David vs. Goliath

Who’d a thunk it – the pharmaceutical industry recognizing that a well-funded, robust FDA is actually in their best interest?  Well, credit AstraZeneca chief executive David Brennan, who also happens to be the new chairman of PhRMA.

According to Brennan, a “strong, well-functioning” Food and Drug Administration is needed “but an understaffed and under-funded FDA is an agency in crisis.”  And, further, “we’re working hard for increased appropriations to the FDA so that it is recognized as a watchdog with a full set of teeth.”

Bravo.

Not only is this important for obvious public health reasons, but it’s also a crucial move by an industry in need of image repair – because as goes the public’s view of the FDA so too goes the Vioxx Populi.

Brennan also focused on a key point, so crucial to us all but so often ignored in the healthcare reform debate – the importance of innovation and, particularly, incremental innovation.

Speaking directly to President Obama’s call to “cure cancer,” Brennan said that “contrary to the Hollywood-like scenarios, our battle with cancer isn’t so much about spectacular breakthroughs as it is about steady, incremental progress.” However for that to continue “requires policies that are more conducive to the medical innovation that is the genesis and cornerstone of our industry…we need an environment that includes strong, well-defined intellectual property rights.”

David vs. Goliath indeed.