The directive is designed to mitigate industry influence and aligns with HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s vision of “radical transparency,” according to FDA commissioner Marty Makary, M.D. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Employees of companies regulated by the FDA—such as pharmas or biotechs—are no longer allowed to serve as members of FDA advisory committees, according to a new directive from the agency’s commissioner, Marty Makary, M.D.
The directive is designed to mitigate perceived industry influence and aligns with the HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vision of “radical transparency,” according to an April 17 release.
Instead, the FDA will prioritize the role of patients and caregivers on the committees, which are made up of independent experts who provide recommendations on scientific, technical and policy decisions. Advisory committees often consist of individuals with specialized knowledge and do not have formal decision-making power.
