FDA Shifts Towards Controversial Expert Panels

The FDA often asks experts for help. These experts give advice on important topics. They have good knowledge and no conflicts of interest. But recently, the FDA is not using these experts as much. The agency is now using different groups of people.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary made new expert panels. These panels talk about drugs and other things. The experts may have different views and money interests. Some people worry about these new meetings. They think the meetings avoid rules about conflicts and honesty.

The panels started with a talk about talc. Talc is in makeup and baby powder. Some people think talc causes cancer. The FDA still thinks talc is safe if tested well. Studies have not found a link to cancer.

Another meeting talked about antidepressants during pregnancy. Some doctors think these drugs cause problems. They believe it may cause autism or birth defects. Most experts wanted a strong warning about antidepressants. But other experts disagree with that assessment.

The FDA also had a meeting about menopause drugs. Experts wanted to remove a warning on the drugs. Most of them use or sell these hormones. Some researchers are not happy about this meeting. They want an official meeting with many experts.