FDA Seeks to Abandon Expert Reviews of New Drugs

Under the Trump administration, FDA leaders signaled plans to reduce the use of outside advisory committees for reviewing individual drug applications, a decades-old practice intended to provide expert input and public transparency. FDA officials argue that these meetings are redundant, citing the recent publication of “complete response letters” to companies as an alternative form of transparency.

Critics, including former FDA officials and public health researchers, contend that advisory committees remain vital for expert deliberation, public understanding, and unbiased assessment of risks and benefits. The debate raises important questions about balancing efficiency, transparency, and public trust in drug approval processes. Read more from KFF Health News here.