STAT+: Amylyx endocrine drug succeeds in pivotal study

Aug. 18, 2026 Chen, a national biotech reporter, is the co-author of The Readout, a newsletter about the business, science, and politics of biotech. Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.Amylyx Pharmaceuticals said Tuesday that its experimental drug significantly helped patients who experience sudden drops in blood sugar after bariatric surgery, paving the way for its potential approval as the first treatment for the condition. In a Phase 3 trial of people with post-bariatric hypoglycemia, or PBH, those taking the drug experienced a 55% reduction in the rate of serious low blood sugar events compared with those on placebo. This was better than expected; the study was statistically powered to show a 35% improvement over placebo. A serious event is a medical emergency that could mean the person loses consciousness or experiences a seizure, so “any reduction in these hypoglycemic events would be very meaningful for people with PBH and their families,” said Amylyx co-CEO Justin Klee. To see such a large effect in the study “is just so exciting.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe