The Weekly Dose: Marty Makary Resigns, Hepatitis B Vaccination Efforts, and New FDA Approvals

In this episode of The Weekly Dose, hosts Danielle Valletti and Kennedy Ferruggia at Pharmacy Times break down major stories shaping pharmacy practice, public health, and regulatory policy.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, has officially resigned following months of political pressure and internal conflict surrounding vaccine policy, flavored vape approvals, and broader FDA regulatory decisions.

In this week’s Pharmacy Focus feature, Marilyn Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, SPP, CPAFH, associate clinical professor at Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy, discusses the ongoing public health burden of hepatitis B and the growing importance of adult vaccination. The conversation highlights universal vaccination recommendations, reducing stigma, and the role pharmacists play in improving vaccine access and education.

New research published in JAMA Network Open suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may be associated with improved survival outcomes and reduced recurrence risk among patients with breast cancer, adding to growing interest surrounding the therapies’ potential oncologic benefits.

The FDA has also approved budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (Breztri Aerosphere; AstraZeneca) as the first single-inhaler triple-combination maintenance therapy for asthma in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older in the United States.

Additionally, the FDA approved zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri; Partner Therapeutics) for adults with NRG1 fusion–positive cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer, expanding treatment options in precision oncology.