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# Potential Advisors’ Conflicts of Interest Aired
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/potential-advisors-conflicts-of-interest-aired/
- Published: 2018-07-09T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T00:17:46.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5141817

Drawing from a *Science* article, *The BMJ* says the FDA drug approval process “may be tainted by financial conflicts of interest with drug companies that are based not only on present and past ties, but also on future ones that may be created. *The BMJ*’s [post](https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k2942?ref=fdaweb.com) says the *Science* investigation identified 107 physician advisors who served on FDA advisory committees and matched them with financial ties to industry that were declared in journal articles and other sources, including the federal Open Payments Web site during 2013-2016.

*Science* found that 40 of the advisors who had reviewed a drug application from a company or companies later received over $10,000 from drug companies in subsequent years. It reported that 26 received over $100,000 and seven received over $1 million.

The payments reportedly covered a wide range of activities, including participating in company advisory bodies and educational programs, as well as grants and product donations for research.

*Science* lead author **Charles Piller** told *The BMJ*, “What we’re tried to do is show evidence that there is cause to be concerned — that there may be problems with conflicts of interest that are both undisclosed and occur after the fact that create an incentive structure that could cause people to adjust their views, even if it is not a quid pro quo.”

Piller reportedly asked FDA and the advisory committee members for copies of the conflict of interest statements that were submitted to the agency years ago and reported they were unable to find or declined to supply them.

“What is up with the record-keeping system, that they would not be able to locate those important documents,” he asked. He added he is troubled by “the reluctance of FDA to engage in these issues and be willing to talk to me about it.”