Breaking News

CDC names new acting director

February 18, 2026

There's still time to take advantage of a special STAT+ deal: get 50% off an annual subscription with code FEB2026 at checkout. Thanks for reading!

Nathan Howard/AP

STAT+ | NIH Director Bhattacharya to lead CDC after O'Neill's exit

Bhattacharya will be the third leader of the public health agency since this summer, but his term is limited by law.

By Chelsea Cirruzzo and Anil Oza


STAT+ | FDA reverses course, agrees to review Moderna's flu vaccine

The decision to review the company's application comes shortly after the earlier rejection sparked major controversy.

By Lizzy Lawrence


Upcoming meeting of federal vaccine panel may be postponed after HHS missed deadlines

Vaccine advisory panel's plans are under legal challenge and its recommendations need approval of the CDC director, a position currently vacant.

By Chelsea Cirruzzo



Molly Ferguson for STAT

STAT+ | The FDA's Moderna pirouette is one more sign of chaos at the agency

While the FDA may get past the latest crisis, over a review of a flu vaccine, the volatility at the agency may be here to stay.

By Matthew Herper


STAT+ | As oncologists ponder how to integrate AI-powered cancer tools, products are hitting the market

New digital pathology AI tools, including from Valar Labs, claim to predict chemotherapy response in pancreatic cancer. Doctors see both promise and risk.

By Angus Chen


STAT+ | At drugmakers' forum, Oz gets a friendly embrace, while Makary faces tough questions

CMS chief Mehmet Oz gets a friendly reception at pharmaceutical gathering while FDA head Marty Makary is grilled over recent vaccine decisions.

By Lizzy Lawrence and Daniel Payne


Yana Paskova/Getty Images

Opinion: Same blood test, different results: Why isn't this common thyroid screening reliable?

Researchers have known for decades that different brands of lab machines produce different results. The fix is easy — but not enforced.

By Samantha Bonsack


Opinion: I was a Moderna exec when the Covid vaccine rolled out. That spirit of possibility is no more

A former Moderna executive on the sudden, sharp decline in vaccine research in the U.S.

By Richard Hughes IV


More around STAT
Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription
Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

Enjoying Daily Recap? 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
STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA
©2026, All Rights Reserved.

No comments