Doing its best Emily Litella impersonation, Congress has increased the amount of federal dollars available to fund FDA review of DTC ads -- rather than go with the previous (and legislated) idea for user fees designed to speed up the review process.
That's right -- "Never mind."
According a House staffer (as told to the Pink Sheet), this action "reflects House members' concern that user fees give the impression drug makers are buying FDA approval."
Well that impression needs to be changed and there's no time like the present. User fees don't buy anything except review. Nothing else. And, when it comes to DTC ads, review isn't even required by law (although it is by the PhRMA Marketing Code).
Any one who says the FDA is "in industry's pocket" is entirely ignorant of what really happens. Unfortunately, that group seems to contain a lot of our elected representatives -- including some who are running for President.
That's right -- "Never mind."
According a House staffer (as told to the Pink Sheet), this action "reflects House members' concern that user fees give the impression drug makers are buying FDA approval."
Well that impression needs to be changed and there's no time like the present. User fees don't buy anything except review. Nothing else. And, when it comes to DTC ads, review isn't even required by law (although it is by the PhRMA Marketing Code).
Any one who says the FDA is "in industry's pocket" is entirely ignorant of what really happens. Unfortunately, that group seems to contain a lot of our elected representatives -- including some who are running for President.
