When FDA determines that an advisory committee member has a financial conflict of interest, the agency may grant a waiver that allows the member to participate in an advisory committee meeting if certain criteria and policies are met.
In general, FDA may grant a waiver if the member's expertise is considered essential to the committee’s discussions and recommendations. FDA must also take into consideration a cap on the number of waivers that can be granted each year. FDA searches for experts who have the necessary expertise without conflicts of interest; yet, in some cases, many of the top authorities in specialized scientific fields may have a conflict of interest.
When a waiver is proposed for a member to participate in a particular meeting, FDA follows a rigorous review process. When FDA grants a waiver, the financial interests associated with the waiver are posted on FDA’s website along with the reasons for granting the waiver.
FDA’s process provides the opportunity for the agency to gain access to needed experts to obtain the best scientific and technical advice while also carefully assessing any potential for a conflict of interest.
- What is FDA Basics for Industry?
- How did the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act come about?
- How do I find the latest information on the Web site? How do I sign up for e-mails and alerts?
- What is a docket? How do I submit comments to a docket? How do I find comments submitted to a docket?
- Can I buy medical products online? How do I know they're safe?
- FDA's MedWatch Program: Voluntarily Reporting Problems to the FDA
- What non-government websites does FDA recommend?
- What other government-supported websites does FDA recommend as reliable sources for health-related information?
- Where should I go to find consumer information on www.FDA.gov?
- FDA Basics Webinar: FDA Office of Minority Health - Steps to Address Health Disparities
- How do I report a problem with an FDA-regulated product?
- Can I tell if FDA has approved a product by looking at the label?
- FDA MedWatch Webinar
- FDA Webinar on Foreign Inspections
- How is a potential advisory committee member screened for conflicts of interests?
- What is a financial conflict of interest waiver?
- What is a conflict of interest?
- How does an individual become a member of an FDA advisory committee?
- What are the qualifications of a scientific member of an advisory committee?
- What is an FDA Advisory Committee?
- When and why was FDA formed?
- How many people are employed by FDA and in what areas do they work?
- Materials from Webinar on Inspection Process
- Why are animals used for testing medical products?
- How can I share my ideas and suggestions with FDA?