STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10.6 billion GSK deal, an AstraZeneca obesity pill, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10.6 billion GSK deal, an AstraZeneca obesity pill, and more Merck and Gilead said an experimental pill combining two HIV drugs met its primary goal Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 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. Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. And it is getting off to a pleasant start here on the Pharmalot campus, where clear blue skies and comfy breezes are greeting us. Who could ask for anything more? Actually, we could — it is time to reheat the kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is raspberry hibiscus. And here is a helpful tip: A teaspoon of honey enhances the flavors splendidly. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to help you along. As always, do keep in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism, and tips. … GSK agreed to buy Nuvalent, a cancer drug developer, in a deal worth $10.6 billion, as the company continues its expansion in oncology, STAT writes. The deal is the latest in a run of biopharma acquisitions in recent months, as large and even midsize companies have been looking to bolster their pipelines as some of their key products face looming generic competition. This latest deal is one of the largest in the recent buying spree, and GSK’s largest in years. Nuvalent designs targeted cancer therapies, with two molecules both under U.S. Food and Drug Administration review for types of non-small cell lung cancer. They could be approved this year. The deal will give GSK, which has focused on gynecologic cancers as well as multiple myeloma, a broader lung cancer portfolio. Advertisement Merck and Gilead Sciences disclosed that an experimental long-acting pill combining two HIV medicines had met its primary efficacy goal in final-stage trials, Bloomberg News notes. The companies said that in two large trials, a once-weekly combination pill containing Merck’s islatravir and Gilead’s lenacapavir had proven to be “non-inferior” to standard pill regimens that are taken daily. If approved by regulators, the new combination could become the first once-weekly pill for the treatment of HIV. A once-weekly pill would provide a less-frequent dosing option that does not require an injection. Gilead currently sells a different version of lenacapavir as a twice-yearly injectable to prevent the disease under the brand name Yeztugo. 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 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly and Pfizer obesity drug data, Roche and J&J deals, and more Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Advertisement Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Roche accusing U.S. of ‘blackmail,’ a ruling on skinny labels, and more Pharmalot June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court backs generic drugmaker in ‘skinny labeling’ case Pharmalot June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: For pancreatic cancer patients, an exciting drug can feel out of reach Subscriber Picks