STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ AstraZeneca U.K. expansion, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ AstraZeneca U.K. expansion, and more Teva Pharmaceutical has made a pipeline-building acquisition, buying Emalex Biosciences Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanApril 30, 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. Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. Sadly, gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot campus, but our spirits remain sunny, nonetheless. And why not? As the Morning Mayor suggested to us long ago, “Every day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” While you tug on the ribbon, we will fire up the trusty kettle for a cuppa elderberry hibiscus. Of course, you are invited to join us. Remember, no prescription is required. This is strictly cash money. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a meaningful and productive day and, of course, do stay in touch. … AstraZeneca will resume expansion of its research and development operations in a Cambridge, U.K. facility, the first such project to be revived following the trade deal with the U.S. that included measures to lift U.K. spending on medicines, The Financial Times writes. Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s chief executive, said on Wednesday that the drugmaker would invest $400 million to complete the Rosalind Franklin building that it put on hold last year, and build a new laboratory in the town of Macclesfield that would use “digital and data tools to advance drug development.” The company was one of several drugmakers that postponed or cancelled U.K. investments over disagreements with the government about increased medicines spending. As part of a trade deal agreed with the Trump administration, the U.K. agreed to lift the thresholds it uses to determine whether medicines are cost-effective for use on the National Health Service.Advertisement After months of anticipation, U.S. Supreme Court justices heard arguments about a long-standing tactic used by generic companies to carve out a distinct market for a medicine, and did not appear inclined to alter legal standards for the maneuver, STAT explains. At issue is skinny labeling, which refers to moves by generic companies that seek regulatory approval to market a drug for a specific use, but not other patented uses for which a brand-name medicine is prescribed. For instance, a generic drug could be marketed to treat one type of heart problem but not another. In doing so, the generic company seeks to avoid lawsuits claiming patent infringement. The court heard arguments concerning a case involving Amarin, which markets a drug called Vascepa for treating different heart problems, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest generic manufacturers. 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. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA wants to exclude weight-loss drugs from a compounding list Pharmalot April 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court justices appear to signal ‘skinny labeling’ can survive Advertisement Pharmalot April 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about the FDA speeding up trials, a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ and more Pharmalot April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: AIDS group sues Trump administration over undisclosed agreement with Gilead Pharmalot April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court to hear case about ‘skinny labeling’ and generic access Subscriber Picks