Article Summary:
Dr. Marty Makary has been appointed as the new commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and he is wasting no time in charting a new course for the agency. In an exclusive interview, Makary outlined his vision for the future, emphasizing that there will be no full reorganization, but rather a focus on simple reforms.
Makary’s priorities include removing synthetic dyes from the food supply, utilizing more modern technology, and keeping science independent from industry. He also expressed concerns about the lengthy approval process for new medications and the lower inspection standards for foreign drug makers.
Makary believes the FDA can modernize by challenging deeply held assumptions and traditional ways of doing things, while upholding two fundamental guiding principles: gold standard science and common sense. He noted that recent staffing cuts did not result in any scientists or inspectors being laid off, but he acknowledged that duplication and a siloed culture have led to waste within the agency.