U.S. overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but some worry about policy and drug supply changes Declines seen across a number of drug types, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/us-overdose-deaths-2025-fell-again/ By Associated PressMay 13, 2026

New subpoena suggests DOJ has begun criminal investigation of gender-affirming care Federal prosecutor in Texas directs New York hospital to provide information on care for minors

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/gender-affirming-care-minors-doj-subpoenas-suggest-criminal-probe/

What can ‘blue zones’ really teach us about aging? An interview with Eric Topol and Shelley Wood

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/blue-zones-eric-topol-shelley-wood-podcast-interview/

Scientists link boy’s tumor to gene therapy viruses, in rare finding The risks of such treatments need to be weighed against what can be profound benefits, doctors say

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/gene-therapy-cancer-risks-mps-hurler-syndrome/ By Jason MastMay 13, 2026 General Assignment Reporter

A new kind of liver crisis is emerging in the U.S. The American diet is to blame Alcohol on top of poor food choices is driving liver disease to record levels By Isabella CuetoMay 13, 2026

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/liver-disease-metald-examined-part-3-stat-series-deadliest-drug/

Bill Cassidy risked his legacy. It may not be enough to save his career Cassidy voted to impeach Trump and confirm RFK Jr. It's cost him MAGA voters, and he hasn't won over MAHA

https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/13/bill-cassidy-rfk-jr-trump-louisiana-senate-primary/ By Chelsea Cirruzzo and Daniel PayneMay 13, 2026 Cirruzzo and Payne traveled to Louisiana and interviewed key people inside Cassidy’s orbit to discern his political fate.

Advancing Novel Surrogate Endpoints For Rare Disease Drug Development Workshop May 18, 2026

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/advancing-novel-surrogate-endpoints-rare-disease-drug-development-workshop-05182026?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Reminder: FDA to Hold Workshop on Advancing Novel Surrogate Endpoints for Rare Disease Drug Development The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is convening a one-day virtual public workshop to be held on May 18, 2026, focused on the development of surrogate endpoints for drugs and biological products intended to treat rare diseases. The agenda and new meeting materials are now publicly available. The workshop will discuss mechanistic and translational evidence considerations for supporting a novel surrogate endpoint in rare disease marketing applications, including a case study highlighting the evidentiary package to support the use of a novel surrogate endpoint. FDA, clinicians, researchers and other parties will also discuss various relevant and or emerging translational science topics to support the development of novel surrogate endpoints such as new approach methodologies, digital health technology, and harnessing varied sources of patient-level real world data. For more information about the program and meeting registration, please visit this FDA webpage. Visit CDER’s ARC website for an overview and information about the ARC Program. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/accelerating-rare-disease-cures-arc-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery