STAT+: Anthropic deepens work with rare disease drugs

STAT PlusNewsletterThe Readout Anthropic deepens work with rare disease drugs Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1s, Medicare pricing plans, and more biotech news from The Readout Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Elaine ChenJuly 21, 2026 National Biotech Reporter Elaine Chen[email protected]Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. We’re sending the newsletter a bit earlier today to get you some news out of federal court.Advertisement The need-to-know this morning Novartis reported second-quarter earnings and reaffirmed its 2026 guidance. Agios Pharmaceuticals is discontinuing the development of a next-generation drug called tebapivat for sickle cell disease. A Phase 2 study did not establish a “differentiated profile to support continued development,” the company said. Novo sues Lilly as GLP-1 fight escalates Novo Nordisk this morning sued Eli Lilly for allegedly running a “deceptive” ad campaign that uses “outdated clinical trials” to make its obesity and diabetes drugs appear more effective. 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 Elaine Chen National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Pharma July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Makers of rare disease drugs seek exemption from Trump’s price-cut pilots Exclusive July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: A most-wanted fugitive appears to have been secretly working as a biotech executive Advertisement The Readout July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: The end for GSK’s chronic cough treatment Biotech July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Can ultrasound unlock the power of gene therapy? A startup makes big claims The Readout July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Subscriber Picks