Editorial | Uncertain Backing for the FDA's Biologics Evaluation
FDA Rejection of Replimune's RP1: The FDA rejected Replimune's RP1 immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma due to insufficient evidence of effectiveness, despite the Public Health Service Act not requiring such evidence for approval.
Understanding Potency vs. Effectiveness: The term "potency" refers to the amount of a product needed to achieve a certain effect in laboratory settings, which is distinct from "effectiveness" in clinical applications.
Historical Context of the Biologics Act: The original Biologics Act of 1902 included a requirement for "efficaciousness," but this was removed by the Senate during the consolidation into the Public Health Service Act in 1944.
Implications of Legislative Changes: The removal of the efficacy requirement has implications for how biologics are evaluated and approved, potentially affecting patient access to effective treatments.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on CVX
About CVX
About the author

- Lease Agreement Signed: Chevron, through its four Dutch subsidiaries, has signed lease agreements with the Hellenic Republic to explore four offshore blocks south of Crete and in the Peloponnese, holding a 70% operating interest, indicating its strategic intent to expand in the Mediterranean region.
- Exploration Potential Assessment: Under the agreements, the consortium will conduct 2D and 3D seismic exploration in the first phase to assess hydrocarbon potential, laying the groundwork for future energy supplies and enhancing Chevron's resource base.
- Market Position Enhancement: This collaboration not only solidifies Chevron's market position in the Mediterranean but also complements its existing gas field assets in Israel and Cyprus, expected to drive long-term growth and investment returns in the region.
- Strategic Partnership: The partnership with HELLENiQ ENERGY will facilitate technology and resource sharing, enhancing both companies' competitiveness in emerging markets while potentially providing economic benefits and job opportunities for the Greek government.
- Dividend Stock Advantages: According to Ned Davis Research, from 1973 to 2024, dividend growers and payers have an average annual total return of 10.24%, significantly outperforming non-payers at 4.31%, highlighting the compelling nature of dividend stocks for long-term investment.
- Microsoft's Growth Potential: Microsoft (MSFT) has averaged a 24% annual gain over the past decade, and despite a 17% decline year-to-date, its dividend yield has risen to 0.9%, with annual dividends increasing from $1.89 in 2019 to $3.64 in 2023, reflecting strong profitability and ongoing shareholder returns.
- Medtronic's Stable Returns: Medtronic (MDT) has raised its dividend by an average of 6% annually over the past decade and has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, currently yielding 2.8%, while its second-quarter revenue rose 7% year-over-year, demonstrating robust performance in the medical device sector.
- ETF Investment Opportunity: The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers a 3.5% dividend yield and tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which includes 100 stocks that have paid dividends for at least 10 years, with a low annual fee of just 0.06%, providing investors with a cost-effective diversified investment option.
- New Exploration Opportunities: Chevron has signed lease agreements with Greece, securing exploration rights for four offshore blocks in South Crete and the Peloponnese, holding a 70% operating interest, which underscores its strategic intent to expand in the Mediterranean region.
- Technological Edge: The agreements mandate 2D and 3D seismic exploration work in the first phase to assess hydrocarbon potential, leveraging Chevron's expertise in global oil and gas project development to advance new energy supplies.
- Market Outlook: This collaboration not only strengthens Chevron's market position in the Mediterranean but also complements its existing gas field assets in Israel and Cyprus, further solidifying its business footprint in the region.
- Policy Support: The lease agreements are subject to ratification by the Greek Parliament, reflecting the Greek government's welcoming stance towards foreign investment in the energy sector, potentially laying the groundwork for more international collaborations in the future.
- Diversified Portfolio: Berkshire Hathaway boasts over 60 subsidiaries across various sectors, including insurance, energy, construction, manufacturing, railroads, and dining, making its diversification comparable to some exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- Indirect Stock Holdings: By owning shares of Berkshire, investors can indirectly hold positions in five other stocks, including Apple, Alphabet (Google's parent), Amazon, Chevron, and Mastercard, thereby achieving broader market exposure.
- Strong Long-term Prospects: Berkshire's portfolio also includes companies like American Express, Coca-Cola, and Visa, which have solid long-term growth potential, enhancing its investment appeal.
- Management Stability: Although Warren Buffett is no longer CEO, he remains confident in the company's future and believes that under Greg Abel's leadership, Berkshire's prospects will improve, demonstrating the stability of its governance and potential for continued growth.
- Oil Price Recovery: As of February 2026, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices have rebounded to $57 per barrel, down $15 from early 2025, indicating renewed investor interest in energy stocks amidst a backdrop of previously declining oil prices.
- Energy Sector Leadership: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has surged 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase, reflecting a resurgence of investor confidence in the energy sector and suggesting potential future investment opportunities.
- Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy: U.S. military actions in Venezuela have sparked optimistic expectations for major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, which may gain access to the world's largest oil reserves, further driving their stock prices higher.
- Shift in Investor Sentiment: As interest in AI-related stocks wanes, investors are turning to energy stocks as a reliable long-term investment choice, although the market must remain cautious of potential geopolitical risks.
- Energy Stock Surge: As of February 11, 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has risen 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 2% increase, indicating strong investor confidence in the energy sector.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: Following the U.S. military's detention of Venezuelan President Maduro on January 3, investors believe that major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil may gain special access to Venezuela's 19.4 billion barrels of oil reserves, potentially driving oil prices higher and enhancing their market positions.
- Escalating Geopolitical Risks: With rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly the deployment of a carrier group in the region, the market anticipates that any conflict could lead to a temporary spike in global oil prices, further stimulating energy stock performance.
- Shift to Energy Investments: Amidst fatigue in AI-related stocks, some investors are reallocating funds to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment, although experts caution that restoring Venezuela's oil sector will require years and substantial capital.










