STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an AstraZeneca COPD win, the FDA filling key jobs, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an AstraZeneca COPD win, the FDA filling key jobs, and more Sandoz warned U.S. patients could bear the cost of threatened tariffs on imported generics Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanSept. 9, 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 the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives.

So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a needed cuppa stimulation.

Our choice today is ginseng peach, a favorite from our pantry. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. We hope you conquer the world and have a wonderful day.

And as always, please do stay in touch. We appreciate feedback, tips and criticism. … In a pair of late-stage trials, an AstraZeneca drug reduced the dangerous flare-ups that worsen COPD, positioning it as a potential new option for the vast number of patients with the debilitating lung condition, STAT explains.

According to data released Tuesday, the results also amount to a re-assuring victory for AstraZeneca, which is known for its metronomic success in trials but has seen some notable misses in recent months, most dramatically with a heart disease drug. Analysts and the company have projected that the injectable drug could reap billions in annual sales if approved, both in COPD and in other conditions including asthma. Advertisement The Trump administration permanently filled four key leadership roles at the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, after nominating Heidi Overton to lead the agency late last month, STAT says. Three of the officials are serving in an acting capacity, and will take the same roles permanently. They are Michael Davis, a psychiatrist who will be director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; former Merck official Karim Mikhail, who will be director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research; and Bret Koplow, an attorney who has been at the FDA since 2011 and will serve as director of the Center for Tobacco Products.

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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 September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA warns an API supplier about residue on walls, a corroded product line, and open-toed sandals Pharmalot September 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about another Novartis trial failure, a Novo Nordisk setback, and more Advertisement Pharmalot September 4, 2026 STAT Plus: We’re reading about a Bristol CAR-T trial pause, Pfizer offloading a shelved candidate, and more Pharmalot September 3, 2026 STAT Plus: We’re reading about an Ultragenyx failure, RevMed for lung cancer, and more Pharmalot September 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Huntington’s gene therapy, Novo’s challenges, and more Subscriber Picks