Characteristics of Speakers at US FDA Advisory Committee Meetings on Drug Approval

During the 161 FDA advisory committee meetings held from 2015 to 2023, patients and family members made up nearly half of all speakers during public comment periods. 82% of speakers supported drug approval, and speakers reporting conflicts of interest (COI) were 11% more likely to favor approval. These findings highlight the need for COI disclosure and broader stakeholder input at these committee meetings.