STAT+: In pancreatic cancer, Patrick Soon-Shiong makes promises he has not kept

STAT PlusOpinionAdam’s Biotech Scorecard In pancreatic cancer, Patrick Soon-Shiong makes promises he has not kept Plus: Abivax will try again to squelch fears its therapy carries cancer risks Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Adam FeuersteinJune 18, 2026 Senior Writer, Biotech Adam Feuerstein[email protected]Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54. This is the online version of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter. STAT+ subscribers can sign up here to get it delivered to their inbox. I am entirely enthralled by the World Cup. I am watching a ton of soccer on TV. I love the Tartan Army that has invaded Boston for Scotland’s games at Gillette Stadium. Tiny Cape Verde drawing mighty Spain was incredible. Messi, 39, playing in his sixth (!) World Cup, is still the GOAT. Advertisement And England still hasn’t played but will in a couple of hours, as I get this newsletter finished on Wednesday afternoon. Olé! Programming note: This newsletter is taking a holiday next week but will be back in your inboxes July 2. What Soon-Shiong says vs. what he has delivered I’ve taken a good bit of heat (and hate) from online fans of Patrick Soon-Shiong who view the billionaire physician as a selfless scientist/entrepreneur trying to rid the world of cancer. That’s a laudable goal, of course, except Soon-Shiong’s proclamations are mostly fluff, financially self-serving and have led to FDA wrist-slapping.Advertisement A wide gap exists between what Soon-Shiong says his cancer drugs can achieve and what they actually do, based on real clinical evidence. Pancreatic cancer is an instructive and presently relevant example. Long before Soon-Shiong became rich and famous, he treated diabetic patients with pancreas transplants and performed surgery on patients with pancreatic cancer. A desire to transform the treatment of pancreatic cancer with novel immunotherapies inspired Soon-Shiong’s “Bioshield” mission, according to his own treatise. 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 biotechnology, Cancer, drug development, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Adam Feuerstein Senior Writer, Biotech Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54. STAT+ Newsletter Senior writer Adam Feuerstein's unfiltered, uncompromising analysis on the biotech world Recommended Adam's Biotech Scorecard June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: ‘Synthetic lethality’ could trigger another round of biotech M&A Adam's Biotech Scorecard June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Does Revolution Medicines’ pancreatic cancer drug have even greater potential? Advertisement Adam's Biotech Scorecard May 28, 2026 STAT Plus: An ASCO preview: What to watch for at cancer research’s big meeting Adam's Biotech Scorecard May 14, 2026 STAT Plus: ‘No drama’ Diamantas should serve biotech well as acting FDA chief Adam's Biotech Scorecard May 7, 2026 STAT Plus: Color me skeptical: Drinking gold is not an ALS cure Subscriber Picks