STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about the FDA and revolving doors, a Novo win over compounders, and more

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is still shaping up. We expect to promenade with the official mascots and catch up on our reading, but are, otherwise, open to suggestion. Of course, we do hope to hold another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? The world is your oyster, so perhaps this is an opportunity to take a long drive or long walk to appreciate the sights or simply ruminate a while. Maybe this is a chance to plan a summer getaway or reach out to someone special — or plan the rest of your life. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon. …

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has railed against what he sees as a “revolving door” between workers at drug companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but his department’s actions now seem to be causing that door to spin ever faster, STAT tells us. Scores of FDA employees are searching for an exit from an agency in turmoil, particularly staff members tasked with reviewing drug applications. Many of those joining the exodus were protected from the  layoffs that hit the agency earlier this month, but their work environment has become morose and cuts to other departments are making it more difficult to do their jobs. As many as 600 drug reviewers have recused themselves from approval processes because they are interviewing with drug companies, according to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. These staff members oversee applications for new medicines and are partially funded through user fees that the FDA collects from drug makers.

The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is asking its staff for volunteers to help out with contract and acquisition requests after the health department laid off employees responsible for those tasks, according to Bloomberg Law, citing an email sent to certain drug reviewers. The office is looking to identify employees that are active contracting officer representatives, and their assistance would help “triage contracting and acquisition requests.” The FDA contracts and acquisitions staff helps oversee relationships with vendors and partners and ensure cost-effective procurement. Contracting officer representatives are responsible for the timely review and setup of services for drug reviewers to ensure they have the resources to do their job. They also invoice for services provided and check deliverables from contracts.

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