The FDA is looking to bring new members to all of its advisory committees, the independent bodies that discuss and provide input on experimental drugs, vaccines, and medical devices before the agency formally issues a regulatory decision.
In a recruitment announcement Wednesday, the FDA said it aims to “expand the range of qualified voices and perspective on its advisory committees.” One notice set to be published on the Federal Register says the agency is looking for people with scientific or technical expertise to fill current or anticipated vacancies. A second notice says the FDA is looking for consumer representatives.
The FDA currently has 50 technical and scientific advisory committees spanning a range of topics. To keep up with industry advances, new committees have formed in emerging areas such as digital health. In addition to committee members that bring expertise in relevant areas, most of these bodies also have consumer and industry representatives. Depending on the topic being discussed at a particular meeting, a committee may also add temporary members.
Advisory committees usually meet up to four times a year, but that’s not a given. Committees met less frequently during the tenure of former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, but there’s been an uptick in meetings since he departed the agency in May. Last week, the Molecular and Clinical Genetics Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee spent a day discussing and debating Galleri, Grail’s liquid biopsy developed to detect signs of cancer. On three separate voting questions, a majority of members voted in support of the Grail test.
Committee members serve terms that last up to four years. The votes that these committees make at the end of each meeting do not bind the FDA to a particular decision. But these votes — and perhaps more importantly, the discussion ahead of the votes — inform the regulator’s decision-making process.
The FDA’s new recruiting push spans multiple disciplines, including oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, and medical devices. The FDA said those seeking to serve as scientific or technical voting members must demonstrate relevant expertise, the ability to interpret complex scientific and technical information, an understanding of public health implications, and the capacity to provide objective, independent advice. You can find more details on how to apply here.
The FDA said it will accept nominations for committee openings on a continuing basis. To be considered for current and near-term vacancies, the agency is asking that nominations for scientific, technical, professional, and other voting-member positions be submitted by Nov. 30. For consumer representative positions, the deadline is Nov. 15. For any of these positions, the FDA says it’s O.K. to nominate yourself.
“These panels provide independent expertise and rigorous scrutiny as the FDA navigates complex and rapidly evolving areas of science,” acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said in a prepared statement. “The Trump Administration is deeply committed to strengthening the partnership between the FDA and the nation’s brightest minds.
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