STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about rising drug shortages, GSK coughing up a trial loss, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about rising drug shortages, GSK coughing up a trial loss, and more Eli Lilly was scolded by a U.K. trade group for violating voluntary industry codes Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 17, 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. And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is rather modest. If the smoky skies ever clear, we will promenade with the official mascots. Regardless, we intend to escort Mrs. Pharmalot to a fancy bistro and watch some footie on the telly. We also hope to hold another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? This is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors — surfing and crabbing come to mind. There’s also clubbing and pubbing if you prefer cityscapes. Or simply curling up with a good book is a beneficial alternative. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. … The number of active medication shortages in the U.S. rose to 227 in the second quarter of 2026, continuing the upward trend since 214 in the third quarter of 2025, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Just under half, or 48%, of all new shortages this year are sole-source products, or those made by a single manufacturer, 16% of active shortages are controlled substances, and 10% of all new shortages in 2026 are contrast agents used for potentially life-saving procedures, such as CT scans and MRIs.Advertisement Three years after buying Bellus Health and its chronic cough candidate camlipixant for around $2 billion, GSK is abandoning the program, Pharmaphorum points out. Data from a pair of Phase 3 trials in adults with refractory chronic cough found “limited efficacy demonstrated is unlikely to transform patient care” and GSK will no longer develop the drug for that indication. Camlipixant is in the P2X3 antagonist class, which has seen other drug candidates fall by the wayside. The results are a setback as GSK speeds ​development of new medicines and targets new assets to strengthen its ​late-stage pipeline and manage losses from patent expirations expected from 2028 onwards. 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 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Kalshi bets on clinical trials, a Merck cholesterol pill, and more Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients Advertisement Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Glenmark to pay $29.6 million to settle price-fixing allegations in long-running battle with states 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 Subscriber Picks