FDA removes arthritics drugs critic from advisory panel meeting

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 13 Nov 2004 - 10:00 PDT

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Cuty Furberg has been removed from the FDA advisory panel meeting on arthritic drugs such as Vioxx (COX-2 drugs) because of his criticism of the entire class of medications made last week. He was told his invitation to take part in the panel's February meeting has been removed. The reason given was an intellectual conflict of interest.

Cuty Furberg is well known for his expertise in assessing drug side effect risks. A few days ago he commented on the possible cardiovascular risks of such COX-2 drugs as Bextra. Bextra is a similar class of drug to Vioxx, the drug that was taken off the market. Cuty Furberg had just completed his analysis of Bextra and had suggested that COX-2 drugs in general had risks.

Cuty Furberg said, "I think they're trying to control criticism at the committee meeting. The fact that I've commented on the issue should be irrelevant. I've done research and some analysis here, and think I'm the most qualified to comment on the data, but now they're going to take me away. It doesn't make much sense."

The FDA stated that if there were financial interests or an intellectual position, it is not uncommon for a panel member to be excluded from a meeting. Sandra Kweder, Deputy Director, FDA Office of New Drugs, said such a position could have an effect on the person's objectivity.

Cuty Furberg has said Bextra is as bad as Vioxx regarding cardiovascular risk, said Sandra Kweder. When the advisory committee had to weigh that question, Cuty Furberg may not be objective, she added.

Kweder said it is not unusual for "For someone to be removed from a meeting because their words or their research show that their mind is made up, it happens."

Kweder went on to say that Cuty Furberg may be asked back if the FDA cannot find anyone with his level of expertise.