FDA Head expresses Solidarity with Kennedy on Autism Allegations, Affirms No Intended Widespread Reductions
Camouflaging Autism's Causes: A New Perspective from the FDA Commissioner
US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, has taken a step toward peering beneath the surface of autism, suggesting that environmental and dietary factors could contribute to its origin - echoing comments by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He stopped short of discussing vaccines, but his eyes are still trained on the maze of factors shaping our microbiomes.
In a candid encounter with Megyn Kelly, Makary aired his views on a plethora of topics, ranging from societal mistrust of health agencies to food policies and industry influences.
He affirmed that Kennedy's criticism of vaccines, although devoid of empirical evidence linking vaccines and autism, has been misinterpreted. "That's not what he's saying at all," Makary clarified, pointing toward a research endeavor at the National Institutes of Health employing electronic health records to investigating potential driving factors behind autism. Kennedy has voiced optimism that some causes of autism will be uncovered by September.
Navigating the Storm: Makary's First Sit-Down Interview
Makary's appearance on "The Megyn Kelly Show," published Thursday, marked his inaugural interview since donning the commissioner's robe seventeen days prior. The conference came barely a week after a visit from Kennedy ignited a storm over the latter's allegations of deep-rooted corruption within the agency.
Makary seemed to back Kennedy's claims, citing the opioid crisis as the epitome of an industry-regulator relationship gone awry. He also assured that FDA job cuts are minimal, stating, "There are no plans for any mass cuts."
Rebooting Advisory Committees
The FDA, under Makary's steering, intends to banish industry representatives from advisory committees that scrutinize drug, vaccine, and medical device reviews. Instead, patients and family caregivers will be invited to fill the vacancies. Pharmaceutical firms are welcome to send representatives to these committees, but they will occupy the public viewer's gallery, capable of posing questions along with the rest of the audience.
Although industry representatives are usually part of advisory committees, they lack voting power.
On Dr. Peter Marks: The Fallen Commander
Meyrn Kelly asked Makary about Dr. Peter Marks, the former director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, who was forced out last month. Marks, a key player in crafting the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed to rapidly advance Covid-19 vaccines and treatments, penned a resignation letter in which he accused Kennedy of weakening vaccine confidence.
Makary distanced himself from Marks and his statements, stating, "I never knew the guy. I never met him. He resigned before I came to office." Makary expressed optimism regarding the future of the position, noting, "There's a lot of talented people who can do that job well, a lot of very smart people who are right now... applying for that job."
- Dr. Marty Makary, the US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, believes that environmental and dietary factors could potentially contribute to autism, similar to the views expressed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- On Megyn Kelly's show, Makary discussed a wide range of topics, including societal mistrust of health agencies and food policies.
- Makary clarified that Kennedy's comments about vaccines were misinterpreted, and he was not implying a direct link between vaccines and autism.
- An ongoing research effort at the National Institutes of Health is investigating potential driving factors behind autism, inspired by Kennedy's arguments.
- Makary's first interview since becoming commissioner was on "The Megyn Kelly Show."
- The interview came just a week after a visit from Kennedy ignited controversy over allegations of deep-rooted corruption within the FDA.
- Makary seemed to back Kennedy's claims, citing the opioid crisis as an example of a problematic industry-regulator relationship.8.The FDA, under Makary's leadership, plans to exclude industry representatives from advisory committees that review drugs, vaccines, and medical devices.
- Instead, patients and family caregivers will be invited to fill the vacancies in advisory committees.
- Pharmaceutical firms can still send representatives to these committees, but they will be limited to the public viewer's gallery.
- Dr. Peter Marks, the former director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, resigned due to allegations of weakening vaccine confidence, but Makary distanced himself from Marks' statements.
- Makary expressed optimism about the future of the FDA, believing that many talented individuals are applying for the position left by Marks.
- Discussions about health extend beyond individual conditions like autism, chronic diseases, cancer, mental health, and neurological disorders. They also encompass broader topics like policy and legislation, politics, general news, crime and justice, sports, sports betting, casino culture, and even war and conflicts.
