A disturbing story in the New York Times today highlights a recent report from the Institute of Medicine stating the Food and Drug Administration is essentially dysfunctional, and is not protecting the health and safety of U.S. Citizens.
According to the article:
The report made these recommendations, most of which would require Congressional authorization:
- Newly approved drugs should display a black triangle on their labels for two years to warn consumers that their safety is more uncertain than that of older drugs.
- Drug advertisements should be restricted during this initial period.
- The F.D.A. should be given the authority to issue fines, injunctions and withdrawals when drug makers fail — as they often do — to complete required safety studies.
- The F.D.A. should thoroughly review the safety of drugs at least once every five years.
- The F.D.A. commissioner should be appointed to a six-year term.
- Drug makers should be required to post publicly the results of nearly all human drug trials.
