STAT+: Axsome wins FDA nod for Alzheimer’s agitation

STAT PlusNewsletterThe Readout Axsome wins FDA nod for Alzheimer’s agitation Vinay Prasad’s acting replacement, remembering genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter, and more biotech news from The Readout Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Meghana KeshavanMay 1, 2026 Biotech Correspondent Meghana Keshavan[email protected]Meghana Keshavan covers biotech and contributes to The Readout newsletter. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. The FDA named Katherine Szarama acting head of CBER as it continues to search for a permanent leader. Julia Vitarello is launching a new effort to scale bespoke medicines after her first startup faltered.Advertisement And Matt Herper reflects on the legacy of genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter, whose vision helped shape modern biotech. 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, drug development, Drug prices, research Submit a correction requestReprints Meghana Keshavan Biotech Correspondent Meghana Keshavan covers biotech and contributes to The Readout newsletter. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Biotech May 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Her daughter Mila got a bespoke medicine. Now she’s starting a new biotech to make more Matt's Take April 30, 2026 Remembering J. Craig Venter: a relentless scientist who changed biotech — and was all too easily misunderstood Advertisement Politics April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Katherine Szarama named acting director of FDA’s vaccines and biologics center The Readout April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Five-way obesity drug is super effective — in mice Adam's Biotech Scorecard April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: What does Akeso’s primo plenary spot say about its survival data? Subscriber Picks