Marty Makary is in the news for his outspoken views on FDA controversies and drug safety; Johns Hopkins surgeon and medical commentator.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disclosed that he has undergone radiation therapy for early-stage prostate cancer detected during routine monitoring after 2024 prostate surgery. He has delayed publicizing the diagnosis to avoid misinformation during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Doctors report the treatment has eliminated the tumor, and Netanyahu remains in good health as Israel prepares for elections later this year.
As of February 2026, the FDA, led by Dr. Vinay Prasad, has refused to review Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine application, citing trial design issues, specifically the comparator vaccine used. Despite late-stage trials showing improved efficacy, the FDA demands comparison against a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Moderna plans to meet with regulators to clarify next steps. This decision reflects heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has cut mRNA vaccine funding and rolled back vaccine recommendations.
The UK government has introduced new school food standards to improve nutrition and combat childhood obesity. The reforms ban deep-fried foods, restrict sugary desserts, and require more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. The changes, starting from September 2026, include phased implementation and a nine-week consultation process.
The US government has implemented new policies to accelerate research and development of psychedelics, including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. The move involves FDA fast-tracking and funding for state-level studies, aiming to improve treatments for mental health and addiction. This follows recent political and scientific developments.
Recent studies show that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can impair focus and increase dementia risk, even among those following healthy diets. Governments and health agencies are now exploring policies to reduce UPF intake, highlighting ongoing concerns about their long-term health effects.
President Trump has acknowledged that his previous claims of reducing drug prices by over 100% are mathematically impossible. During a drug pricing event, he explained his use of different calculation methods and defended his efforts to lower medication costs through new deals with pharmaceutical companies, including Regeneron.