FDA, Politics, and Public Health
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
9-26-2025
Conference / Event Title
Fireproofing the FDA: Power, Politics, and Public Health
Conference / Event Location
Utah
Sponsorship
Lee E. Teitelbaum Utah Law Review Symposium
Hosting Organization
The University of Utah - S.J. Quinney College of Law
Abstract
This symposium explored a revitalization of the FDA’s original missions—public health and consumer protection—by probing the intersection of politics, public health, and power at the organization. The FDA is currently facing political interference as well as cuts to its staff and budget that could compromise its ability to appropriately vet medical products. At the same time, FDA experts have observed that the agency needs significant reform to meet U.S. needs in the 21st century.
This convening will emphasize the “how”: the methods and approaches to strengthen medical product vetting while defending the FDA from interference. These goals bear some tension—and yet law and policy are well familiar with managing competing goals. Lessons for how the FDA can be “fireproofed,” drawing from FDA history, administrative law, political science, or other regulatory agencies, are encouraged. At the same time, changes to the way FDA operates may be needed to optimize the review of medical products on behalf of public health and innovation.
External Links
https://www.law.utah.edu/event/lee-e-teitelbaum-utah-law-review-symposium-fireproofing-the-fda-power-politics-and-public-health/
Recommended Citation
Grossman, Lewis, "FDA, Politics, and Public Health" (2025). Presentations. 1073.
https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/pub_disc_presentations/1073