STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about fewer pharma investments in Germany, growing U.S. layoffs, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about fewer pharma investments in Germany, growing U.S. layoffs, and more The U.K. cost-effectiveness watchdog recommended AbbVie’s ‘guided missile’ ovarian cancer therapy Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 4, 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. Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Clear blue skies and cool breezes are wafting over the Pharmalot campus, where the official mascots are snoozing in their respective corners. This means we are free to focus on the matters at hand — rummaging through our to-do list and making cups of stimulation. Our choice today is wild mountain blueberry, a summer treat. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you get started yourself. We hope your day is productive and meaningful. And of course, do keep in touch. We appreciate the insights and ideas. … Eli Lilly is halving its originally planned $2.67 billion investment in the production of weight-loss syringes in Germany, Handelsblatt reports. The reason is the announced cost-cutting law by Health Minister Nina Warken, which provides for higher discounts from pharmaceutical companies — meaning less money per medication — and stricter reimbursement rules. Furthermore, health insurance companies will be allowed to group comparable patented medicines and encourage doctors to prescribe the cheaper option. This is likely to significantly intensify the price war between brand-name drugs. At the same time, Boehringer Ingelheim will reduce investments in Germany by $1 billion due to a lack of investment predictability in the pharmaceutical sector in the country.Advertisement Acting U.S. FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas ​met with rare disease groups as he seeks ‌to repair relations with a sector disappointed by his predecessor, Reuters tells us. Representatives for rare disease organizations including Friends of Cancer Research and the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics are pushing Diamantas for greater certainty and support for treatments for small patient populations. Diamantas is seeking to steady operations and mend fences following Commissioner Marty ​Makary’s resignation last month. Some rare disease groups ⁠had grown unhappy with Makary, under whose leadership the agency dealt a series of blows to drugmakers. 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 3, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more Pharmalot June 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Lilly threat to 340B hospitals, Ebola vaccine funding, and more Advertisement 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 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 Subscriber Picks