Twenty to Twelve and All is Well

The vote ended up not even being that close. Ten panel members voted to keep Avandia on the market but with serious revisions to its label as well as possible restrictions on its sale. Seven voted to simply add further warnings to the drug’s label. Three voted to allow further sales without change. Twelve members voted for market withdrawal.

By my count that’s 20-12 for.

Here’s how that was reported in the Washington Post:

“There is sufficient evidence to be concerned that the diabetes drug Avandia increases the risk for heart attacks and strokes compared with other medications used to treat the common condition, but insufficient evidence that the drug increases the risk for death, federal advisers concluded Wednesday.”

Can you imagine how the mainstream media would have reported the vote had it been 20-12 against?  It would most likely have been something like:

“A consensus of expert FDA advisors strongly called for the recall of the controversial diabetes drug Avandia.”

What does 20-12 mean?  For those screaming for Avandia’s recall it means a considerable set back.  To the FDA it means that it’s time to acknowledge the adcomm’s thoughtful advice and get to work making a decision based on sound-science and the public health.

To most Americans it means that it’s almost time for lunch.