News tagged with 'Drug Makers'

For the next 90 days, the FDA will consider comments before it issues new guidelines for device and drug makers. Expect a tightening of the reins to include more accurate warning labels and broadcast/print ads that clearly convey side effects.  

Outsourcing clinical drug trials to India is investigated in this St. Petersburg Times special report.  Thousands of trials are underway with little or no FDA oversight. Deaths have resulted, and unlike U.S. trials, participants often don't even speak English yet must sign waivers they don't understand.

Drug makers are suddenly eager to disclose their payments to doctors and researchers for consulting, and speaking services as a federal government disclosure act is close to becoming law. Consumers will have more information to make informed decisions about health care and influence.

Being a consultant for a drug company pays well, but the FDA, following public pressure, doesn't think it looks too good.  The agency has just announced that advisory committee members, who recommend the approval of drugs for the FDA, must not have taken more than $50,000 from the drug company before them.  

Doctors receive upwards of six and seven-figure payments per year in royalties, consulting deals and speaking fees from artificial knee and hip manufacturers. Many critics question whether the payments present a conflict of interest by distorting doctors' judgments on how best to treat their patients.

Patients are hurt by the conflicts-of-interest between drugmakers and doctors, who are not required to reveal that they are paid consultants for drug companies. Legislation to address the problem is pending.