Despite acknowledging that fully in-person meetings overall are better, survey respondents said they still want the flexibility that virtual attendance offers.

Reforms merit one sentence, which would end waiver caps for conflicts of interest, but it is unclear whether it will solve the problems patient groups and others have with the advisory committee selection process.

Anticipated legislation from Sen. Kay Hagan would copy federal regulations outlining accelerated approval to Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, also encourage use of more broadly effective processes for expedited reviews.