When intelligence begins to act: a thoughtful appraisal of agentic AI in biomedicine.

Abstract

The expanding role of intelligent systems in biomedical science marks a shift from passive analysis towards active participation in discovery and care. Recent scholarship has begun to frame these systems not merely as models, but as agents capable of planning, interaction, and adaptation. This letter reflects on such developments, acknowledging their conceptual clarity and practical ambition, while raising questions about evaluation, responsibility, human judgement, and long-term scientific culture. The intent is to encourage careful reflection as these technologies move closer to real-world integration.