Dear FDA Matters subscribers–
There was one FDA Matters column this week. Alice, Humpty Dumpty and the New Administration, in which I explored the meaning of radical transparency, gold-standard science, and ultra-processed foods.
I also posted a comment (here) on the new National Priorities Voucher (NPV) initiative at FDA. When we have more details, I will probably produce an entire column about it.
Looking for Questions from Readers. When I wrote “Friday Update” for the Alliance for a Stronger FDA (about six hundred columns over 15 years), some of my best-read columns were in response to questions I received from Alliance members.
In that same spirit of give and take, I welcome questions from FDA Matters’ subscribers (including members of the media). Please send your toughest questions about any aspect of FDA’s mission, responsibilities, programs, and policies to: sgrossman@fdamatters.com.
I will try to respond in a way that makes all of us a little smarter about the agency. As a “for example,” I was asked yesterday whether I thought all the efforts to shorten the approval process risked a thalidomide-type situation with no place for a Frances Kelsey to express concerns. I have an intriguing answer…which I will share in the first FDA Matters Q&A column.
HPS Group, my consulting firm, is accepting new clients and projects. While FDA Matters will always be a work in progress (new columns and new features coming), I can now turn my attention to the re-launch of my consulting firm, HPS Group.
I am a policy analyst, problem solver, and writer with deep experience in FDA and NIH issues and an insightful perspective on advocacy in DC.
At various points, I have done coalition development, strategic plans, built and implemented communications and public affairs programs, and written op-eds and white papers. I have worked in and for associations, in the Senate, at HHS, and at a large public relations/public affairs company. I have been an independent consultant for many years, including while I was at the Alliance.
You may retain HPS Group to provide ongoing counsel or ask for assistance with specific projects from reviewing documents to long-term planning. If it’s challenging, I am up for it…even if it is only a small, short-term assignment helping you think through a problem.
Let’s chat…if I can’t offer you what you need, I have worked with a vast number of people I can recommend.
You can reach me at sgrossman@hpsgroup.com or at 301-257-9660.
Have a great weekend,
Steven
