Amid the chaos of the Trump administration’s haphazard job cuts and a mass exodus of leadership, the Food and Drug Administration is experiencing a slowdown of drug reviews and approvals, according to an analysis reported by Stat News.
An assessment of metrics by RBC Capital Markets analysts found that FDA drug approvals dropped 14 percentage points in the third quarter compared to the average of the six previous quarters—falling from an average of 87 percent to 73 percent this past quarter. In line with that finding, analysts noted that the delay rate in meeting deadlines for drug application reviews rose from an average of 4 percent to 11 percent.
The FDA also rejected more applications than normal, going from a historical average of 10 percent to 15 percent in the third quarter. A growing number of rejections relate to problems at manufacturing plants, which in turn could suggest problems with the FDA’s inspection and auditing processes.


This post highlights some significant challenges faced by the FDA during a turbulent time. It’s important to consider how such changes can impact public health and safety. Thank you for shedding light on this complex issue!
It’s important to remember that such disruptions can have long-term effects on public health and drug accessibility. The FDA’s role is crucial, and any delays in approvals can impact patients waiting for new treatments. Hopefully, they can find a way to stabilize and regain trust in the process.
Absolutely, the impact on public health can indeed be significant. Delays in drug approvals can hinder access to essential treatments, especially for those with urgent medical needs. Ensuring a stable review process is crucial for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
You’re right, delays in drug approvals can have serious consequences for patient care. It’s also worth noting that these slowdowns can affect the development of innovative treatments, leaving patients waiting longer for new options.