Fixing the FDA: a two-track plan to end regulatory chaos

Fixing the FDA: a two-track plan to end regulatory chaos

From The Pursuit of Health: a podcast on health policy for a free and modern society. by Center for Modern Health

May 22, 2026 · 30 min · Season 2 · Episode 13

About this episode

The episode discusses a proposed reform to the FDA aimed at balancing patient safety with quicker access to drugs of disputed value.

Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad tried to reform the FDA, increasing standards for some drugs while fast tracking others. Now they are out. Was it impossible to both protect patients from low-value drugs and give quicker access to those who want to use drugs of disputed value? Jared Rhoads proposes a reform to the FDA that can resolve these conflicts, by separating the right the bring a drug to market from the ability to sell a drug to a government program. Here is Jared Rhoads' article on 'Bringing a drug to market versus approving a drug for a program: a proposal'. To support our show, and the Center for Modern Health, you can make a tax deductible donation here .

People in this episode

Guest: Jared Rhoads

Topics covered

  • FDA reform
  • drug approval
  • health policy
  • patient safety
  • regulatory issues

Keywords

  • FDA
  • drug market
  • regulatory chaos
  • health policy
  • patient access

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FDA

Books & works: Bringing a drug to market versus approving a drug for a program: a proposal

More episodes of The Pursuit of Health: a podcast on health policy for a free and modern society.

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Pursuit of Health: a podcast on health policy for a free and modern society. podcast page.