FDA has retreated from earlier plans to relax its conflict of interest rules governing experts who serve on its advisory panels. At issue are 1988 rules barring individuals if they, their spouse, or minor children have more than $50,000 in potentially conflicting financial interests. Those who vouch for loosening the rules say the instituted limits have resulted in too many empty spots on advisory panels and members not always having the necessary expertise. Those who want to keep the tighter guidelines say that financial conflicts are bound to bias advisory panel members. Which side do you fall on?

Poll Question:
Should FDA relax conflict of interest guidelines governing advisory panels?

Yes
22

No
52

Undecided
5

Previous articleAmgen Goes Ahead With $1.16B Micromet Acquisition as Judge Bars Preliminary Injunction
Next articleDesensitizing Chemokine Receptor Reduces Recruitment of Activated T Cells in RA