Did The US FDA Mix Politics And Science With Its Cancer Guidance Announcement?

Three new guidances were announced the morning of President Biden’s State of the Union address, but experts said the move did not equate with past White House pressure on agency decisions.

Puppet strings — An announcement of new FDA oncology guidances the day of the State of the Union address may have raised questions about whether political operatives were pulling the strings. • Source: Alamy

Drawing attention to a priority is not the same as seemingly predetermining outcomes, and there’s nothing wrong with aligning with a president’s goals even when you’re trying to stay above the political fray and focus on science.

That’s the conclusion of public affairs experts after the US Food and Drug Administration issued a press release announcing...