03.22.07
The Real Scandal Is What’s Legal
FDA to tighten conflict-of-interest rules
The first paragraph says it all:
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that it would bar outside medical experts with a financial interest in a manufacturer from voting on advisory panels assessing whether drugs or other products made by that company are safe and effective.
Umm… yeah. As many have remarked about campaign finance and other matters, the real scandal isn’t what’s illegal - it’s what’s legal.
Look - I agree that this is a good thing. I’m just a bit shocked that people with financial interests in certain drugs were allowed to vote in the approval process. The best part? If you read the rest of the article, you find that even the new rules allow scientists with a financial stake in the process to serve on the advisory panels (though not vote).