Conflict Over Conflicts: FDA Advisory Committee Rules May Be Ripe For Change

Recruitment of FDA advisory committee members has been a persistent challenge for the agency—especially since the conflict of interest rules were tightened five years ago. While FDA has improved the number of vacancies on its expert panels, it has yet to meet its goals—especially in the Center for Drugs. Congress is considering loosening the restrictions. Will that help, or simply fuel criticism of the process?