PFE - Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla backs FDA after abortion pill ruling

2023-04-10 10:48:10 ET

A group of senior pharma executives, including Pfizer ( NYSE: PFE ) chief executive Albert Bourla, has come forward in support of the FDA after a Texas-based judge suspended the approval of abortion treatment mifepristone on Friday.

Mifepristone, approved by the FDA over two decades ago in 2000, is indicated in the U.S. to terminate a pregnancy. Used in combination with another drug called misoprostol, it accounts for about half of all abortions in the U.S.

In the wake of the ruling, Bourla joined hands with several other pharma executives, including Paul Hastings, CEO of Nkarta ( NKTX ), Sabrina Martucci Johnson, CEO of Daré Bioscience ( DARE ) to pen a letter, endorsing the FDA’s authority over drug approvals.

“As an industry we count on the FDA’s autonomy and authority to bring new medicines to patients under a reliable regulatory process for drug evaluation and approval,” they said.

“If courts can overturn drug approvals without regard for science or evidence, or for the complexity required to fully vet the safety and efficacy of new drugs, any medicine is at risk for the same outcome as mifepristone,” the group added.

Other signatories to the letter include David Meeker, CEO of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals ( RYTM ), John Maraganore, former founding CEO at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), Daniel Swisher, President and COO of Jazz Pharmaceuticals ( JAZZ ), Rhonda F. Farnum, Chief Business Officer of Theravance Biopharma ( TBPH ) and Alex Harding, Head of Business Development CRISPR Therapeutics ( CRSP ).

More on the abortion pill access:

FDA approval of abortion pill mifepristone questioned by federal judge

Senators urge pharmacy chains to ensure abortion pill access

Walgreens slips as Governor Newsom says California is 'done' with company

Walgreens, CVS to offer abortion pills after FDA relaxes rules

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