President Trump's nominee for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, Marty Makary, has outlined significant steps to address potential conflicts of interest. According to financial disclosures submitted prior to his confirmation hearing, Makary has committed to resigning from advisory positions with various health tech, medical device, and telehealth startups. Additionally, he plans to divest from stock holdings in these companies. This move underscores a commitment to ethical standards and transparency as he prepares for a pivotal role in regulating pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Makary's financial ties include investments in a telehealth company specializing in compounded drugs, a clinical-stage firm focused on tissue injury treatments, and a medical device enterprise concentrating on cataract surgery. Unlike some predecessors, such as Robert Califf, Makary does not hold shares in major pharmaceutical corporations. His pledge to sell these stocks if confirmed reflects a proactive approach to mitigating any perceived conflicts of interest.

In a letter dated February 24th, addressed to an ethics official at the Department of Health and Human Services, Makary detailed his resignation from several advisory roles. Notably, he stepped down as a COVID-19 consultant for H-E-B, a Texas grocery chain, in December 2024, where he earned approximately $217,000 in 2024. He also relinquished his position as a contributor to Fox News in June 2024. Furthermore, Makary has promised to leave his posts at Johns Hopkins University, where he serves as a pancreatic surgeon.

Makary's actions demonstrate a clear intention to prioritize impartiality and integrity in his potential new role. By divesting from financial interests and stepping away from influential advisory positions, he aims to ensure that his decisions will be guided solely by public health considerations. These measures are expected to bolster confidence in the FDA's regulatory processes and enhance its credibility among stakeholders.