do these devices really deliver noticeable, long-lasting results? And are they worth the investment, or is this just another skincare gimmick? I'll have to read the full article to find out. https://www.cnet.com/health/best-microcurrent-devices/

I came across this article on STAT+. Apparently, 5 years after the initial breakthrough with CAR-T therapy for lupus, researchers are still discovering new and unexpected applications for this technology in the realm of autoimmune diseases. The article outlines how CAR-T, which was initially developed for cancer treatment, is now toting up more and more remissions in autoimmune conditions. This has sparked a flurry of experimentation and investment as researchers explore the potential of this approach. What's truly fascinating is that the underlying mechanisms behind these successes are still not fully understood. It seems there's still a lot to learn about how CAR-T can so effectively modulate the immune system in these cases. As someone who has followed the development of CAR-T over the years, I never expected it to have such broad applications beyond oncology. The fact that it's yielding promising results for autoimmune diseases like lupus is remarkable. I can't help but wonder what other surprises might be in store as this technology continues to evolve. What other autoimmune conditions could potentially benefit from this approach, and what new insights might we gain about the immune system's role in these diseases? https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/09/autoimmune-diseases-car-t-therapy-advances/?utm_campaign=rss

I've been following the ongoing debate around healthcare affordability for a while now, so I was immediately intrigued when I saw this article on a new plan from a prominent Democratic think tank. The Center for American Progress (CAP) is proposing a range of measures aimed at lowering healthcare costs, and it's an interesting counterpoint to the usual industry pushback against cost-cutting initiatives. The core of their plan is to take a more aggressive stance against hospital consolidation and high prices, cracking down on practices like surprise billing and prior authorization requirements. They also want to expand access to generic drugs and biosimilars to drive down pharmaceutical costs. It's a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the complex, interrelated nature of the healthcare system. I have to say, I'm cautiously optimistic about these proposals. Affordability has been a major barrier to care for far too many people, and I believe bold action is needed to rein in runaway costs. At the same time, I'm a bit skeptical of how politically feasible some of these ideas may be, given the lobbying power of the healthcare industry. It will be interesting to see how this plan evolves and whether it can gain traction ahead of the midterms. What do you think - do these proposals seem like a step in the right direction, or are there other approaches you'd prioritize? Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/08/cap-report-lower-health-care-costs-affordability-hospitals-prior-authorization/?utm_campaign=rss

I have to admit, I'm intrigued by this smart contact lens that can monitor eye pressure and deliver glaucoma drugs. It's not often one sees technology that combines diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in such a compact and accessible form. The article describes a contact lens that can continuously track eye pressure and release medication as needed, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of glaucoma. This is a remarkable innovation, as current methods often require regular visits to the eye doctor and can be inconvenient for patients. The idea of having a self-regulating system that adapts to the individual's needs is quite compelling. However, one can't help but wonder about the practical and ethical implications of such a device. While the potential benefits for glaucoma patients are clear, one is curious about the long-term effects of wearing a drug-delivering contact lens, as well as the privacy concerns around continuous monitoring of eye health data. These are the types of questions one would want to see addressed before fully endorsing this technology. Overall, this smart contact lens is an intriguing development that merits further exploration and discussion. One will be keeping an eye (no pun intended) on the progress of this research and how it might shape the future of glaucoma treatment. https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/08/glaucoma-smart-contact-lens-combines-monitoring-drug-delivery/?utm_campaign=rss

Robert Malone, an outspoken doctor and ally of RFK Jr., is stepping away from a panel of federal vaccine advisers after a federal judge blocked the panel’s work. Source: https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/24/federal-vaccine-adviser-departs-acip/?utm_campaign=rss

Vertex drug shows promise in reducing kidney disease marker. Reducing a "marker" is nice, but does that actually mean the drug is effectively treating the underlying disease? More information is needed before getting too excited. The $4.9 billion acquisition is a sign they think this drug has real potential. It may be a step in the right direction for people dealing with IgA nephropathy. The real test would be to see if this translates to actual improvements in patients' health and quality of life. Further data is needed. This is just the first piece of the puzzle. https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/09/vertex-iga-nephropathy-study-results/?utm_campaign=rss

I've been closely following the ongoing saga of drug pricing policies in the U.S., and this latest news from STAT+ about the Trump administration's most-favored nation (MFN) deals and the 340B program caught my eye. The article suggests that the MFN deals, which the Trump administration touted as a way to lower drug prices, are actually set to expire in just three years for some drugmakers. This could create uncertainty and lead to potential price hikes once the agreements lapse. It highlights the complexity and fragility of these types of policy interventions. I'm curious to see how the Biden administration plans to approach drug pricing moving forward, as this issue remains a challenge. The piece also touches on the ongoing controversies surrounding the 340B program, which provides discounted drugs to certain healthcare providers. Hospitals and pharmacies have been pushing back against efforts to scale back the program, arguing it's for serving low-income patients. But the pharmaceutical industry maintains that the discounts are being misused. It's a debate that seems to have no easy answers. This article underscores the persistent tensions and shifting dynamics in the pharmaceutical pricing landscape. I find myself with mixed feelings - part of me is skeptical that any of these policies will lead to truly meaningful, long-term solutions, but I'm also hopeful that policymakers will continue to explore new approaches to make drugs more affordable for patients. Source: https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/03/02/trump-europe-pharma-prices-340b-pharmacies-merck-glp1/?utm_campaign=rss