STAT+: Former banker brought on to revitalize Pfizer’s strategy departs his post
Andrew Baum, a former Citi analyst, has left his role as Pfizer's executive vice president and chief strategy and innovation officer.
Medical News
STAT+: In early trial, CAR-T results raise hope of preventing multiple myeloma in high-risk patients
A CAR-T trial shows promise in preventing smoldering multiple myeloma from becoming the real thing.
STAT+: Trump order to advance psychedelic treatments generates excitement — and worries
President Trump’s executive order on was largely applauded by advocates. But some also quietly worried the White House’s role risks politicizing their field and undermining its credibility.
Opinion: The contradiction at the heart of Republicans’ embrace of psychedelics
“The research is clear about one thing: Recovery is not primarily a pharmacological event,” write Dimitri Mugianis and Ross Ellenhorn.
STAT+: Eli Lilly’s $3.25 billion acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics caps startup’s tortuous ride
Kelonia Therapeutics, a small biotech company, long struggled to stay afloat. Now it's been acquired by Eli Lilly for $3.25 billion.
Sanofi touts tolerability of COVID shot Nuvaxovid in head-to-head trial vs. Moderna's mNexspike
Sanofi’s protein-based vaccine Nuvaxovid has topped Moderna’s next-generation messenger RNA shot mNexspike in a head-to-head trial assessing the tolerability of the two COVID vaccines.
Genentech shifts Hemlibra marketing focus to patient stories as competition approaches
Genentech has launched the “Life Doesn’t Wait” campaign to mark World Hemophilia Day, dialing up its focus on patient stories ahead of the expected intensification of competition in the hemophilia A market.
Neurogene hires new CCO as it eyes commercial future for its Rett gene therapy
Neurogene is looking to make the leap from a clinical biotech to a commercial biopharma with its lead gene therapy and has hired an industry veteran to take the reins.
Biovac nets $108M finance package to build Africa’s first fully integrated vaccine plant
Biovac has secured a $108.3 million financing package that will allow the South African pharma company to build the continent’s first end-to-end, multi-vaccine production plant.
This missing vitamin could stop cancer cells in their tracks
Cancer cells are known for their “glutamine addiction,” but many can escape this weakness by switching to alternative fuels. Researchers found that vitamin B7 acts like a metabolic “license,” enabling this escape route through a key enzyme. Without biotin, cancer cells lose that flexibility and stop growing. Mutations in a cancer-linked gene can make this vulnerability even stronger, offering a pr
This simple 3-amino acid trick boosts mRNA therapy 20-fold
A trio of common amino acids may hold the key to unlocking far more powerful gene therapies. Researchers found that adding them to lipid nanoparticles can boost mRNA delivery up to 20-fold and push CRISPR editing efficiency close to 90%. The trick isn’t changing the drug—but helping cells take it in more easily. In early tests, the approach dramatically improved survival and treatment outcomes, po
Biogen bullish on America with Durham Bulls team up
Biogen and Minor League Baseball’s Durham Bulls are joining forces to celebrate “America 250” in the Triangle Community.
Scientists say this type of olive oil could boost brain power
Extra virgin olive oil might help protect your brain by working through your gut. A two-year study found that people who consumed it had better cognitive performance and more diverse gut bacteria than those using refined olive oil. Researchers even identified specific microbes linked to these benefits. The findings suggest that choosing high-quality olive oil could be a simple way to support brain
Optimism for Trump’s CDC pick is tempered by questions about RFK Jr.’s role
As one CDC employee, who asked not to be named, put it on Friday, among staff “the general vibe is guarded but hopeful.”
Opinion: The podcast bringing together MAHA and public health for hard conversations
“These sides aren't talking to each other. And there's a lot riding on it”: The hosts of “Why Should I Trust You?” on bringing together MAHA and public health.
It doesn’t matter how much you sit — walking more could lower your risk of death and disease
Sitting all day might not be as damaging as once feared—if you’re willing to move more. A massive study tracking over 72,000 people found that simply increasing daily steps can significantly reduce the risk of death and heart disease, even for those who spend long hours sedentary. Hitting around 9,000–10,000 steps a day delivered the biggest benefits, cutting mortality risk by nearly 40% and cardi
Artificial neurons successfully communicate with living brain cells
Engineers at Northwestern University have taken a striking leap toward merging machines with the human brain by printing artificial neurons that can actually communicate with real ones. These flexible, low-cost devices generate lifelike electrical signals capable of activating living brain cells, a breakthrough demonstrated in mouse brain tissue.
Eating more fruits and vegetables tied to unexpected lung cancer risk
A surprising new study suggests that eating a very healthy diet—packed with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—might be linked to a higher risk of lung cancer in younger non-smokers. Researchers found that patients under 50 diagnosed with lung cancer often had better-than-average diets, raising the possibility that pesticide exposure from conventionally grown produce could be a hidden culprit.
STAT+: A pancreatic cancer expert on why Revolution Medicines’ study could ‘open up a new era’ of treatment
"I do think it's a revolution," said Paul Oberstein of NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center.
STAT+: FDA eyes expanding testosterone therapy for libido
New research questions GLP-1's purpose, a pancreatic cancer breakthrough, and more biotech news from The Readout