The week in pharma: action, reaction and insight – week to September 18, 2026

20 September 2026

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Managing editor

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) activity featured prominently in last week’s news, starting with approval of Scholar Rock’s Isembyld for spinal muscular atrophy. Then the agency went on to unveil plans for its expedited investigational new drug (IND) pilot program to speed drug development. The FDA also granted approval for Ultragenyx’ Fayuvi for Sanfilippo syndrome and then for Bayer’s Kerendia, marking the first new treatment in 30 years for chronic kidney disease associated with type 1 diabetes.

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