In regards to the original post it is a clear demonstration of what has become the FDA's defacto job, that of protecting Big Pharma's profit generating products.

This is due in great part to the revolving door employment situation between FDA and the major pharmacutical companies. Here is how it works.

Far too many higher level FDA workers are getting jobs with major Pharma companies after retiring from the FDA and starting to collect the lavish govt pensions. It is well know by them that they can have lucrative careers in the private sector of Big Pharma only if they "see the light" and "play ball" while in their FDA career. This situation is nearly identical to the situation in the Military-Industrial complex wherein Pentagon officials receive cushy jobs with military and munitions industry companies after retiring and starting their pensions.

Even if this situation is not expressly mentioned it is certainly well known and established. It would take a great deal of integrity for these people decline to be influenced by this sytemic problem. Most just finally give in and accept it as the way things are. Those who struggle to maintain at least some dignity and integrity are always "under the thumb" of higher-ups who are a part of the corrupt process. Power currupts. Hidden bribery is the result of this corruption. Very difficult to stop this type of stuff.