STAT+: Former Madrigal Pharmaceuticals executive alleges coverup of safety issues tied to its drug

Nov. 4, 2026 Adam Feuerstein, a senior writer and biotech columnist, is the author of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter about the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54.A top former executive at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging he was forced to resign after raising internal concerns about the safety of the company’s approved medication for patients with the liver disease known as MASH. Michael Charlton, a physician, was Madrigal’s senior vice president, head of clinical development, from October 2024 until January 2026. His lawsuit, filed on Oct. 9 in the Northern District of Illinois, accuses Madrigal of retaliation under federal whistleblower-protection statutes and seeks reinstatement or monetary damages. “[Charlton’s] mandate was to safeguard the safety, scientific integrity and accuracy of the clinical trials and disclosures supporting Madrigal’s flagship drug. He did exactly that. Madrigal punished him for it,” the lawsuit alleges. 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