STAT+: Drug companies, patient groups urge FDA to pause commissioner’s voucher program

WASHINGTON — Leaders at the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday listened to criticisms and recommendations for how to move forward with a speedy drug review program put in place by former FDA commissioner Marty Makary.&#x A0; The listening session, held on the FDA’s White Oak Campus, featured 17 speakers representing patient groups, drug companies, and academic organizations. Some had positive feedback, particularly those whose drugs have already been approved through the program. But most asked the agency to pause the program, and then bring it back through normal regulatory procedures that require public feedback.  Makary launched the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program about a year ago, offering one-to-two month FDA reviews to companies that could prove their drugs “align with national priorities.” The priorities, which included addressing health crises and delivering innovative cures, were vague. Critics worried the process was vulnerable to political interference.Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…