STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about obesity drugs and a compounding list, an AstraZeneca setback, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about obesity drugs and a compounding list, an AstraZeneca setback, and more FDA names an acting director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 1, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. 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. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda: promenading with the official mascots, manicuring the Pharmalot grounds, and escorting Mrs. Pharmalot to a supper club. We also hope to find time for yet another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this, this. And what about you? As we like to remind folks, this is a fine time to enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking, strolling, dipping your toe in the water — take your pick. Of course, if the weather fails to cooperate, you could catch up on your reading, binge-watch on the telly, or tidy up around the castle. The possibilities are endless, yes? Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon…. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed excluding the active ingredients in wildly popular obesity and diabetes drugs from a list of substances that can be used for making certain compounded versions, STAT writes. The agency determined there is no “clinical need” to allow large compounding facilities to make large quantities of medicines from semaglutide, the ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy weight loss and Ozempic diabetes treatments, as well as tirzepatide, the ingredient in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro diabetes drug and Zepbound obesity medicine. The decision singled out these compounders after growing controversy over their role in making weight loss treatments available over the past few years. In explaining its decision — which is a victory for Novo and Lilly and will rework choices for consumers — the FDA explained these compounders no longer meet the legal requirements to market their products.Advertisement The FDA named Katherine Szarama as the acting director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which regulates vaccines, gene therapies, and the blood supply, STAT notes. She is replacing Vinay Prasad, who left the agency on Thursday after a tumultuous tenure during which he issued a series of controversial decisions on rare disease drugs and vaccines. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in March that Prasad would return to the University of California, San Francisco. Szarama joined the FDA at the end of last year to serve as Prasad’s deputy. It is not clear whether Szarama will serve permanently in the role. Government and industry sources previously indicated that Houman Hemmati, an ophthalmologist, biopharma executive, and frequent Fox News contributor, was a top candidate for the role. 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 Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. 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 April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA wants to exclude weight loss drugs from a compounding list Pharmalot April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ AstraZeneca U.K. expansion, and more Advertisement Pharmalot April 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court justices appear to signal ‘skinny labeling’ can survive Pharmalot April 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about the FDA speeding up trials, a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ and more Pharmalot April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: AIDS group sues Trump administration over undisclosed agreement with Gilead Subscriber Picks