Alnylam’s Complete Response Is Classic Example Of FDA-Advisory Committee Disagreement

The situation also is a perfect example of FDA doing what it says it does – paying more attention to the thinking behind advisory committee votes than the votes and vote totals themselves.

a wooded block with "yes" and a wooden block with "no". Finger points to "no" block.
When FDA disagrees with its advisory committees its more likely to result in a negative outcome for sponsors. • Source: Shutterstock

The US Food and Drug Administration has drawn a lot of negative attention in recent years for approving drugs like Alzheimer’s treatment Aduhelm over the objection of its outside advisers. But this type of controversial decision by FDA is fairly rare.

FDA and its advisory panels usually agree and when they don’t, the agency is more likely to take more conservative...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Complete Response Letters

Real-Time Release Of CRLs Is US FDA’s Goal, Agency Leaders Affirm

 

The US FDA says its release of complete response letters for products subsequently approved by the agency is just a first step toward releasing rejection letters when they are issued, assuming legal issues can be resolved.

Complete Response Letter Trio Raises Prospect Of Tidal Shift In Regenerative Medicine Regulation

 

Replimune's RP1 oncolytic immunotherapy became the third regenerative medicine to receive an FDA complete response letter this month as the agency appears to re-visit previous agreements about accelerated approval.

US FDA’s Second Half 2025 User Fee Goals Swing Toward Respiratory Disease

 

The 43 novel agents with user fee goal dates in the remainder of 2025 have fewer oncologics and infectious disease drugs than the first half of the year.

Slowdown: US FDA’s 2025 Novel Approvals Are On Below-Average Pace

 

US FDA's 25 novel approvals in 2025 fell short of the agency's five-year average count, driven by a drop in drugs center approvals; 45 user fee goals remain in second half of year.

More from Product Reviews

Blenrep Review Highlights US FDA Oncology Trial Site Selection, Comparator Issues

 
• By 

The FDA will take a hard line on trial design and site selection to ensure applicability to the US, Oncology Center of Excellence Director Richard Pazdur said during a meeting on GSK's Blenrep.

EMA Poised To Decide On Fate Of Lilly’s Kisunla And PharmaMar’s Aplidin In EU

 
• By 

Eli Lilly and PharmaMar were set to make their case before the European Medicines Agency this week as part of re-examination procedures for their respective drugs Kisunla and Aplidin.

Complete Response Letter Trio Raises Prospect Of Tidal Shift In Regenerative Medicine Regulation

 

Replimune's RP1 oncolytic immunotherapy became the third regenerative medicine to receive an FDA complete response letter this month as the agency appears to re-visit previous agreements about accelerated approval.