STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pancreatic and lung cancer drugs, China biotech growth, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pancreatic and lung cancer drugs, China biotech growth, and more Medicare will cover Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss but is not disclosing taxpayer cost Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 1, 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 honeybush vanilla turmeric. Feel free to join us. Remember, no prescription is required. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you along. Best of luck accomplishing your goals today, and, of course, do keep in touch. … Detailed study data for a pancreatic cancer treatment from Revolution Medicines confirmed what was previously announced in April by the company in a press release, STAT tells us. Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received daraxonrasib as a second-line treatment achieved a median overall survival of 13.2 months, compared to 6.7 months for patients offered standard chemotherapy. Statistically, the drug reduced the risk of death by 60% compared with chemotherapy. The data were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the study was published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine. Meanwhile, the company has begun sending the experimental treatment to physicians and their patients under an early access program authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Advertisement For decades, an annual gathering of oncologists has featured drug trials that were run mainly at American and European hospitals, but at this year’s meeting, the signs are everywhere of China’s ascendance as a powerhouse in drug development — and of the threat that many believe it poses to American biotechnology, The New York Times explains. The clearest sign: In what appears to be a first, one of the conference’s five coveted headliners will be a presentation of a clinical trial conducted only in China. That milestone at the ASCO meeting reflects the dizzying growth of China’s biotechnology sector. In just a few years, it has transformed from a sleepy industry into a juggernaut rapidly inventing and testing cutting-edge medicines. 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 May 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Replimune drug getting third try at FDA approval, a Pfizer deal in China, and more Pharmalot May 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Advertisement Pharmalot May 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a hepatitis B drug, CVS returns Lilly obesity drug to formularies, and more Pharmalot May 27, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an AstraZeneca breast cancer pill, an ADAP deal in Florida, and more Pharmalot May 26, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Lilly gene therapy for cholesterol, three new Lilly deals, and more Subscriber Picks