Lost in Translation: Interpreting Advisory Committees

FDA's advisory committee process has long been criticized for conflict of interest issues. But now those on the inside are questioning whether change is needed. At the same time, some FDA officials don't believe advisory committees add much to the review process. And given resource constraints, FDA is holding committees less and less often. That may be good news for drug sponsors. The public disclosure of an NDA as part of the committee process leaves sponsors vulnerable to attacks that can undermine the future of a drug. Given the sway advisory committees in the court of public opinion, a re-examination of the system is coming.