AHI Perspective on FDA Reorganization

April 2, 2025—The animal health industry provides essential medicines to keep both pets and food animals healthy. These products make key contributions to protecting the safety of the food supply and promoting the human-animal bond by enhancing the quality of life for companion animals. In 2021, the US animal health industry produced nearly $14 billion in medicines, protecting the health and welfare of 10.5 billion animals and contributing to almost $600 billion in indirect economic activity.

Realizing these societal benefits requires an efficient federal agency review process. The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM) reviews products used to treat life-threatening diseases in animals, relieve pain and suffering, and manage common health challenges. The CVM is an independent center focused on veterinary medicine. Its continued independence is critical to addressing the unique needs of animal health and ensuring that animal health products receive the appropriate priority.

We support efforts to make this review process more efficient. We welcome Dr. Makary to his new position as FDA Commissioner and look forward to working with him to achieve US leadership in bringing new and innovative animal health solutions to American farmers and pet owners.  Members of the Animal Health Institute rely on a predictable regulatory process and expertise within their regulating agencies in order to research, develop, and market animal health products for both the US and global market.

With this in mind, we note that the recently-implemented FDA reorganization plan does not provide an externally-available outline of how the Center will continue to efficiently review products and meet product progress timelines. It is critical that the Center for Veterinary Medicine maintains sufficient numbers of scientific experts and administrative professionals to perform and support its function of reviewing and approving products to treat animals. We are concerned that reductions in staff at FDA CVM will affect the availability of animal health products, and we urge the Administration to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure continued health and wellbeing for animals.

 

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