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# FDA Restricting Industry Reps on Advisory Committees
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-restricting-industry-reps-on-advisory-committees/
- Published: 2025-04-21T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T15:09:46.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5159037

FDA commissioner **Marty Makary** is announcing a new policy directive that limits those employed at regulated (e.g., pharmaceutical and medical device) companies from serving as official members on agency advisory committees. “As part of this effort, the agency will prioritize and elevate the role of patients and caregivers, strengthening the voices of their communities,” an [agency statement](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-commissioner-makary-announces-new-policy-individuals-serving-fda-advisory-committees?ref=fdaweb.com) says. The policy is intended to “mitigate perceived industry influence and conflicts of interests,” Makary says, which was also a goal announced by HHS secretary **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.**’s during his confirmation process.

“While the FDA should be partnering with industry to ensure a user-friendly review process, the scientific evaluation of new products should be independent,” Makary says. “Industry employees are welcome to attend FDA advisory committee meetings, along with the rest of the American public, but having industry employees serve as official members of FDA advisory committee members represents a cozy relationship that is concerning to many Americans. In fact, the FDA has a history of being influenced unduly by corporate interests. Public trust in the healthcare-industrial complex is at an all-time low. We need to restore impeccable integrity to the process and avoid potential conflicts of interest.”

Makary notes that the policy will not preclude employees of regulated companies from attending or presenting their views at advisory committee meetings or serving as representative members of the committee when required by statute. “Also, exceptions can be made in rare circumstances (i.e., when the scientific expertise in an area is only available from an employee of an FDA-regulated company) provided that the official strictly complies with the applicable ethics requirements,” he says.