STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pharma lobbying, Bristol’s deal with a Chinese partner, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pharma lobbying, Bristol’s deal with a Chinese partner, and more Novo Nordisk said certain patients on its high-dose Wegovy shot lost 27.7% of body weight in a trial Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 12, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Sunny skies and mild breezes are enveloping the Pharmalot campus once again. Who could ask for anything more? Actually, we could. Specifically, we would like another cup of stimulation. So off we go to the Pharmalot cafeteria to fire up the coffee kettle. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, we have assembled a few items of interest for you to peruse. We hope you have a smashing day and conquer the world. And of course, do stay in touch. … The 17 pharmaceutical companies anchoring TrumpRx, the White House’s new prescription drug-pricing program, poured more than $130 million into federal lobbying in 2025 — a nearly 23% surge that outpaced the broader industry as the plan was being shaped behind the scenes, according to OpenSecrets, the nonprofit that tracks campaign financing and lobbying. Those companies accounted for more than a quarter of the record $457.3 million spent on lobbying last year across the pharmaceutical and health products industry. And while newly filed 2026 first-quarter reports show no slowdown — industry-wide spending topped $131 million, a 5.7% year-over-year increase — the most consequential lobbying push came in 2025, ahead of TrumpRx’s February launch.Advertisement Eli Lilly paused its obesity awareness campaign in India after the nation’s drugs regulator warned the company it could violate rules against advertising prescription ​medicines to consumers even indirectly, Reuters reports. The campaign titled “We Know Now” was launched in mid-2025, ‌shortly after Lilly introduced its Mounjaro diabetes and obesity treatment in India. Its message focused on reframing obesity as a chronic disease rather than a personal failing. The campaign featured newspaper ads, social media posts, billboards, collaborations with Bollywood celebrities, and posters in a few residential communities. Lilly’s corporate logo appeared on the messages, but Mounjaro was not mentioned. In a 16-page letter dated April ​10 and sent to the Drugs Controller General of India, Lilly said it had halted the campaign “out of an abundance of regulatory caution” following a March ​advisory from the regulator. 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 Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. 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 May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Colombia wins a key court ruling over a compulsory license issued for an HIV medicine Pharmalot May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Medicare and Alzheimer’s drugs, estrogen patch shortages, and more Advertisement Pharmalot May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Capricor Therapeutics accuses Nippon Shinyaku of slow-walking plans on Duchenne drug Pharmalot May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA gender rule change, its program for one-day inspections, and more Subscriber Picks