Mr. Giampaglia had to send YouTube videos of John Mayer before he could get the green light to hire the singer for a 2007 show.

WSJ: Battle of the Bands: Tech Firms Compete for Rock Stars

Before a drug is approved, the FDA can try to cajole a company to do the right clinical trials if it wants to get a green light.

FORBES: FDA Fix No. 2: Power Up The FDA