FDA Addresses Advisory Committee Conflict of Interest

by Astrid Fiano, DOTmed News Writer | August 13, 2008

The agency also issued recommendations concerning voting on questions. The agency recommends that sequential voting be replaced by simultaneous voting, so that voting momentum, where some voters may be influenced, even subconsciously, by the votes of those who precede them, is avoided. The agency also recommends that the results of votes be announced immediately in the meeting, and FDA intends to post on the FDA website a list indicating how each member voted. Any posted list will be part of the permanent record of the meeting.

The agency also has made improvements to the advisory committee web site to make it easier for users to access news on advisory committee meeting dates, agendas, financial disclosures and briefing materials.

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The trend in the medical community toward disclosure and avoidance of the appearance of influence peddling has increased recently, such as the PhRMA Board of Directors prohibiting giveaways of logo-inscribed gifts, and Senate Committees investigating conflicts of interest. (Previously reported in DM 6635, DM 5625*). See also a report on Massachusetts, "Leaders Tweak Healthcare Policy; Limits Placed On Drug Firm Gifts" at https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/6708/

More information on the FDA's guidelines available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01871.html

*Place the ID code into any search box on DOTmed.com to view the story.

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