The S.J. Quinney College of Law will host its annual Lee E. Teitelbaum Utah Law Review Symposium on Friday, Sept. 26. This year’s symposium, Fireproofing the FDA: Power, Politics, and Public Health, will examine the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, focusing on proposals to strengthen medical product vetting while considering the political influence on the organization.
Associate Professor Daniel G. Aaron says the 2025 topic is in response to two major FDA developments.
“First, a spate of articles has characterized the FDA’s loosening standards for medical product approvals, potentially putting patients at risk while incentivizing low-value high-cost products. Second, we have seen more recently significant political intrusion into the FDA’s processes,” he explains. “Together, these developments raise questions about the relationship between the FDA, politics, and public health. How can we strengthen FDA regulation to protect consumers and public health while incentivizing the development of effective medical products, especially cures?”
The symposium will bring together scholars and experts to discuss the following topics:
- Improving the safety and effectiveness of medical products
- FDA, politics, and public health
- The current crisis at the FDA
- Repairing the FDA
Professor Aaron says this symposium topic holds personal significance for him as his aunt passed away in 2024 after taking a new FDA-approved drug. He views organizing this event, along with the Utah Law Review, as an “act of service” for all.
“The doctors all agreed that the drug caused my aunt’s death, and that was extremely hard on my family. Currently, there is a deregulatory narrative in the federal government, which has real consequences for people and patients,” Aaron says. “My focus is to amplify the voices of the wonderful scholars coming to Salt Lake City. It’s hard to capture how impactful and inspirational their research is. There is a shared commitment to helping the FDA to work better on behalf of the public’s health.”
Henry Flitton, Utah Law Review executive symposium editor, has been working closely with Professor Aaron to organize the event. He hopes that it will be an enlightening and enjoyable learning experience.
“Professor Aaron has done a fantastic job in bringing together a group of experts and thought leaders in the realm of the FDA, and all have a wide range of experiences and viewpoints,” Flitton says. “While working with him, I’ve learned of multiple new and interesting issues with the FDA that I would not have known otherwise. I am excited to hear the perspectives of the speakers on these issues.”
Learn more and register for the symposium.