FDA Policy/General

‘Improper Influence’ on FDA Science, Survey Says

David McFarland

— 1 min read
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A 2018 Center for Science and Democracy (CSD) survey of FDA scientists highlighted issues regarding the agency’s science-based decision-making processes, including evidence of the improper influence of political leadership, constraints resulting from workforce reductions, and limited resources for professional development. CSD surveyed more than 63,000 federal scientists in 16 federal agencies, including FDA. At FDA, 9,378 scientists and scientific experts were sent a survey and 354 (3.8%) responded.

“While respondents generally feel that FDA adheres to its scientific integrity policies,” the CSD report says, “they also feel it could better insulate scientists from undue influence from political and business interests.” The report includes these points: 

  •          some FDA scientists feel that leaders who come from regulated industries inappropriately influence science-based decisions, with 22% saying that the presence of senior decisionmakers from regulated industries or with financial interest in regulatory outcomes inappropriately influences FDA decision-making, 32% citing the consideration of political interests as a barrier to science-based decision-making, and 36% saying that the influence of business interests hinders the ability of the agency to make science-based decisions;
  •          FDA scientists report workforce reductions that affect their ability to do critical scientific work;
  •          many FDA scientists say the agency does not afford them adequate resources for professional development;
  •          FDA scientists feel the agency is effective; and
  •          FDA scientists feel positive about leadership.

“With respondents noting some interference from business interests,” the report concludes, “FDA could best improve scientific integrity if agency leaders reaffirm that the agency’s scientists have the freedom to pursue and communicate openly about their scientific work without asking for permission, regardless of whether the work is politically contentious. Moreover, agency leadership should ensure scientists have adequate time and resources to pursue professional development opportunities and encourage them to do so. These steps would enable FDA scientists to better conduct the important scientific work that informs policies to protect America’s health and safety.”

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