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Former FDA Regulator Slams Lack of Transparency in Drug Reviews

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Pazdur, a former FDA regulator, criticized the agency's transparency about a new voucher program for accelerated drug reviews.
He said the separation between political appointees and drug reviewers has been compromised and called for public access to meetings about drugs in the voucher program.
He noted the meetings occur in a small room near the FDA commissioner's office and involve only staff reporting to Commissioner Marty Makary.

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Story summary

Richard Pazdur, a former FDA regulator, criticized the agency's transparency about a new voucher program for accelerated drug reviews.
He said the separation between political appointees and drug reviewers has been compromised and called for public access to meetings about drugs in the voucher program.
He noted the meetings occur in a small room near the FDA commissioner's office and involve only staff reporting to Commissioner Marty Makary.