You put a microphone in a libertarian's hand, crazy shit starts coming out of his mouth. "The FDA is killing people" is the equivalent of "The bride was always my favorite daughter because the other two are whores."

Thanks -- I needed a laugh and you delivered.
Baylen | Homepage | 08.31.06 - 4:27 pm | #

I work with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, so I spend a good deal of time thinking about or working with the FDA. One of the great advantages to the FDA is the adverse event reporting requirement. Drugs (over-the-counter and Rx) have it; dietary supplements do not.

When thalidomide was introduced in Europe and Australia as a sleeping drug, there were no reporting systems, and the drug used different names in different countries. It took more than a decade to determine that it has teratogenic effects when taken during early (like first 60 days) of pregnancy. That doesn't happen today. If I learn that someone took a specific drug and started coughing, I'm legally obligated to report that to the FDA. It is easier to find things that show up in the general population that may not have shown up in clinical trials.
KPC | 08.31.06 - 4:33 pm | #

You sold me with the whore comment. Welcome!
The Intern | Homepage | 08.31.06 - 8:23 pm | #

"Fast-track" is a relative term, especially when you have a dying relative waiting for the FDA's fast-track to run its course. And although clinical trials are nice, the demand vastly exceeds supply and often require expensive living expenses (like relocation).
Russ | 09.01.06 - 9:07 am | #