STAT+: The nation’s MAHA mom lands in Congress, with some uncomfortable questions
Casey Means' confirmation hearing, prior auth reforms are a priority, and other updates from D.C. Diagnosis
Medical News
STAT+: What stands between brain implants and FDA approval?
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: The regulatory challenges faced by startups developing implanted brain-computer interfaces, and more.
STAT+: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defends rare disease drug rejections, Vinay Prasad
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defended the agency’s recent rejections of rare disease drugs and one of his deputies, Vinay Prasad, in an interview with CNBC.
Boehringer's Hernexeos secures speedy first-line expansion in FDA's 2nd national priority nod
Less than six months after debuting as the first drug that can target a rare tumor type in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Hernexeos has quickly widened its reach into the first-line setting with the help of an FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV).
'Like talking to a brick wall': Senate hearing takes aim at FDA's rare disease review process
A panel of physicians, biotech leaders and patient advocates took aim at the FDA during a Senate hearing on how the agency’s bureaucracy affects innovation.
After delay, CDC vaccine panel sets new dates to discuss long COVID and mRNA shot safety
Following an unexpected delay of the CDC vaccine panel's February meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has selected dates next month to convene and discuss, among other matters, COVID-19 vaccine safety.
Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men
A massive study of more than 270,000 people has uncovered a surprising link between a common amino acid and how long men live. Researchers found that higher levels of tyrosine—an amino acid found in protein-rich foods and often marketed as a focus-boosting supplement—were associated with shorter life expectancy in men, potentially trimming nearly a year off lifespan.
STAT+: Xenon’s seizure drug study reads out soon. Here’s what to expect
Xenon Pharmaceuticals is developing a drug for the most common type of seizure experienced by people with epilepsy. Here's what to know.
OMG—argenx scores again with Vyvgart in ocular myasthenia gravis
Already on a roll with its first-in-class FcRn blocker Vyvgart, argenx has reported successful trial results that could pave the way for the fast-rising blockbuster to reach a new indication—ocular myasthenia gravis.
Eisai points the way to kidney cancer support with Kompass digital hub
With a new online resource, Eisai is offering patients and caregivers some direction to help navigate a kidney cancer diagnosis.
Sarepta CEO Doug Ingram to retire after a decade of Duchenne breakthroughs and controversies
Sarepta Therapeutics CEO Doug Ingram announced Wednesday that he will retire by the end of 2026, citing a “shocking and ironic twist of fate” involving the health of his family.
Hidden architecture inside cellular droplets opens new targets for cancer and ALS
Biomolecular condensates were long believed to be simple liquid blobs inside cells. Researchers have now uncovered that some are actually supported by fine protein filaments forming an internal scaffold. When this structure is disrupted, cells fail to grow and divide properly. The discovery suggests scientists may one day design drugs that target condensate architecture to fight cancer and neurode
Opinion: I had a brother with schizophrenia. I can’t stop thinking about Nick Reiner’s siblings
When mental illness strikes a family, siblings are often overlooked.
STAT+: Rare disease advocates fume over FDA’s mixed signals
Families facing rare diseases feel whiplash over shifting and contradictory decisions by the FDA.
Protagonist plans to pocket $400M from Takeda rather than split US rusfertide profits
While the FDA mulls whether to approve Protagonist Therapeutics’ hematology asset, the biopharma is thinking it will pocket $400 million rather than split profits with Takeda.
The more you fear aging, the faster your body may age
Worrying about getting older—especially fearing future health problems—may actually speed up aging at the cellular level, according to new research from NYU. In a study of more than 700 women, those who felt more anxious about aging showed signs of faster biological aging in their blood, measured using cutting-edge “epigenetic clocks.” Fears about declining health had the strongest link, while con
Viatris to cut 10% of workforce in 3-year overhaul, discloses fire at India plant
Viatris' three-year reorganization will affect staffers in a range of functions including the company's commercial teams, R&D, medical affairs and manufacturing. Besides the layoffs, the drugmaker also reported a fire in India.
Popular acid reflux medication linked to anemia and bone loss
Popular acid reflux drugs such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix may carry hidden risks when taken long term. A new study found that extended use disrupted iron and calcium levels in rats, changes associated with anemia and osteoporosis risk. Researchers also observed shifts in mineral balance across multiple organs. Experts say the medications are effective, but prolonged use without medical guid
PFAS found in most americans linked to rapid biological aging
“Forever chemicals” known as PFAS have quietly infiltrated everything from nonstick pans to food packaging—and now new research suggests some of them may be speeding up the aging process itself. In a nationally representative U.S. study, two lesser-known PFAS compounds, PFNA and PFOSA, were found in 95% of participants and strongly linked to faster biological aging in men aged 50 to 64.
Study finds vegetarians over 80 less likely to reach 100
Avoiding meat might slightly lower the odds of reaching 100 — but only for frail, underweight seniors. In very old age, staying strong and maintaining muscle matters more than long-term disease prevention. Older adults who included fish, eggs, or dairy were just as likely to become centenarians as meat eaters, suggesting that key nutrients may make the difference. The takeaway: nutrition needs cha