Healthy Returns: FDA chief Marty Makary on compounded GLP-1s, vaccines and China

February 19, 2026 - 21:56

Commissioner Marty Makary is steering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during a period of significant internal and external pressure. The agency faces operational challenges stemming from substantial budget reductions and staff cuts, which critics warn could impact its core mission of ensuring drug and food safety.

Amid this constrained environment, the FDA is also implementing major revisions to national vaccine policy, a move closely watched by public health experts and the pharmaceutical industry alike. These changes come at a time when public trust in health institutions remains fragile.

Commissioner Makary recently addressed several high-profile issues, including the regulatory stance on compounded versions of popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The agency is walking a fine line between addressing drug shortages and protecting consumers from potentially unsafe copycat medications. Furthermore, Makary highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the need for rigorous quality control over medical imports from China, emphasizing the importance of supply chain integrity for U.S. patients.

The commissioner's tenure is defined by balancing innovation with safety, all while managing the agency's resources under increased fiscal limitations. How the FDA adapts to these dual pressures will have lasting implications for American public health and the global pharmaceutical landscape.