STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a U.S. vaccine panel, an abortion pill, and much more

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 is still being decided, although we are certain to promenade with the official mascots and catch up on our endless reading. And we also hope to hold another listening party with Mrs. Pharmalot with a rotation that will include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? This remains a fine time to enjoy the great indoors. How so? You could curl up in front of the telly to binge watch a series or two, or enjoy a moving picture show. Or perhaps you could catch up on your own reading list. Maybe while away the time by tidying up your castle? Or simply plan a needed getaway. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon …

A medical journal has retracted two studies claiming to show the harms of the abortion pill mifepristone, citing conflicts of interest by the authors and flaws in their research, the Associated Press writes. Two of the three studies retracted by medical publisher Sage Perspectives were cited in a pivotal Texas court ruling by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk that has threatened access to the pill. The U.S. Supreme Court will take up the case next month, with a decision expected later this year. The court ruling could impact nationwide access to mifepristone, including whether it continues to be available by mail.

Call it Sen. Bernie Sanders’ prescription drug pricing theater, STAT exclaims. The hearing, featuring the chief executive officers from Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb, was designed to draw public interest, and in that respect, it worked. The wood-paneled hearing room in a Senate office building was standing room only, with an overflow room prepared. Photographers flocked for photos as Sanders shook hands with each executive, standard practice as such hearings begin. But the production was thin on new ideas about how to help patients pay less for medicines, and Sanders’ efforts to goad the executives into lowering prices or freezing their salaries did not work.

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