STAT+: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first

STAT PlusNewsletterThe Readout FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Kalshi allows bets on clinical trial outcomes, Eli Lilly buys a psychedelic medicine, and more biotech news from The Readout Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Meghana KeshavanJuly 16, 2026 Biotech Correspondent Meghana Keshavan[email protected]Meghana Keshavan covers biotech and contributes to The Readout newsletter. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Kalshi is unveiling new biopharma betting markets, we have a deeper understanding of the link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis, and Merck gets an FDA approval on its oral PCSK9.Advertisement Kalshi will launch bets on biotech Prediction market giant Kalshi announced this morning that it will now start taking bets on clinical trial outcomes and FDA approvals, STAT’s Elaine Chen writes. It’s starting with a small number of markets selected alongside partner AppliedXL, a tech company that already monitors and predicts clinical trial outcomes. 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 biotechnology, drug development, Drug prices, research Submit a correction requestReprints Meghana Keshavan Biotech Correspondent Meghana Keshavan covers biotech and contributes to The Readout newsletter. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharma July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Kalshi comes for biopharma, with prediction markets for clinical trials and FDA approvals Biotech July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly to acquire psychedelics-focused biotech AtaiBeckley Advertisement Adam's Biotech Scorecard July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Amylyx nears pivotal endocrine drug study readout First Opinion July 16, 2026 The growing fang-to-pharmacy pipeline The Readout July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Celcuity’s breast cancer drug approved, its first Subscriber Picks