During a 40-minute address to FDA staff, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used a disability slur, promoted “deep state” conspiracy theories, and accused the agency of being controlled by the industries it regulates. His remarks, which included invoking the Milgram experiment and downplaying the severity of the measles outbreak, shocked employees, with some reportedly walking out. An HHS spokesperson defended Kennedy’s statements, claiming he was advocating for transparency and accountability within the FDA. This incident follows recent mass firings at the FDA and adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding Kennedy’s tenure.
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Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, resigned after being given an ultimatum to resign or be fired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Marks’ letter cited a lack of desired “truth and transparency” under Kennedy’s leadership. This forced resignation, along with other recent HHS actions, has raised serious concerns from health experts who fear a decline in scientific rigor and transparency within the FDA. The move follows HHS’s request for a CDC study on vaccines and autism, despite existing evidence refuting a link.
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RFK Jr.’s actions regarding Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine scientist, are deeply concerning. Marks’ resignation letter paints a disturbing picture, alleging that truth and transparency were not valued by the Secretary, who instead preferred subservient agreement with misinformation and lies. This suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine the scientific integrity of the FDA, a crucial institution for public health.
The situation is further aggravated by RFK Jr.’s hiring of a widely discredited vaccine researcher as a senior data analyst at HHS. This appointment, tasked with investigating the debunked link between vaccines and autism, represents a blatant disregard for scientific consensus and fuels the spread of dangerous misinformation.… Continue reading
FDA staff are struggling to meet product review deadlines, a situation exacerbated by recent significant layoffs. The sheer number of employees let go is staggering, adding to already existing staffing shortages and creating a perfect storm of delayed approvals. This isn’t just impacting review times; it represents a systematic weakening of regulatory oversight.
The reduced workforce directly translates into a longer wait for product approvals. This backlog means medical devices and pharmaceuticals are taking significantly longer to reach the market, potentially delaying access to vital treatments for patients. The impact extends beyond simply slowing down the process; it introduces a significant risk to public health.… Continue reading
User feedback revealed significant issues with the video ad experience. Problems reported included slow loading times, failure to load content, freezing, and excessively loud audio. Additionally, some users experienced ads that failed to start or complete. These issues collectively indicate a need for immediate technical improvements. Addressing these problems will improve user satisfaction and ad effectiveness.
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The FDA, facing backlash after laying off approximately 700 employees, is now attempting to rehire most, if not all, of them, particularly those from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). This reversal follows criticism of the firings’ counterproductive impact on medical device approval processes and public safety. The layoffs, driven by the “Department of Government Efficiency,” ironically did not significantly reduce the FDA’s budget, as much of its funding comes from the private sector. The situation highlights the critical role of the CDRH staff in reviewing medical devices and ensuring patient safety.
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Following mass firings at the FDA, numerous probationary staffers, primarily in medical device and food safety review, were unexpectedly reinstated. This reversal, impacting entire teams, followed industry lobbying efforts and resulted from the chaotic cost-cutting measures implemented by the administration. The reinstatements primarily affected those whose roles were partially funded by industry fees, unlike employees in other divisions, such as the tobacco center, which received no such reversal. The FDA has not yet released official figures on the number of employees fired or reinstated, but the situation highlights the significant disruption caused by the initial terminations and their subsequent reversal.
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A leaked FDA document lists over two dozen prohibited words, including “woman,” “disabled,” and “elderly,” causing confusion and concern among scientists. The directive, whose origin remains unclear, is reportedly a misinterpretation of a presidential executive order targeting “gender ideology,” though the White House disputes the breadth of the ban. This restriction on language, coupled with recent staff firings, is hindering the agency’s ability to effectively communicate and review medical devices. Public health experts warn that such limitations compromise the ability to address diverse health needs.
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The firing of FDA staff involved in reviewing Neuralink’s applications, allegedly coinciding with layoffs at DOGE, raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory capture. The timing is undeniably suspicious, leading many to question whether these dismissals were merely coincidental or a deliberate attempt to influence the regulatory process.
The narrative that Elon Musk holds no legal authority over DOGE and therefore couldn’t orchestrate these firings seems questionable, given the interconnectedness of his business empire and the influence he wields. The sheer scale of resources and power at his disposal makes it difficult to dismiss this as a simple coincidence.… Continue reading
Over the weekend, approximately 20 FDA employees in the office of neurological and physical medicine devices were terminated, impacting the agency’s review of medical device applications, including those from Neuralink. While the firings weren’t explicitly targeted at Neuralink reviewers, the loss of these employees, many of whom worked on Neuralink’s applications, will hinder the agency’s efficiency and potentially compromise safety. These probationary employees were dismissed despite positive performance reviews, raising concerns about the process and potential implications for Neuralink’s clinical trials. Outside experts express worry about the impact on the safety of trial participants.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood