A news story published in the Washington Post today cites problems with the FDA’s new drug oversight board. According to FDA Safety Officer David Graham, the new board is “severely biased in favor of industry” rather than consumer protection. The oversight committee was initially set up after sudden market withdrawals of painkiller drugs such as Vioxx and Bextra.
According to Iowa Senator Charles Grassley the problem with the board is its composition. 11 of the 15 members already serve on the same FDA committee approving drugs for Americans. Obviously, a truly independent review board is necessary if the American consumer is to be served and protected.
Consumers are no better off with the new board since the fox is guarding the hen house once again.