BioCentury
ARTICLE | Politics, Policy & Law

BIO's case for limiting advisory panels

May 24, 1999 7:00 AM UTC

WASHINGTON - The Biotechnology Industry Organization has recommended that FDA reduce the number and scope of advisory committee meetings. In comments submitted in response to an agency request for advice on science-based regulation, BIO argued that excessive committee agendas would benefit by focusing panels on scientific issues and limiting their ability to challenge agreements between sponsors and agency staff.

Alan Goldhammer, director of technical affairs at BIO, said that reducing the number of advisory panel meetings and limiting their scope to the resolution of significant scientific controversies is a high priority for the organization's members. "The feeling among BIO members is there are too many meetings now," he said...