McKinsey, figuring that Big Pharma clients might want more than smart, young Ivy Leaguers, scouted former FDA officials to hire. In one job advertisement, McKinsey sought people with a minimum of five years working inside the FDA’s regulatory affairs office. Applicants had to “have knowledge of, and relationships with, investigators and leadership with District Offices.” McKinsey did not define “relationships.” Job seekers were also required to know pharmaceutical regulations and “the immediate best steps” in responding to an FDA warning letter.
