Financial conflicts of interest during meetings of the cardiovascular and renal drugs advisory committee.

Context: The Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee (CRDAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews safety and efficacy data for cardiovascular and renal drugs, ultimately making recommendations to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for approval. The Open Public Hearing segment of these meetings allows for patients, advocates, healthcare professionals, clinical trialists, and members of the public to provide testimony, which often results in expressing their preference for, or against, drug approval. Prior to providing testimony, the public speakers are highly encouraged to disclose any financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) with the sponsor or other groups.