STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Biogen Alzheimer’s drug, skyrocketing 340B drug sales, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Biogen Alzheimer’s drug, skyrocketing 340B drug sales, and more Signs of frailty in older adults taking Lilly’s Zepbound ​may signal risks for adverse outcomes Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 15, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a needed cup of stimulation. Our choice today is ginseng honey, a favorite from our pantry. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. We hope you conquer the world and have a wonderful day. And as always, please do stay in touch. … An experimental Alzheimer’s drug from Biogen, designed with a novel approach, slowed cognitive decline in a mid-stage trial at roughly comparable rates as approved medicines, new data that bolstered the company’s case to move the treatment into a Phase 3 trial, STAT says. Although experts will wait to see the pivotal trial data before making their final assessments of the drug, called diranersen, the results from the Phase 2 trial, if backed up in the larger study, could rekindle the debate about how strong trial results have to be to signify that a drug can offer meaningful benefits for patients and caregivers. Advertisement Potential signs of frailty in older adults taking Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 obesity drug Zepbound ​may signal relatively high risks for adverse outcomes, Reuters writes, citing a large study that underscores concerns about how best to monitor seniors as U.S. Medicare expands access to obesity therapies. In general, frailty-associated conditions such as malnutrition, dehydration and loss of muscle mass and strength developed only rarely and the results should not discourage appropriate use of Zepbound or Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drug Wegovy in older adults, the researchers said. Instead, they encouraged closer follow-up of older patients taking the medicines. 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 Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: FTC settles lawsuit with CVS Caremark over charges it manipulated insulin prices, impeded access Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Sales from controversial U.S. drug discount program rose to $100 billion last year Advertisement Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a battle between Lilly and Teva, psychedelic drugs, and more Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: AIDS activists slam Biden R&D deal with Gilead over HIV prevention drug patents Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an RFK Jr. push against psychiatric meds, a Sanofi blood cancer drug, and more Subscriber Picks