STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA panel and peptides, a Merck license for an HIV pill, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA panel and peptides, a Merck license for an HIV pill, and more People with diabetes are having trouble finding a Sanofi long-acting insulin pen Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 24, 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 still in the works, but we do plan to promenade extensively with the official mascots, stroll the supermarket aisles, and spend time with the Pharmalot ancestor. We also hope to hold yet another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? The possibilities are endless — you could stop by your favorite restaurant, curl up with a good book, hang with your best friend, or take a long drive to nowhere. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. … In a win for peptide proponents and for U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended compounding pharmacies be allowed to make the drugs BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, and MOTS-c., STAT says The FDA panel will vote on additional compounds on Friday. The votes are not binding, so the FDA will decide whether to lift restrictions and make them more accessible to people who have been turning to the little-researched but popular drugs. The vote reflects tensions between FDA staff, who recommended against lifting restrictions on the peptides because of safety and efficacy concerns, and the panel, which critics have said was “stacked” by Kennedy with people who stand to benefit from broader peptide access.Advertisement People with diabetes who use a popular long-acting insulin pen made by Sanofi have had to become pharmacy scouts in recent weeks as they encounter supply issues, STAT explains. The Lantus Solostar pen containing 3 milliliters of insulin glargine has been running low for several weeks because of increased demand “driven by broader market dynamics,” according to Sanofi. The issue is not technically considered a shortage by the FDA, but patients are having trouble finding the medication. While some diabetes patients have had luck finding the medication at small independent pharmacies or their hospital pharmacy, large pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are coming up dry. 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 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Merck strikes voluntary licensing deals in poor countries for an experimental HIV prevention pill Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency Advertisement Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly obesity drug data, a push for FDA to ban DTC ads, and more Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA is urged by advocacy group to ban DTC prescription drug ads Pharmalot July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Trump’s plan for tariffs on generics, a Merck and Gilead HIV pill, and more Subscriber Picks