Matthew Herper
@matthewherper.bsky.social
I write about medicine at STAT. This is biology's century. Every data point has a face.
I was very sad to learn of the passing of David Mitchell,
a cancer patient who turned his own battle into a fight to make medicines more affordable. Here, @pharmalot.bsky.social gets at why Mitchell was so special.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/d...
a cancer patient who turned his own battle into a fight to make medicines more affordable. Here, @pharmalot.bsky.social gets at why Mitchell was so special.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/d...
With political savvy and outrage over drug prices, advocate David Mitchell was ahead of his time
David Mitchell, who helped launch Patients for Affordable Drugs to raise awareness of high drug prices and seek to bring them down, died at age 75.
www.statnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:43 PM
I was very sad to learn of the passing of David Mitchell,
a cancer patient who turned his own battle into a fight to make medicines more affordable. Here, @pharmalot.bsky.social gets at why Mitchell was so special.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/d...
a cancer patient who turned his own battle into a fight to make medicines more affordable. Here, @pharmalot.bsky.social gets at why Mitchell was so special.
www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/d...
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Although some previously recommended vaccines moved to shared decision-making, it looks like at least the 2nd dose of HPV may have been removed entirely. Would appreciate hearing from experts about the effects of dose deletion on coverage, as CMS is saying there will be no coverage consequences.
Here’s the new schedule as released by HHS a little while ago.
January 5, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Although some previously recommended vaccines moved to shared decision-making, it looks like at least the 2nd dose of HPV may have been removed entirely. Would appreciate hearing from experts about the effects of dose deletion on coverage, as CMS is saying there will be no coverage consequences.
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/c... via @statnews.com
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive
The number of recommended childhood shots drops from 17 to 11.
www.statnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump’s directive www.statnews.com/2026/01/05/c... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Matthew Herper
The US science enterprise came under extraordinary attack in 2025. Despite the trauma and drama, science soldiered on, @matthewherper.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/12/31/2...
The top medical advances of 2025
It has been a tough year for medicine. But make no mistake: Science didn’t stop, and medicine has had its share of major advances.
www.statnews.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The US science enterprise came under extraordinary attack in 2025. Despite the trauma and drama, science soldiered on, @matthewherper.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/12/31/2...
The top medical advances of 2025 www.statnews.com/2025/12/31/2... via @statnews.com
The top medical advances of 2025
It has been a tough year for medicine. But make no mistake: Science didn’t stop, and medicine has had its share of major advances.
www.statnews.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:29 PM
The top medical advances of 2025 www.statnews.com/2025/12/31/2... via @statnews.com
Director of NIH neurological disorders institute is ousted, adding to leadership churn www.statnews.com/2025/12/27/n... via @statnews.com
Director of NIH neurological disorders institute is ousted, adding to leadership churn
Walter Koroshetz, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, will soon be leaving his role, STAT has learned. His departure
www.statnews.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Director of NIH neurological disorders institute is ousted, adding to leadership churn www.statnews.com/2025/12/27/n... via @statnews.com
Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling www.statnews.com/2025/12/23/t... via @statnews.com
Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling
The health sector is working to navigate what could be the most significant changes to the U.S. vaccine program in decades.
www.statnews.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling www.statnews.com/2025/12/23/t... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Matthew Herper
When an NIH scientist began studying a controversial illness, it gave patients with a glimmer of hope. Then came RIFs and spending freezes and too much uncertainty to continue the research.
@ericboodman.bsky.social with the 10th part of American Science, Shattered:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/22/t...
@ericboodman.bsky.social with the 10th part of American Science, Shattered:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/22/t...
NIH study was a beacon for the topical steroid withdrawal community. Then, amid federal upheaval, the research stalled
An NIH study was a beacon for the topical steroid withdrawal community. Then, amid federal upheaval, the research stalled.
www.statnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:16 PM
When an NIH scientist began studying a controversial illness, it gave patients with a glimmer of hope. Then came RIFs and spending freezes and too much uncertainty to continue the research.
@ericboodman.bsky.social with the 10th part of American Science, Shattered:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/22/t...
@ericboodman.bsky.social with the 10th part of American Science, Shattered:
www.statnews.com/2025/12/22/t...
Vinay Prasad, FDA’s vaccine regulator, waves off criticism in closed-door remarks www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/v...
Vinay Prasad, FDA’s vaccine regulator, waves off criticism in closed-door remarks
In a closed meeting, Vinay Prasad pushes back on criticism of his vaccine policy changes, morale issues at the FDA, and his role in recent drug-approval turbulence.
www.statnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Vinay Prasad, FDA’s vaccine regulator, waves off criticism in closed-door remarks www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/v...
CDC vaccine advisers appear likely to recommend delaying hepatitis B vaccine birth dose
Experts warn such a change will increase number of children
By @helenbranswell.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/c...
Experts warn such a change will increase number of children
By @helenbranswell.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/c...
CDC vaccine advisers appear likely to recommend delaying hepatitis B vaccine birth dose
A panel that issues advice on U.S. vaccine policy appears prepared to vote Thursday to recommend a delay in when most babies begin to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.
www.statnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:52 PM
CDC vaccine advisers appear likely to recommend delaying hepatitis B vaccine birth dose
Experts warn such a change will increase number of children
By @helenbranswell.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/c...
Experts warn such a change will increase number of children
By @helenbranswell.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/c...
Paradigm Health, seeking to use AI to enroll clinical trials, partners with Roche www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/p... via @statnews.com
Paradigm Health, seeking to use AI to enroll clinical trials, partners with Roche
Paradigm Health, which is seeking to use AI to enroll clinical trials, has raised more funds and is acquiring a business from Flatiron Health.
www.statnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Paradigm Health, seeking to use AI to enroll clinical trials, partners with Roche www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/p... via @statnews.com
FDA to lower number of trials required for approval of drugs, other medical products www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/f... via @statnews.com
FDA to lower number of trials required for approval of drugs, other medical products
The FDA plans to begin requiring one clinical study, instead of the standard two, for medical products before consideration for approval.
www.statnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:01 PM
FDA to lower number of trials required for approval of drugs, other medical products www.statnews.com/2025/12/04/f... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Three weeks ago @matthewherper.bsky.social described the appointment of Richard Pazdur as the FDA's top drug regulator as welcome news "for patients, drug companies, and anyone who cares about a rigorous" agency. Now he appears to be headed for the exits.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur set to leave FDA
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur filed papers to retire from the Food and Drug Administration at the end of this month, but could withdraw them.
www.statnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Three weeks ago @matthewherper.bsky.social described the appointment of Richard Pazdur as the FDA's top drug regulator as welcome news "for patients, drug companies, and anyone who cares about a rigorous" agency. Now he appears to be headed for the exits.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence; suggested reforms unclear, too. www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c... via @statnews.com @matthewherper.bsky.social @helenbranswell.bsky.social
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence
The FDA’s top vaccine regulator asserted in a staff email that the Covid vaccine caused at least 10 kids' deaths, but experts told STAT they are skeptical of the “extraordinary” claim because it was n...
www.statnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence; suggested reforms unclear, too. www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c... via @statnews.com @matthewherper.bsky.social @helenbranswell.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Herper
12 former FDA commissioners denounce Vinay Prasad's internal memo on vaccine regulation, from
@matthewherper.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/12/03/f...
@matthewherper.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/12/03/f...
A dozen former FDA commissioners decry Prasad memo on vaccine regulation
Changes to the ways in which the FDA plans to regulate vaccines represent a threat to effective vaccines and public health, 12 former commissioners say.
www.statnews.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:36 PM
12 former FDA commissioners denounce Vinay Prasad's internal memo on vaccine regulation, from
@matthewherper.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/12/03/f...
@matthewherper.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/12/03/f...
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence
Vinay Prasad ties 10 deaths to the shots, calls for stricter vaccine regulation, in leaked memo
www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c...
Vinay Prasad ties 10 deaths to the shots, calls for stricter vaccine regulation, in leaked memo
www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c...
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence
The FDA’s top vaccine regulator asserted in a staff email that the Covid vaccine caused at least 10 kids' deaths, but experts told STAT they are skeptical of the “extraordinary” claim because it was n...
www.statnews.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence
Vinay Prasad ties 10 deaths to the shots, calls for stricter vaccine regulation, in leaked memo
www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c...
Vinay Prasad ties 10 deaths to the shots, calls for stricter vaccine regulation, in leaked memo
www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/c...
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Unfortunately, I can confirm that this is true.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
Hearing news that Carl Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at #NIH (NIAID), has been removed from his position because he was "not aligned with HHS/OMB."
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
November 24, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Unfortunately, I can confirm that this is true.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
I have known Carl for 2 decades and he is smart, dedicated, and quite apolitical, focused on science and getting stuff done on important problems.
Huge unnecessary loss of leadership and expertise.
What Pfizer’s Metsera deal means for biotech M&A www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/p... via @statnews.com
What Pfizer’s Metsera deal means for biotech M&A
What might Pfizer's Metsera deal mean for biotech M&A? Quite a lot.
www.statnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:23 PM
What Pfizer’s Metsera deal means for biotech M&A www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/p... via @statnews.com
OMG.
Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a... via @statnews.com
Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a... via @statnews.com
Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down
Exclusive: Arena Bioworks, the buzzy research institute that launched with $500 million to support a decade of scientific R&D, is abruptly shutting down, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:40 AM
OMG.
Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a... via @statnews.com
Arena BioWorks, an ambitious biomedical institute backed by billionaires, abruptly shuts down www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/a... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Important new analysis from @matthewherper.bsky.social and @lizzylawrence.bsky.social about the ongoing situation at FDA. This quote from an agency staffer sums up the potential concerns. www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
November 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Important new analysis from @matthewherper.bsky.social and @lizzylawrence.bsky.social about the ongoing situation at FDA. This quote from an agency staffer sums up the potential concerns. www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'embarassing' ‘soap opera’ 'clown show' www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'soap opera'
Experts worry that the FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and "soap opera."
www.statnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'embarassing' ‘soap opera’ 'clown show' www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Lawsuit against top FDA drug regulator is packed with incendiary texts, emails
Because of course it is.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g... via @statnews.com
Because of course it is.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g... via @statnews.com
Lawsuit against top FDA drug regulator is packed with incendiary texts, emails
A lawsuit filed against George Tidmarsh, who resigned from a top FDA post on Sunday, includes a series of incendiary texts and emails
www.statnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Lawsuit against top FDA drug regulator is packed with incendiary texts, emails
Because of course it is.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g... via @statnews.com
Because of course it is.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g... via @statnews.com
FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation
CDER Director George Tidmarsh is accused of seeking to use authority to inflict financial harm on former associate
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
CDER Director George Tidmarsh is accused of seeking to use authority to inflict financial harm on former associate
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation
George Tidmarsh, the FDA's top drug regulator, has been placed on leave after being accused of abusing his regulatory authority, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 9:52 PM
FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation
CDER Director George Tidmarsh is accused of seeking to use authority to inflict financial harm on former associate
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
CDER Director George Tidmarsh is accused of seeking to use authority to inflict financial harm on former associate
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
Below, GSK CEO Emma Walmsley meets Baby KJ, the child who was treated with CRISPR gene editing by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
It was one of the biggest moment from #STATSummit. You can read about that moment and more here: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/p...
It was one of the biggest moment from #STATSummit. You can read about that moment and more here: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/p...
October 26, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Below, GSK CEO Emma Walmsley meets Baby KJ, the child who was treated with CRISPR gene editing by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
It was one of the biggest moment from #STATSummit. You can read about that moment and more here: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/p...
It was one of the biggest moment from #STATSummit. You can read about that moment and more here: www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/p...
Reposted by Matthew Herper
Insightful piece from @matthewherper.bsky.social that captures both the hopes being made possible by medical innovation and the concerns facing both drugmakers and the public.
It's also in front of the @statnews.com paywall.
It's also in front of the @statnews.com paywall.
Sometimes the biggest moments at a conference happen backstage. At the annual #STATSummit, that kind of moment involved a pharma CEO and a toddler in a tuxedo. www.statnews.com/2025/10/24/p...
At a gathering of biopharma executives, a moment of wonder — and also of worry
Sometimes the biggest moments at a conference happen backstage. At the annual STAT Summit, that kind of moment involved a pharma CEO and a toddler in a tuxedo.
www.statnews.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Insightful piece from @matthewherper.bsky.social that captures both the hopes being made possible by medical innovation and the concerns facing both drugmakers and the public.
It's also in front of the @statnews.com paywall.
It's also in front of the @statnews.com paywall.