STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA hiring delays, a new Bavarian Nordic CEO, and more

Hello there. It’s STAT reporter Andrew Joseph here, filling in for Mr. Pharmalot for the day. We’re still mulling this fascinating story from our colleague Megan Molteni about “neuro-chimeric” mice with half-human brains. While Megan’s story lays out both the scientific achievement and the ethical concerns of the new research, we’re left with the question — could these mice find a piece of cheese in a maze faster than regular mice? Something to ponder perhaps as you consider today’s headlines…. For all the talk of a hiring spree at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the reality is more complicated and filled with bureaucratic delays, STAT shares. The cause is the same DOGE cuts that wiped out thousands of jobs earlier in the Trump administration, which in turn have created bottlenecks and confusion in the hiring process. Now, prospective new employees are stuck in pre-onboarding limbo, while other routine administrative tasks, like purchase approvals and travel payments, have fallen by the wayside. Bavarian Nordic appointed former Sanofi executive Tarja Stenvall as its new chief executive officer, Bloomberg writes. The announcement resets the company’s leadership after a failed takeover bid led both the chairman and CEO to step down from the vaccine maker. Stenvall replaces Paul Chaplin, whose departure was announced earlier this year, and will start Oct. 15. The Danish company is best known for its smallpox shot that is also used against mpox. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe