FDA - just how independent are expert panels?

A new study, published in JAMA, shows that 73% of 221 FDA expert panel advisory meetings between 2001 and 2004 included at least one member with a disclosed financial conflict.

Twenty-eight percent of all experts reported a conflict, though only 1% declined to participate because of it.

The researchers also found that panel members were 10% more likely to vote for or against a product if they had ties to its manufacturer or a competitor.

More here at webmd.com