The Readout Loud 383: JPM to bring more deals and happy CEOs
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Jan 8, 2026 Damian Garde, a reporter at large for STAT and former co-host, joins to dive into the excitement surrounding the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. He reveals why pharma CEOs are optimistic about upcoming deals and discusses the recent FDA approval of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill. The conversation also touches on changes to pediatric immunizations and the landscape of biotech mergers and acquisitions, including the buzz around Revolution Medicines. Garde highlights the evolving pharma sentiments and the impact of White House agreements on pricing and tariffs.
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Holiday Cooking Gone Wrong (But Ribs Saved It)
- Elaine Chen described getting sick over Christmas but still cooking extensively, making duck and ribs.
- Two ducks spoiled so she pivoted to ribs with mint sauce and considered the holiday mostly pleasant.
Oral Wegovy Shakes Up Obesity Market
- Novo Nordisk won FDA approval for an oral Wegovy pill and will undercut competitors on price for direct-pay patients.
- Eli Lilly plans a higher price for its rival pill, so pricing will be a competitive lever in obesity drugs.
US Shrinks Pediatric Vaccine Schedule
- Federal officials cut recommended pediatric immunizations from 17 to 11 and framed it as restoring public trust.
- Critics note consulted countries still recommend some vaccines the U.S. is dropping, complicating the rationale.