By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - US senators questioned President Donald Trump's nominee to run the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday about a canceled agency meeting on influenza vaccines.
"If confirmed, I hope to ensure the FDA holds to the gold standard of trusted science, transparency and common sense to rebuild public trust and make America healthy again," Marty Makary said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
After Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the FDA canceled an annual meeting of its advisers to update next season's influenza vaccines without giving a reason.
Makary told the senators he had no involvement in the FDA’s decision.
"I was not involved in that decision. Certainly, if confirmed, once in office, you have my commitment to take a look at it.
"As you know, (the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee) VRBPAC takes a look at guidance and recommendations from international groups such as the (Global Influenza Programme) International Consortium,” he added.
Asked whether he would reconvene the VRBPAC meeting if confirmed, Makary said "the VRBPAC committee will be meeting if confirmed and I’m commissioner, yes."
Makary said he would "reevaluate" which topics deserve a convening of the advisory committee members.