Short Takes: February 20, 2026

Fantasies shouldn’t inform policy. Writing on LinkedIn, APC’s Scott Brunner takes drugmakers to task for the dark fantasy they’re peddling to state legislatures: the idea that “compounding pharmacies are a shadow supply chain, GLP-1 compounding is inherently suspect, and the only way to protect patients is to impose sweeping new restrictions dressed up as ‘anti-counterfeiting’ policy.” More importantly, he links to two APC white papers that should be acting as reality checks for policymakers who are biting this particular poison apple.

Everything over the counter! All at once! FDA Commissioner Marty Makary told CNBC this week that he believes every drug should be over the counter unless it’s unsafe, addictive, or requires monitoring. Does that include GLP-1s? Depends on the rumors you listen to. (Makary’s comment isn’t a shock; he alluded to the same idea back in December.)

Bill would “enhance” 503Bs. A bill introduced in Congress — H.R. 7528 — would “amend section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to enhance the ability of outsourcing facilities to mitigate drug shortages by allowing a short-term period to continue supplying the market after a drug is in shortage.” That description says it all, and it’s a bill we wholeheartedly support.