1. Pink Sheet

HHS’ Kennedy Warns US FDA Staff Against ‘Agency Capture’ By Industry, Special Interests

 
• By Sue Sutter

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged FDA staff to resist the “deep state” and “crony capitalism,” and focus on improving the health of America’s children. “You're not here to take orders,” he said and urged FDA staff to speak up if they see wrongdoing.

Deep state
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned FDA staff about the impact of the "deep state" on agency oversight. (Shutterstock)
Key Takeaways
  • In his first address to the FDA, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged staff to focus on improving the health of America’s children.
  • He said the FDA would not be subject to “agency capture” by industry and special interests during the Trump Administration.
  • Kennedy encouraged whistleblowers to report wrongdoing, including managers trying to approve something that should not be approved.

The US Food and Drug Administration must not fall victim to “agency capture” by regulated industry or special interests, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.

In his first speech at the agency’s White Oak, MD, headquarters, Kennedy urged FDA staff to resist the “deep state” and act with the goal of improving the health of...

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
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from US FDA

US FDA Punts On New COVID-19 Framework’s Impact On Fall Shots

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The FDA’s advisors split on whether to update COVID-19 vaccines for the fall. The agency refused to discuss the impact of the new vaccine framework on impact availability.

Non-User Fee Dollars Increased In US FDA’s Updated FY 2026 Budget Request

 
• By Derrick Gingery

The budget authority total, which is significantly higher than the amount floated in an April OMB draft document, suggests there may have been successful lobbying to increase FDA funding.

Legal, Process Problems May Plague New US FDA COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The FDA may have violated laws and regulations along with many norms in how it released its planned changes for COVID-19 vaccine approvals.

US FDA COVID-19 Booster Strategy May Not Be As Controversial As It Seems

 
• By Michael McCaughan

US FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s call for placebo-controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of COVID-19 boosters is drawing a lot of criticism, but former Commissioner Robert Califf also supported the idea.

More from Agency Leadership

UK MHRA’s Clinical Trial Lead On Combined Reviews, The Notification Scheme & Increasing Diversity

 
• By Eliza Slawther

In light of the UK’s MHRA announcing a major overhaul of its clinical trial legislation, the agency’s deputy director for clinical investigations and trials Andrea Manfrin tells the Pink Sheet what sponsors can expect from the new regulation.

Novavax’s COVID-19 Vaccine Label Narrowed After Political Officials Intervened

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The label that Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine was slated to receive before political officials held up the approval was broader than was granted 16 May.

US FDA COVID-19 Booster Strategy May Not Be As Controversial As It Seems

 
• By Michael McCaughan

US FDA Commissioner Martin Makary’s call for placebo-controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of COVID-19 boosters is drawing a lot of criticism, but former Commissioner Robert Califf also supported the idea.