Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Hi! Hope you had a nice extended weekend.

Today: Eli Lilly’s gene-editing data seems promising for high cholesterol, an AI drug discovery CEO dispelled some AI drug discovery hype, and the new interim FDA chief is so far well received.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Merck’s bet on an antibody-drug conjugate developed in China has paid off in a major Phase 3 lung cancer study, where sacituzumab tirumotecan paired with Keytruda sharply outperformed Keytruda alone in a subset of lung cancer patients.

Also, the NIH is down another leader, and Sam Altman-backed longevity startup Retro Biosciences raises more funds.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

CAR-T therapies are continuing to gain traction in autoimmune disease, with a notable new case.

Also, the FDA has withdrawn approval of GSK’s leucovorin for a rare brain disorder tied to autism, closing out an unusual episode shaped in part by political pressure.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

PhRMA CEO Steve Ubl is stepping down. Biotech investors are grappling with pressure from AI and rising competition from Chinese labs, even though firms sit on large cash reserves.

Also, the Trump administration is stepping back from the “indirect cost” fight at the NIH, and new data suggest genetics may modestly influence responses to GLP-1 drugs.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

A four-month FDA delay prompted a cash-strapped biotech company to shutter. The White House’s proposed NIH cuts are drawing bipartisan backlash. Peptide hype is outpacing evidence. And more!

The need-to-know this morning

• Neurocrine Biosciences said this morning that it would buy Soleno Therapeutics and its treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome for $2.9 billion. Neurocrine is paying $53 a share for Soleno, a 34% premium to its closing price on Thursday.
  

A four-month FDA delay derailed a small biotech. Is it a sign of the times?

FDA delays can happen. For large drugmakers, they can be frustrating; for small drugmakers, they can be existential.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…