Latest from Sarah Karlin-Smith
The long-time industry executive led several drug approvals but may have a lot to learn about the intimate details of application review and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss CBER Director Vinay Prasad using an unproven theory to help explain his COVID-19 vaccine decisions and the impact of the recently finalized reduction-in-force at the FDA.
In defending his decision to overrule agency staff on three recent COVID-19 vaccine applications, the CBER director questioned the original timing of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine authorization, reviving a long-held, but unproven grievance of President Trump.
The FDA law establishing REMS authority does not preempt a West Virginia law that would restrict mifepristone use in the state, an appeals court said, a decision that could have broader ramifications for the agency’s authority to ensure drug access.
The official separation of those impacted by the reduction-in-force and some others who are leaving the agency are not yet reflected in CDER employee gains and losses data.
Development of the user fee commitment letter largely takes place behind closed doors between industry and FDA. Outside groups see the upcoming negotiation cycle as a chance to change this and other agency information blocks by reminding Commissioner Makary of his commitment to transparency.