STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a delightful cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. Have a wonderful day and please do stay in touch. … Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound in its ​employee health plan effective July 1, Reuters reports. In a document ​circulated to employees on June 1, Cigna suggested those currently using the drug can choose to pay with cash through manufacturer sites or TrumpRx. The cash-pay purchases will not apply toward a deductible or the amount of ​spending required before enrollees can use their health coverage. The price of weight loss ​drugs has been falling in 2026 with the launch of Novo’s Wegovy pill and Lilly’s oral Foundayo, with ⁠prices that start at $149 per month for the lowest dose. Americans have been increasingly pushed to the cash-pay market and, at the same time, employers have been cutting back on their coverage of the drugs. Taking weight loss drugs for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year, The Guardian writes, citing new research. The study, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that taking GLP-1 medications for one year was associated with a 1.4% reduced risk of knee replacement surgery at the three-year follow-up point and a 2.8% lower risk after eight years. But the greatest reduction in risk was with newer weight loss drugs and longer treatment. Taking semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years was associated with a nearly 5% lower chance of needing knee