Story perspectives

FDA's New Bonus Program Sparks Safety Concerns

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will launch a pilot bonus program for drug reviewers who complete evaluations ahead of schedule, announced by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
The program rewards efficiency while preserving quality, with payments based on time savings and work complexity.
Critics, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warn it could pressure safety reviews and note 70% of FDA's drug program is funded by user fees.

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Story summary

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will launch a pilot bonus program for drug reviewers who complete evaluations ahead of schedule, announced by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
The program rewards efficiency while preserving quality, with payments based on time savings and work complexity.
Critics, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warn it could pressure safety reviews and note 70% of FDA's drug program is funded by user fees.