STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs in its ​employee health plan Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 3, 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 delightful cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. Have a wonderful day and please do stay in touch. … Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound in its ​employee health plan effective July 1, Reuters reports. In a document ​circulated to employees on June 1, Cigna suggested those currently using the drug can choose to pay with cash through manufacturer sites or TrumpRx. The cash-pay purchases will not apply toward a deductible or the amount of ​spending required before enrollees can use their health coverage. The price of weight loss ​drugs has been falling in 2026 with the launch of Novo’s Wegovy pill and Lilly’s oral Foundayo, with ⁠prices that start at $149 per month for the lowest dose. Americans have been increasingly pushed to the cash-pay market and, at the same time, employers have been cutting back on their coverage of the drugs.Advertisement Taking weight loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year, The Guardian writes, citing new research. The study, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that taking GLP-1 medications for one year was associated with a 1.4% reduced risk of knee replacement surgery at the three-year follow-up point and a 2.8% lower risk after eight years. But the greatest reduction in risk was with newer weight loss drugs and longer treatment. Taking semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years was associated with a nearly 5% lower chance of needing knee replacement at the eight-year follow-up assessment. 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 June 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Lilly threat to 340B hospitals, Ebola vaccine funding, and more Pharmalot June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly warns hospitals to submit claims data in the next five days or lose their 340B drug discounts Advertisement Pharmalot June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pancreatic and lung cancer drugs, China biotech growth, and more 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 Subscriber Picks