STAT+: Pharma lobbyists focus on a surprising new target: the FDA

STAT News · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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By Daniel Payne and Lizzy LawrenceFeb. 23, 2026 Daniel Payne and Lizzy Lawrence interviewed lobbyists and government officials and reviewed corporate disclosures for this story. WASHINGTON — Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly promised to root out industry influence from the Food and Drug Administration. But the Trump administration’s injection of political priorities into the agency, which has long been shielded from such meddling, has opened new avenues for lobbying. The pharmaceutical industry is working to capitalize, according to 10 people, including lobbyists, advisers, FDA officials, and an executive involved in the efforts. “The nature of the relationship is so drastically different now,” Michael Abrams, a managing partner at Numerof and Associates who works with pharmaceutical clients on regulatory requirements, said of the interactions between companies and the administration. Abrams said the new system, under Trump, makes discussions about FDA decisions that once would have been “heretical” the new norm. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe