STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Chinese trial sites being probed, RFK Jr. and peptides, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Chinese trial sites being probed, RFK Jr. and peptides, and more FDA scientists said there isn’t enough evidence to allow certain peptides to be produced by compounding pharmacies Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 30, 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, another busy day is on the way. We can tell because the official mascots got an early start chasing down cats, squirrels, and other creatures darting about the Pharmalot campus. And then there is the noisy parade of vehicles passing by on their way to who knows what? As for us, we are firing up the trusty coffee kettle to brew another cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, the time has come to get cracking. So here is the latest laundry list of interesting items for you to peruse. We hope you have a smashing day and, of course, do keep in touch. Best of luck, everyone. … A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has opened national security investigations into whether several large drugmakers have been involved ​in clinical trials conducted in China that helped fuel the country’s military capability, according to Reuters. In ‌the letters, the lawmakers asked the drugmakers to provide by July 17 details of due diligence, data protection processes, and other standards at their trial sites in China, particularly in the Xinjiang region and at ​military hospitals. The probes are the latest sign of growing U.S. government concern over China’s role in the biotech industry.Advertisement U.S. Food and Drug Administration career scientists said there is not enough evidence to allow certain peptides to be produced by compounding pharmacies, contradicting U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to expand access to the popular wellness products, The Washington Post reports. The recommendation was quietly posted online as Kennedy’s health department added several new members, many of whom are physicians, to a panel that will review some peptides next month. At least seven of the members have ties to peptide-related businesses and clinics. Another member is the son of a congresswoman who has urged Kennedy to convene the panel. 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 29, 2026 STAT Plus: AstraZeneca to pay $34 million to settle kickback charges filed by Texas attorney general Pharmalot June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a broader $35 insulin cap, a former FDA cancer drug chief, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 26, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings June 26, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a bill to overhaul the 340B program, a new FDA commissioner candidate, and more Pharmalot June 26, 2026 STAT Plus: European antitrust regulators probe Sanofi for allegedly disparaging a rival flu vaccine Subscriber Picks