STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. pressuring Germany on drug prices, FDA upheaval and biotech clinical trials, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. pressuring Germany on drug prices, FDA upheaval and biotech clinical trials, and more Bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced bill to bar companies from owning a PBM, retail pharmacies Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 15, 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. 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 shaping up, but we expect to drop in at a few musical happenings, promenade with the official mascots, and hang with the Pharmalot ancestor. We also will be making time for yet another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? Once again, we will remind you that this is a fabulous time to enjoy the great outdoors. An added bonus, of course, is you can get some exercise, too. If the weather fails to cooperate, though, you could visit your local library and curl up with a good book. Or take in a moving picture show at whatever cinema may still exist in your part of the world. If none of this sounds appealing, well, you could simply plan the rest of your life. Whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon … Over a recent breakfast, U.S. officials had a message for the German ambassador: pay more for pharmaceuticals, STAT reports. The meeting, between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, chief health department adviser Chris Klomp, and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld, was part of a larger push from the Trump administration to get other countries to pay more for medications as the U.S. pays less, according to a person familiar with the meeting. The U.S. officials discussed the possible use of tariffs under Section 301, which grants the government authority to combat trade practices considered “unfair.” The move would be similar to the tactic of threatening new tariffs to get other countries to pay more for drugs. The ambassador agreed to review the matter with officials in Germany, but no deal was made.Advertisement Some U.S. biotech companies are considering moving early-stage trials of new medicines outside the United States as worry grows that layoffs and policy changes at the drugs watchdog under the Trump administration may delay regulatory reviews, according to Reuters. Mass layoffs, leadership exits, and the restructuring of the FDA under President Trump are prompting some smaller biotechs to rethink traditional pathways for bringing new medicines to market. Reuters spoke to seven biotech executives, investors, and consultants who said that the staff departures and policy changes at the FDA had prompted some firms to consider launching trials in other international markets — such as the European Union and Australia — and engaging with regulators in those regions earlier in the drug development process. 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. 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