STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Kalshi bets on clinical trials, a Merck cholesterol pill, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Kalshi bets on clinical trials, a Merck cholesterol pill, and more Lilly is acquiring AtaiBeckley, a developer of psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 16, 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. Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Well, sort of. The skies in these parts are decidedly hazy thanks to smoky conditions to the north. Nonetheless, we are doing our best to take a deep breath and focus on the matters at hand. To that end, we are firing up the trusty kettle to make another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is English breakfast, an old standby. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a meaningful and productive day and, of course, do stay in touch. … Prediction markets have permeated the worlds of sports, politics, and reality television shows. Now, the biopharma industry could be next as Kalshi, one of the world’s largest prediction market exchanges, plans to take bets on clinical trials and regulatory approvals, STAT reports. The company is starting with a small number of markets chosen in collaboration with its partner, AppliedXL, a tech firm that monitors and predicts study outcomes. Initially, Kalshi will take a conservative approach, allowing people to bet only on Phase 3 trial outcomes run by established drug companies and with full approval decisions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Advertisement The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a first-of-its kind pill from Merck that is designed to help lower cholesterol levels beyond what statins alone can achieve, The Wall Street Journal says. The agency cleared Lipfendra to treat high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The approval was based on studies showing that Merck’s once-daily pill reduced bad, or LDL, cholesterol levels by up to 60% over six months in adults with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Analysts expect the new Merck pill to be a big seller, generating peak annual sales of more than $5 billion. 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 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Glenmark to pay $29.6 million to settle price-fixing allegations in long-running battle with states Advertisement Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Biogen Alzheimer’s drug, skyrocketing 340B drug sales, and more 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 Subscriber Picks