STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a U.S. peptide panel’s votes, Amgen scuffling with the FDA, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a U.S. peptide panel’s votes, Amgen scuffling with the FDA, and more Argenx to pay $2.2 billion to buy Forte Biosciences to expand its immunology pipeline Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 27, 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. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was relaxing and invigorating because that oh-too-familiar routine of meetings, deadlines, and the like has returned with a vengeance. You knew this would happen, yes? To cope, we are relying, as always, on a cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is Earl Grey, an old standby. Feel free to join us. Remember, no prescription is required. Meanwhile, here are some items of interest to help you on your journey today, which we hope will be productive and meaningful. Best of luck and, of course, do keep in touch. … A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Friday recommended that compounding pharmacies be allowed to manufacture the peptides epitalon and semax, but narrowly voted to recommend against manufacturing emideltide, STAT writes. The votes, which followed the panel’s decision on Thursday to recommend allowing pharmacies to make four other peptides, bring U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. one step closer to his mission of making these unapproved compounds more available for Americans. Peptides have become increasingly popular in the U.S., driven by endorsements from social media influencers.Advertisement Amgen submitted new evidence to the FDA ​as it seeks a hearing to challenge the proposed ‌withdrawal of its rare disease drug Tavneos from the U.S. market, Reuters says. In April, the agency proposed withdrawing the drug, which treats a rare autoimmune ​disease that damages blood vessels, citing a lack of proven effectiveness ​and false statements in its original marketing application. Amgen strongly disagrees with the FDA and noted its submission includes more than 70 real-world studies involving over ​2,200 patients supporting the drug’s effectiveness and safety. 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: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot July 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA panel and peptides, a Merck license for an HIV pill, and more Advertisement 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 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 Subscriber Picks