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The push to turn Big Food into the new Big Tobacco 

February 7, 2026
Ahead of the Super Bowl tomorrow, don't miss Alex Hogan's sneak peek of the pharma ads that will air during the big game and Damian Garde's analysis of how the ads run counter to the FDA's recent crackdown. Thanks for reading.
Camille MacMillin/STAT

The push to turn Big Food into the new Big Tobacco

RFK Jr. and his MAHA allies say food companies have made ultra-processed foods addictive. Food industry lobbyists call the claims inaccurate and risky

By Sarah Todd


Maria Fabrizo for STAT

As male birth control gets closer to reality, men are lining up for clinical trials

Men are signing up for clinical trials of new male birth control. Experts cite the Dobbs decision and desire to share burden of contraception

By Annalisa Merelli


Illustration: Camille MacMillin/STAT; Photos: Adobe

STAT+ | Why Bristol Myers Squibb believes a decades-old drug can treat Alzheimer's 

BMS faces a $20 billion annual revenue loss as its biggest drugs lose patent protection. It's counting heavily on an old drug's new use against Alzheimer's.

By Damian Garde



What to know about TrumpRx, the Trump administration's prescription drug platform

Will TrumpRx accept insurance? Is TrumpRx open to all? Answers to frequently asked questions as White House unveils new portal that partners with GoodRx

By Elaine Chen, John Wilkerson, and Chelsea Cirruzzo


Opinion: I spent nearly 20 years on a drug for restless leg syndrome. It wrecked my life

Pramipexole for restless leg syndrome and Parkinson's can cause compulsive behaviors. Doctors don't always warn patients.

By J. Aaron Sanders


STAT+ | AI could soon renew prescriptions without clinician help. Should the FDA make sure it's safe?

As Utah pilots the use of AI for renewing drug prescriptions, experts ask if the technology should be regulated as a medical device.

By Mario Aguilar


What to know about Catherine O'Hara's rare heart condition, dextrocardia 

Catherine O'Hara's heart and organs were on the wrong side of her body. Experts explain the rare condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus.

By Elizabeth Cooney


Fearing ICE crackdown, immigrants nationally are avoiding treatment, sometimes with dire consequences

Patients, fearing arrest, wait longer for care or skip it. Doctors and health system leaders say the disruption poses a risk to public health.

By Daniel Payne


STAT+ | Vertex's CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease hits unexpected roadblock

Vertex's Casgevy can essentially cure sickle cell patients, but problems collecting stem cells are slowing uptake and threatening its edge.

By Jason Mast


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