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FDA Eases Drug Approval Process, Cites Development Delays

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The FDA plans to require only one study, instead of two, to approve new drugs.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary says the United States lags behind China in early-stage drug development due to slow processes.
He cites hospital contracting and ethical reviews as major bottlenecks.
The plan aligns with a trend toward single studies for common diseases while keeping stricter standards for vaccines and gene therapies.

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Story summary

The FDA plans to require only one study, instead of two, to approve new drugs.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary says the United States lags behind China in early-stage drug development due to slow processes.
He cites hospital contracting and ethical reviews as major bottlenecks.
The plan aligns with a trend toward single studies for common diseases while keeping stricter standards for vaccines and gene therapies.