Not only are generic meds prescribed much more often than branded products, but
more and more Americans are simply stuffing their scrips into their wallets
instead of handing them to a pharmacist for filling. …
None of the atypicals have been approved by the FDA for use on
preschoolers, and Florida Medicaid guidelines recommend they be used on this age
group “only in the most extraordinary of circumstances.” But those warnings
didn’t slow a tsunami of atypical prescribing. Between 2001 and 2004, the number
of kids under 6 taking atypicals increased 300 percent. For all youths under 19,
the increase was about 250 percent. …
Obama, one; pharma lobbyists, zero. When the new president signs the $787
billion stimulus bill, he’ll be launching something drugmakers sought to quash:
funding for comparative effectiveness research. …
Vioxx plaintiff lawyers are asking a judge to nullify a cap on their contingency
fees …
he scientists say managers have demanded and intimidated FDA scientists to manipulate data, the Wall Street Journal
reports, and honest employees can’t act with integrity without fear of
reprisal. …
if we have the vision to believe
and invest in things unseen,” said Obama, “then we can lead the world
into a new future of peace and prosperity.” …
According to the Washington Times, pharma could see a
$30 billion reduction in revenues if the government starts to negotiate
drug prices as many other countries do. …
Jane Axelrad, FDA’s associate director of CDER at the time, wrote that, “we
usually find ourselves dealing with situations where sponsors want to minimize
the risk information.” According to Axelrad, preemption wouldn’t be “consistent
with the agency’s role in protecting the public health.” …
the FDA warned that it would probably start missing deadlines because of a
staffing crunch. And observers have commented that the agency seems to be
hesitant at the approval trigger, perhaps because it’s gun-shy after a variety
of high-profile drug safety problems. …