In a press release today, the Food and Drug Administration rejected pressure from self-appointed consumer groups who claim that scientists who have consulted for or accepted research funds from corporations should be deemed ineligible to serve on scientific advisory panels.
The FDA, referring to corporate sponsored pharmaceutical and other research, noted that "some of the most valuable input often comes from people who are heavily engaged in clinical research and we need to make sure that we continue to have the ability to recruit top clinical trialists."
The statement stressed that the FDA would continue to promote full financial disclosure and "transparency" in selecting scientific advisors for Agency panels. It also noted that scientists with clear conflicts of interest would be asked to recuse themselves from panels where their objectivity might be in serious question. However, the FDA made it clear today that it would not exclude scientists from Agency advisory panels simply because they had consulted with or worked with industry.
The American Council on Science and Health applauds the FDA for taking a stand based on science and common sense -- a stance that rejects the baseless dichotomy that scientists with "industry ties" are less desirable on panels than those who have never worked with industry. In truth, the FDA recognizes the necessity to seek the best and the brightest scientists for assistance in making critical regulatory decisions. The FDA chose not to succumb to activists who claimed that any industry affiliation was grounds for exclusion from panels.
Elizabeth M. Whelan, Sc.D., MPH, is president of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com).
