The US meeting date is based on an arbitrary scheduling rule saying meetings like this must take place 15 days after request, or something to that effect.
The FDA itself closely inspects data throughout the phase 3 trials so this review should just consist of looking at the details to see if something was missed, (ideally) not some brand new information come to light.
Wow, thanks for the info. I didn't know it was arbitrary scheduling. Seems like given the circumstances you'd hope they would just setup a meeting tomorrow.
AFAIK both the FDA and the MHRA have been getting data regularly from the various vaccine developers. They didn't have to wait for a final dump of data just to see any of it.
Given that they could halt the rollout of the vaccine at any point, it makes sense to approve ASAP to get all bureaucratic burdens out of the way, and concurrently analyze the situation. Not saying that this is the case though.
For example, the EU is going to review the Pfizer vaccine on December 29, and they have requested further information.
Yes, it's likely. Regulators are not as independent from the industry as you think. They've been getting closer and closer over the decades. It's call corruption and it's growing.
Having a reasonable fear of corruption within the regulation process is not dangerous. How is it dangerous to address real concerns that a number of people at the CDC/WHO are deeply connected to Gavi/Gates and industrial interests?