# Trust in the FDA is Eroding: Transparency and Scientific Integrity Are Essential Transparency and consistency are critical for the FDA to regain trust. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/03e05a35-32be-4842-88fa-2895dd3ffced ## The Role and Importance of the FDA The FDA holds a unique position at the intersection of science, medicine, public health, and innovation. Patients rely on rigorous evaluation of therapies; innovators depend on predictable regulatory pathways; and investors trust evidence-based decisions. ## Causes of Eroding Trust Certain FDA decisions over the past two years have created uncertainty about the agency's commitment to evidence-based and predictable processes. This has significant implications for patient welfare and biomedical innovation. ## The Need for Transparency and Consistency Restoring trust in the FDA requires adherence to principles like transparency, consistency, scientific integrity, and accountability. This can strengthen public health and maintain U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation. ## Rare Diseases and Treatments Treatment options for rare diseases are limited, leaving patients with few alternatives. FDA decisions in this area are crucial for both patient groups and investors. ## The Moderna Example Rapid changes in Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine application highlighted how abrupt regulatory shifts can unsettle an entire sector. This underscores the importance of predictability. ## FDA's Reassessment Efforts The FDA is revisiting several high-profile decisions that raised concerns among patient organizations, clinicians, and investors. This represents an opportunity to restore confidence in its decision-making processes. ## Scientific and Regulatory Questions Therapies from Replimune, uniQure, and Regenxbio have raised questions about whether the FDA is applying previously communicated evidence expectations. This highlights the need for regulatory consistency and transparency. ## Priorities for the Future The FDA must provide timely and transparent resolutions for therapies that have sparked scientific debate and stakeholder interest. Delays in regulatory clarity can negatively impact patients, clinicians, and investors. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/14/fda-trust-decline-political-interference-rfk/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._