FDA's new expert panels are rife with financial conflicts and fringe views

New advisers to the Food and Drug Administration on antidepressants, menopause drugs and other topics have conflicts of interest and contrarian views.

Nearly 80 researchers sent a letter to the FDA this month objecting to advice provided by new appointees.

WASHINGTON — When the Food and Drug Administration needs outside guidance, it normally turns to a trusted source: a large roster of expert advisers who are carefully vetted for their independence, credentials and judgment.

But increasingly, the agency isn’t calling them.

Instead, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has launched a series of ad hoc “expert panels” to discuss antidepressants, menopause drugs and other topics with physicians and researchers who often have contrarian views and financial interests in the subjects.

Former ag