FDA considers changes to advisory committees

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is weighing up potential changes to its advisory committees (ACs) and their role in making decisions on pharmaceutical and other products.

Robert Califf, the FDA Commissioner, wrote in a blog piece that the need to improve the function of the ACs is “one of the most common concerns raised” when he meets with medical leaders.

“ACs play a key role in FDA’s decision-making process by providing independent expert advice on extraordinarily complex issues,” Dr Califf wrote. “Just as importantly, they offer a forum for open and transparent discussion about these processes. As their name suggests, ACs are only advisory, but they can yield unique insights into understanding the balance of benefits and risks of products.”