FDA acting commissioner says Makary’s journal policies are not official guidance; UK regulator reports rise in drug approvals and AI steps

The acting commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration clarified that the policies published in medical journals by former commissioner Marty Makary do not constitute official FDA policy or guidance.

The clarification was issued to address confusion about the status of those journal‑based recommendations.

Separately, the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency highlighted achievements in its 2025‑2026 annual report to Parliament, noting a higher number of new drug approvals compared with the prior year.

The agency also reported a record removal of illegal drugs from circulation and outlined steps to advance regulation of artificial intelligence in healthcare.