Welcome back to your monthly news roundup, where we take a look back at the top moments to hit the pharma headlines. It’s time to reflect on February 2026
A breakthrough in pancreatic cancer
In May, a pancreatic cancer trial produced the sort of result oncologists have spent decades hoping to see.
Daraxonrasib, Revolution Medicines’ KRAS-targeted therapy, doubled survival in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This prompted a wave of interest from patients across the US, leading the FDA to expand access through its compassionate-use pathway while formal review continues.
The rush of excitement is understandable. Pancreatic cancer is undoubtedly one of oncology’s most toughest challenges, with a five-year survival rate of around 13%, and treatment options for metastatic disease having changed little in three decades. A therapy that extends survival after progression is notable in any setting, but in pancreatic cancer, it is a major coup.
Part of what makes the result so remarkable stems from the target itself. KRAS was long considered “undruggable” because the protein offered few obvious sites for medicines to bind.
The next question is whether the drug could be used earlier in treatment. A first-line study is now underway, evaluating daraxonrasib alone and alongside chemotherapy.
Two outbreaks, same problem
May’s infectious disease headlines arrived in two acts, each underscoring the same uncomfortable reality: the world remains vulnerable to many deadly pathogens.
Early in the month, attention turned to hantavirus. An outbreak of the Andes strain linked to a Dutch cruise ship resulted in three deaths and led the UK to accept supplies of favipiravir from Japan. While vaccines exist for some hantavirus strains prevalent in parts of Asia, there are no approved vaccines or treatments specifically for Andes virus, helping explain the decision to turn to an unlicensed antiviral.
By mid-May, concern had shifted to Ebola. At the time of writing, outbreaks of Bundibugyo ebolavirus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda had resulted in at least 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths. Historically, the strain has recorded fatality rates of between 30% and 50%, yet no licensed vaccine exists for Bundibugyo, with approved Ebola vaccines having been developed primarily against Zaire variant.
However, there are signs of progress. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed $61.8m to accelerate additional vaccine research, and the investigational antiviral NV-387 has emerged as a potential candidate. Still, the broader trend is familiar: outbreaks continue to expose vulnerabilities in global viral defences.
The FDA’s revolving door
One of May’s more car-crash developments came not from a disease outbreak, but from trouble at the US regulator’s office.
Dr Marty Makary resigned as FDA commissioner after just 13 months in the role, reportedly following a dispute over fruit-flavoured vaping products. Dr Makary’s departure means the FDA has now cycled through more than 10 commissioners and acting commissioners in the past decade, less time than it typically takes to develop a single oncology drug.
During his tenure, industry critics took umbrage with a series of blunders, including decisions being revisited, staff recommendations being overridden and review processes appearing less predictable. While an acting commissioner is now in place and a battle over the permanent post likely lies ahead, predictability is likely to remain in short supply for now.
Honourable mention of the month
Also in May, Angelini made one of the biggest moves in its history, acquiring Catalyst Biosciences for $4.1bn in a deal that substantially expands its brain health ambitions.
The transaction reflects the growing interest in CNS drug development, a field that continues to attract investment despite its mixed track record of translating promising science into approved therapies.
