STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA commissioner contenders, a heart drug failure, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA commissioner contenders, a heart drug failure, and more Moderna has won an EU contract to supply RSV vaccines to six countries Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Jason MastJuly 9, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Jason Mast[email protected]Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Good morning, Jason Mast here filling in for Ed Silverman again. Today, in STAT’s Brooklyn outpost we’re drinking — yes, heresies of heresies — plain old water. Sometimes you have to give the heart a rest. The news, though, never stops. Here are the headlines. … The White House is reviewing a list of top contenders for the FDA commissioner post, STAT reports. The shortlist includes Heidi Overton, a White House adviser; Jeffrey Vacirca, an oncologist and health system executive; and Stephen Ferrara, a health affairs official at the Defense Department. The role has been filled, on an acting basis, by Kyle Diamantas, since Marty Makary resigned earlier this year.Advertisement A closely watched heart failure drug from AstraZeneca and Ionis failed in a pivotal trial, STAT tells us. The drug, called Wainua, was a core part of AstraZeneca’s plans to reach $80 billion in annual sales, and the news sent both companies’ stocks tumbling. Some analysts partly blamed the recent spate of approvals of other medications for the disease, called ATTR-cardiomyopathy, from Alnylam and BridgeBio. Many patients were already on another drug, making it harder to demonstrate Wainua’s effect. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In pharmalittle, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Jason Mast General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Vera kidney drug approval, a U.K. Enhertu pricing deal, and more Pharmalot July 7, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10 billion Vertex deal, the pace of FDA drug approvals, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Novartis acquisition, Republicans backing clinical trial diversity, and more Pharmalot July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Lawmakers urge HHS to force Eli Lilly to provide 340B drug discounts to hospitals Pharmalot July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Subscriber Picks