New hope in treating Huntington’s disease and a report card on RFK Jr.’s promises

The Readout LOUD New hope in treating Huntington’s disease and a report card on RFK Jr.’s promises Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Elaine Chen, Allison DeAngelis, and Adam FeuersteinJune 18, 2026 Elaine Chen[email protected]Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.Allison DeAngelis[email protected]Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01.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. On this week’s episode of “The Readout LOUD”: New hope for people living with Huntington’s disease, and a report card on RFK Jr.’s effort to remake health in America. The Food and Drug Administration reversed its opposition to a closely watched gene therapy for Huntington’s disease, clearing a path for its maker, the biotech company UniQure, to file for U.S. approval. Joining us to discuss this new development and what it means for the Huntington’s community is Lauren Holder, a Huntington’s disease advocate who is living with the early stages of the disease. Advertisement A pledge to “Make America Healthy Again” earned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. his job as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. He entered the role with a long to-do list, and a goal of delivering measurable improvements within two years. How has he fared? Isabella Cueto, STAT’s chronic disease reporter, has been closely tracking Kennedy and the MAHA movement’s actions, and joins us to discuss. Be sure to sign up for “The Readout LOUD” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. biotechnology, HHS, Pharmaceuticals, rare diseases, RFK Jr. Submit a correction requestReprints Elaine Chen National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Allison DeAngelis Biotech Startups and Venture Capital Reporter Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01. 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. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended The Readout LOUD June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: An obesity drug deep-dive, and peptides move mainstream The Readout LOUD June 4, 2026 What RevMed’s pancreatic cancer drug meant for one patient Advertisement Biotech May 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Biotech veteran Jeremy Levin on why the industry’s future is secure, but American leadership is at risk The Readout LOUD May 28, 2026 Biotech exec Jeremy Levin on the industry’s strategic turning point The Readout LOUD May 21, 2026 Guarding biotech from China and big bets in longevity Subscriber Picks