The health care industry is voicing concerns over sweeping job cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ordered by newly appointed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Politico reports.
While drug and medical device manufacturers refrained from publicly opposing his confirmation, the scale of recent layoffs has prompted alarm.
On Tuesday, thousands of HHS employees, including senior officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), were dismissed. Industry trade groups, which had previously sought to maintain a neutral stance, are now speaking out about the potential consequences of the downsizing.
John Murphy, CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines, which represents generic drugmakers, expressed concerns that the cuts could hinder the delivery of affordable medicines.
“While we support improving FDA efficiency to deliver more affordable generic and biosimilar medicines to patients faster, many of the reported cuts appear to do the opposite,” Murphy said.
Similarly, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the leading lobbying group for brand-name drugmakers, questioned the FDA’s ability to maintain its regulatory standards following the reductions.
“The rapid and substantial changes at FDA this week raise questions about the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission to bring new innovative medicines to patients,” said PhRMA spokesperson Alex Schriver.
The layoffs included key FDA officials such as Acting Biologics Center Director Julie Tierney, Office of New Drugs Director Dr. Peter Stein, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Marston. The reduction of experienced staff has raised concerns among pharmaceutical and medical device companies, which rely on the FDA for drug approvals and safety monitoring.
An anonymous health care lobbyist described the situation as a “brain drain” that could slow the approval process and discourage investment in the sector.
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, representing biotech firms, also warned that the departure of senior FDA leaders could weaken scientific oversight and disrupt medical advancements.
The medical device sector has responded with mixed reactions. While AdvaMed, a major industry group, acknowledged Kennedy’s goal of improving efficiency, other associations have pushed back. The American Medical Manufacturers Association warned that staffing reductions at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory could benefit international competitors, including China.
Scott Whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed, stated:
“If it’s true that medical device reviewers and inspectors haven’t been affected, then that is good news. Looking forward, our view is that any reduction in force should be accompanied by policy and regulatory improvements that encourage innovation in medtech.”
