FDA moves to block biopharma employees from serving on advisory committees

Title

FDA Restricts Biopharma Employees From Serving on Advisory Committees to Curb Industry Influence

The FDA announced a new policy restricting employees of pharmaceutical and other FDA-regulated companies from serving as official members on its advisory committees1 2 3 4 5.
This move aims to reduce real or perceived conflicts of interest and restore public trust in the integrity of the agency’s drug review and scientific evaluation process1 3 5.
Industry representatives will still be welcome to attend advisory committee meetings and may present their views, but they will no longer have voting or membership rights on these panels1 3 5.
The FDA’s new policy will instead elevate the role of patients, caregivers, and other community representatives in committee deliberations1 3 5.
There will be rare exceptions if specialized expertise is available only from an employee of an FDA-regulated company, with those individuals required to follow strict ethical guidelines1.
FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary stated that the move is part of a broader effort to prioritize independence in scientific review and address what he described as widespread public concern over corporate influence1 2 3 5.
This change aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ commitment to “radical transparency” in regulatory processes3.