Daily Health News Digest — Tuesday, February 24, 2026

17 articles analyzed · 1 sources · 5 key highlights

Key Highlights

Overview

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry faced a day of significant setbacks and high-stakes dealmaking Tuesday, as clinical trial disappointments collided with regulatory changes and political influence concerns. Novo Nordisk's next-generation obesity drug underperformed in a critical head-to-head comparison with Eli Lilly's Zepbound, sending shockwaves through the weight-loss drug market. Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences announced a nearly $8 billion acquisition, and the FDA unveiled groundbreaking new pathways for personalized gene therapies. Adding to the day's turbulence, leadership chaos continued at the CDC with the abrupt resignation of its No. 2 official, while a troubling investigation revealed pharmaceutical companies are increasingly targeting the FDA itself through Trump-connected lobbying firms.

Major Drug Development Setbacks

The obesity drug market—one of healthcare's hottest sectors—experienced a notable stumble as **Novo Nordisk's CagriSema failed to outperform Eli Lilly's Zepbound** in a direct comparison study. The Danish pharmaceutical giant had positioned CagriSema as its next-generation obesity treatment, but the disappointing results raise questions about the company's strategy in the increasingly competitive weight-loss medication space. This setback comes as scrutiny intensifies around compounded GLP-1 drugs, with Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum addressing concerns about the impact of regulatory oversight on the telemedicine company's bottom line during an earnings call. Elsewhere in drug development, **Gossamer Bio announced its pulmonary arterial hypertension drug failed to meet its primary endpoint** in a Phase 3 trial. Despite the failure, the company plans to forge ahead with an FDA approval application—a risky strategy that underscores the desperation some biotech firms face when expensive late-stage trials don't deliver hoped-for results.

Gilead's Bold $7.8 Billion Bet on CAR-T Therapy

In the day's biggest deal, **Gilead Sciences announced plans to acquire Arcellx for nearly $8 billion**, adding to its oncology portfolio with a CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma. The acquisition represents Gilead's continued investment in cell therapy, building on its existing partnership with Arcellx. The deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the biotech sector as larger pharmaceutical companies seek to bolster their pipelines by acquiring promising late-stage assets rather than relying solely on internal development.

FDA Regulatory Shifts and AI Controversies

The Food and Drug Administration made waves with **new rules creating a "plausible mechanism pathway" for bespoke gene-editing treatments**, anticipating a flood of applications for personalized therapies targeting rare diseases. This regulatory innovation could dramatically accelerate access to customized genetic treatments, though questions remain about safety oversight for such individualized therapies. The FDA also found itself at the center of controversy over artificial intelligence regulation. A provocative proposal has suggested allowing certain AI devices to enter the market without agency review—a recommendation that has drawn sharp criticism from patient safety advocates. Separately, Medicare announced plans to incorporate AI into its plan selection process, raising concerns about whether algorithms can adequately navigate the complex healthcare needs of elderly Americans.

Political Influence and Agency Turmoil

Perhaps most troubling for healthcare governance, **an investigation revealed pharmaceutical companies are increasingly directing lobbying efforts at the FDA itself**, with Trump-connected lobbying firms experiencing a boom in business. According to the reporting, lobbyists believe "the odds of approval go up if a decision can be spun as a win for the Trump administration"—a striking admission that suggests regulatory decisions may be vulnerable to political pressure rather than purely scientific evaluation. Adding to concerns about federal health agency stability, **Ralph Abraham, the No. 2 official at the CDC, abruptly resigned**, contributing to what observers describe as ongoing "drama and chaos" in the agency's leadership. The resignation comes at a critical time when public health infrastructure requires steady, experienced guidance.

Legal Battles and Healthcare Equity

In the courtroom, **Bayer filed suit against Johnson & Johnson**, alleging a "false advertising campaign" based on flawed data to promote J&J's prostate cancer treatment as superior to Bayer's competing therapy. The lawsuit highlights the increasingly aggressive competition in the oncology market, where companies are willing to take legal action to protect their market share. On the research front, a new study found that **people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression**—findings that underscore long-standing gaps in mental health support for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, cardiovascular research revealed that **women face elevated heart attack risk even with less arterial plaque than men**, as their smaller arteries make even minor blockages more dangerous. The findings emphasize the need for sex-specific approaches to cardiac care.

Looking Ahead

As the pharmaceutical industry navigates clinical setbacks and regulatory changes, the growing influence of political lobbying on FDA decisions raises fundamental questions about the integrity of drug approval processes. With health care reform likely to feature prominently in upcoming midterm elections, lawmakers face pressure to address drug pricing, regulatory transparency, and agency independence—though political gridlock may prevent meaningful legislative action. The industry's direction increasingly appears shaped not just by scientific innovation, but by political access and financial firepower.