Cash Rewards to Speed Drug Reviews

FDA Plans Bonuses for Speedy Reviewers

The FDA is set to reward reviewers who finish ahead of schedule.
Commissioner Makary introduced the idea in a staff meeting last week, describing it as a pilot program with first bonuses slated to start in August.

• Goal: Recognize “weighted time savings” while maintaining high quality.
• One slide emphasized that speed matters but not at the cost of safety.
• Questions remain about how to divide funds among large teams.
• Exclusions: Inspectors and other non‑review staff will not receive bonuses.

Some employees worry that accelerated reviews could compromise safety checks.
The agency has long funded additional scientists through drug company fees—about 70 % of the FDA’s drug budget.
These hires have cut review times by more than half compared to past decades, yet the agency is still losing staff: roughly 20 % of drug and biologics personnel have left since last year, with some reviewers being courted by pharmaceutical firms.

Makary also unveiled other speed‑up measures:

• One‑month reviews for drugs that serve national interests.
• Potential allowance of trials with fewer patients in select cases.

Meanwhile, the FDA’s chief scientist has occasionally overridden staff decisions.
Recently, he asked Moderna to conduct an additional study on an mRNA flu vaccine before approval.

Critics accuse the FDA of being too close to the industry.
Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. has labeled FDA staff “sock puppets” of industry.