FDA is being more proactive about issuing safety warnings. But, as GSK's experience with Advair shows, what looks like bad news to Wall Street may not matter as much to physicians. FDA is well aware of the limitations of its risk communication techniques, but for now the agency is commited to transparency.

Past support for so-called ‘march in’ rights is a red flag for biopharma innovators, but after two days of confirmation hearings, industry can be somewhat reassured.

It remains uncertain whether Acting Commissioner Woodcock will be nominated for the post. Regardless, the drug center she has run for most of three decades is going to have to adjust to new management.