How Politics & Money Influence FDA Drug Approvals

May 25, 2026

Used with permission from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Before a drug can be sold in the United States, it must be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approval process is meant to ensure that drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription, do what they claim to do and that their health benefits outweigh their known risks.

The review and approval process begins with the drug manufacturer submitting their clinical trial data (and numerous other data about their marketing plans, dosage, benefits, risks, etc) to the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). From that point, a rigorous scientific review process begins. The process should be restricted from outside influences that may nudge the CDER to make a decision that conflicts with the submitted scientific data.