Life expectancy in the U.S. lags behind that of other high-income countries by three to five years, and according to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, misinformation plays a role in this disparity.
In an interview at the FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, Califf noted that the gap has been widening in recent years, despite factors like the Covid pandemic.
He highlighted living in rural areas as a new contributor to disparities in life expectancy, where access to different information sources influences decision-making.
“Why aren’t we using medical products as effectively and efficiently as our peer countries? A lot of it has to do with choices that people make because of the things that influenced their thinking,” Califf explained.
Califf, now in his second stint as FDA commissioner, has prioritized combating misinformation, exacerbated by the pandemic and heightened political tensions.
He emphasized the need for better regulatory frameworks across agencies like the FDA and FTC to tackle misinformation effectively.
Reflecting on broader FDA issues, Califf discussed the recent federal court decision suspending the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, underscoring its potential impact on abortion access and future drug regulations.
He also touched on efforts to address drug pricing, acknowledging the FDA’s indirect influence through advocacy and public awareness.
While the FDA does not directly regulate drug prices, Califf highlighted the agency’s role in promoting affordability and transparency in drug markets.
He cited the recent approval of an over-the-counter version of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, as an example where the FDA encouraged affordability in drug pricing.
Looking ahead, Califf aims to use the FDA’s influence to go through the delicate balance between affordability and innovation in drug development.
He emphasized the need for incentives to spur research in neglected areas such as maternal health and tobacco cessation, where effective treatments are urgently needed.
Califf also expressed optimism about new drug classes targeting obesity and diabetes, noting potential breakthroughs in addressing the underlying physiology of these conditions.
He highlighted ongoing outcomes trials to assess the long-term benefits and risks of these medications, underscoring the importance of robust data collection systems.
As the U.S. works to enhance its health data infrastructure, Califf emphasized the potential of electronic health records to track long-term safety and effectiveness of drugs, a capability he believes lags behind countries like the UK and Israel.
