Fixing advisory committees could be Califf’s legacy

FDA Commissioner Rob Califf has devoted a great deal of time in public appearances to discussing issues his agency has little ability to influence, such as medical misinformation and inequities in access to healthcare. He has also touched on a topic that, if well-managed, could leave a lasting positive legacy: reforming the ways FDA receives external advice, including its advisory committee procedures.

The Office of the Commissioner is leading discussions with FDA’s centers on how to best use advisory committees. Although Califf has suggested in recent public appearances that new policies will be announced soon, there is no timetable and it is possible that changes will be rolled out over time...