February 3, 2026
Jim Watson - Pool/Getty Images

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+ | 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


From Croatia to MAHA: How an unapproved drug became the next hot peptide

BPC-157 is touted as a healing peptide, but nearly all data comes from animal studies and a single research group, raising safety and regulatory concerns.

By Sara Talpos — Undark



Wong Maye-E/AP

STAT+ | As U.S. officials move to reduce animal testing in research, focus may shift to restrictions on imports

Health secretary RFK Jr. has suggested officials could seek to end importation of non-human primates for scientific study.

By Ed Silverman


Plastic surgeons society recommends delaying gender-affirming procedures until age 19

American Society of Plastic Surgeons endorses ‘individual decision-making' while recommending gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until 19

By Daniel Payne and Theresa Gaffney


STAT+ | Pfizer moves forward with its hopes for a monthly obesity drug

The company said its drug, which it picked up through buying Metsera, could help patients continue losing weight with less frequent dosing.

By Andrew Joseph


The Department of Health and Human Services is implementing directives to aggressively implement AI across the government.
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

STAT+ | New data shows how HHS is implementing Trump AI mandates

The federal health department is rapidly acquiring and deploying AI tools, according to recently released data from the agency’s technology office.

By Brittany Trang


STAT+ | Novo Nordisk sees lower sales, profits as Wegovy faces growing competition

The Danish pharma giant said it faults expiring patents in some international markets and a pricing deal with White House.

By Elaine Chen


More around STAT
Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription
Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

Enjoying Daily Recap? Tell us about your experience
Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app
Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play
STAT
STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA
©2026, All Rights Reserved.