STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Anthropic drug development goals, Trump drug plan snags, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Anthropic drug development goals, Trump drug plan snags, and more U.S. pharma industry shed just 247 jobs last month, considerably less than in May Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 1, 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. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a couple of more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a needed cup of stimulation. Our choice today is pistachio, a tasty treat. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. We hope you conquer the world and have a wonderful day. And as always, please do stay in touch. … Anthropic, the artificial intelligence firm, announced the availability of Claude Science, an application that optimizes its large language model for use in scientific laboratories and, especially, within the research operations of pharmaceutical companies, STAT tells us. This marks the first time a large AI developer has released a separate interface and product for scientists, and the product is a beachhead in Anthropic’s larger battle for the future of biology. Among other things, the company has plans to develop drugs of its own, STAT adds.Advertisement President Trump promised to make U.S. prescription drug prices the cheapest in the world, but a closely watched Medicaid pilot program could expose the limits of the buy-in among mid-sized and smaller ​pharmaceutical companies, Reuters explains. The administration convinced 17 of the largest global drugmakers to offer lower prices comparable to what is paid in other developed countries, referred to as “most-favored-nation” pricing. Mid-size companies account for the development of most new innovative medicines, but have different business models than big drugmakers and lack the large portfolio of medicines that make it easier to cut deals. 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 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Chinese trial sites being probed, RFK Jr. and peptides, and more Pharmalot June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: AstraZeneca to pay $34 million to settle kickback charges filed by Texas attorney general Advertisement Pharmalot June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a broader $35 insulin cap, a former FDA cancer drug chief, and more 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 Subscriber Picks