An FDA Commissioner who tried to do his job is reportedly set to be fired…for trying to do his job.
Dr. Marty Makary — a Johns Hopkins cancer surgeon who became one of the few competent figures in the Trump health apparatus — is being pushed out after clashing with three powerful factions who wanted the FDA to serve their interests instead of public health. The first faction consists of the tobacco companies, trying to regain the profits lost since cigarette smoking has declined, and who are major donors to Trump, They have been demanding approval for fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes and vape cartridges. Makary’s FDA concluded that those flavors appeal to children and restricted approvals to mint, tea, and spice varieties, despite the fact that the White House applied pressure to him for months. He held the line — until Tuesday, when the FDA approved blueberry and mango flavors anyway. Apparently, it was too little, too late for the tobacco lobby. The second faction Makary clashed with is the anti-abortion advocates. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has been demanding that the FDA attack Mifepristone, the abortion medication used by millions of women, but Makary didn’t move fast enough on their preferred safety review. Mike Pence amplified their criticism, and they called for Makary’s firing. Trump apparently agreed. The third group arrayed against the FDA Commissioner is biotech investors. The FDA rejected a series of drug applications — which it does with roughly 20 percent of submissions — because career scientists found the medications ineffective. Biotech companies complained to the White House when their pharmaceuticals weren’t approved. Makary appropriately defended the scientists who conducted the tests, but apparently that was unacceptable. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. was demanding the FDA endorse stem cell treatments, peptides, and raw milk. The man who approved a promising pancreatic cancer therapy, expanded hormone replacement access for women, and tried to restore agency morale after thousands of staff fled is being fired because he wouldn’t let tobacco donors, anti-abortion activists, and biotech investors override the scientists. This is what happens when you put public health above donor interests in Trump’s FDA. Please like and share this post if you think the FDA should answer to scientists — not tobacco companies and campaign donors.
