Merck's heart disease win and the FDA's new drug regulator

Major spoilers for The Great British Baking Show

November 14, 2025 Check out STAT+

Sponsored By

What does Rick Pazdur's new role mean for the Food and Drug Administration? Has Merck solved the PCSK9 access issue? And how much credit can the president take for lowering GLP-1 drug prices? Dean Li, the head of R&D at Merck, joins us to discuss the long-awaited trial results for the company's oral medicine targeting PCSK9 to lower cholesterol. These types of treatments have proven effective at addressing heart disease, but making them into more accessible pills has proven tricky. We also discuss the latest news in the life sciences, including the resolution of Pfizer and Novo Nordisk's bidding war over Metsera, Pazdur's new role at the FDA, and the end of a decade-long longevity venture. LISTEN NOW Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode Visit the archive to see past episodes

---

---

Enjoying The Readout LOUD? Tell us about your experience Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails

Update Newsletter Preferences     •    Contact Us     •    Advertise with Us     •    View in Browser