STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA review of Moderna’s flu shot, J&J’s focus on cancer, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA review of Moderna’s flu shot, J&J’s focus on cancer, and more Biogen agrees to buy RayThera for up to $1 billion, its second takeover this year Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 18, 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. And so, another working week will soon draw to a close — at least on this side of the pond where we have a holiday tomorrow. This means we are staring down a longer-than-usual agenda to fill. So far, we plan to manicure the Pharmalot campus and promenade extensively with the official mascots, and we hope to hold still another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? The great outdoors, as always, is beckoning, which could mean a jaunt to the beach or perhaps a hike in the woods. Or maybe a stroll along city streets with an iced drink in hand. If the weather fails to cooperate, the great indoors also provides comfort — you can cook a favorite meal, curl up with an e-book, or binge-watch the telly. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe, enjoy, and see you soon. And if dad is still around, remember to say hello. … Johnson & Johnson has no plans to enter the booming obesity market, opting instead to focus on diseases such as cancer, Bloomberg News writes. This sets J&J apart from many of its rivals trying to develop or acquire obesity medicines following blockbuster weight loss drugs from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. J&J chief executive officer Joaquin Duato said the company aims to become the world’s leading cancer company, with oncology as one of its core growth pillars. Last year, J&J paid $3.05 billion in cash for Halda Therapeutics, gaining access to an innovative new type of oral therapy for prostate cancer. His remarks come as J&J continues to reshape itself following the spin off of its Kenvue consumer health business.Advertisement The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved GSK’s oral antibiotic to treat complicated urinary tract ​infections, giving patients a new treatment option ‌against drug-resistant infections, Pharmaphorum notes. While the pill, called Utebzi, does not offer a novel mechanism of action, it provides an alternative to the current intravenously administered carbapenems, which are often used as a last resort for infections resistant to other antibiotics. GSK acquired rights to Utebzi in a $591 million licensing deal in 2022 with Spero Therapeutics, just a few months after the FDA rejected Spero’s first marketing application for the antibiotic with a request for an additional clinical trial. 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 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Advocacy groups petition FDA to withdraw approval of ‘unsafe’ use of antibiotics given to livestock Pharmalot June 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about hackers extorting Novo, an FDA about-face, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Medicare and obesity drugs, Germany’s pricing plans, and more Pharmalot June 15, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Colorado’s plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada Pharmalot June 15, 2026 STAT Plus: A key European clinical trial registry lacks complete and timely results, an analysis finds Subscriber Picks