STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10 billion Vertex deal, the pace of FDA drug approvals, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10 billion Vertex deal, the pace of FDA drug approvals, and more Secret shopper study raises concerns about telehealth prescribing of GLP-1 obesity drugs Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Andrew JosephJuly 7, 2026 Europe Correspondent Andrew Joseph[email protected]Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Good day here from STAT’s London outpost, with Andrew Joseph filling in for Mr. Pharmalot. Maybe the less said about the U.S. World Cup match the better, though watching it with the time difference has put us in need of an extra cup or two of stimulation today. Also highly stimulating: Our colleague Bob Herman is out with the opening stories in a new series examining how the cost of health care plans is crushing workers and businesses. Do take some time with Bob’s excellent work. One more plug: I’ll be anchoring STAT’s pop-up newsletter from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference here in London starting Sunday. You can sign up here. Finally, to the headlines we go. …Advertisement Vertex Pharmaceuticals will spend $10 billion to acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals and its drug for a rare endocrine disorder, STAT reports. Vertex will pick up the Crinetics drug Palsonify, which was launched last year and treats a rare endocrine disorder called acromegaly, as well as other drug candidates that have blockbuster potential if approved. The company is also in the late stages of developing a therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The deal is the largest acquisition in the history of Vertex, as the Boston-based drugmaker has been on a mission to build out the next generation of products beyond its cystic fibrosis portfolio. 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 Andrew Joseph Europe Correspondent Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Vera kidney drug approval, a U.K. Enhertu pricing deal, and more Pharmalot July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Novartis acquisition, Republicans backing clinical trial diversity, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Lawmakers urge HHS to force Eli Lilly to provide 340B drug discounts to hospitals Pharmalot July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a court win for Amgen, Novo seeking supplier discounts, and more Subscriber Picks