April 25th, 2012
After sharing the personal experiences of two separate UCS supporters—Gwen and her mother, Maxine and Elsa and her husband, Dan–with drug and device safety, I’ve heard from others who are also brave enough to share their stories with us. Henry H.’s tale about his metal on metal hip replacement is particularly touching, showing how a faulty medical device can have consequences not just for the victim but for his entire family. Read More
April 16th, 2012
Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, we’ll be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the Space Shuttle Discovery will fly over Washington, D.C. on its way to its new home at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Here are some pointers on how you can best view the shuttle, both virtually and in person. I’ll update this post over the next 24 hours as more specifics become available. I also plan on posting photos from readers who are able to catch a glimpse. [UPDATED with more photos 12:30 p.m. 4/18]
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April 11th, 2012
Yesterday, I shared the story of a UCS supporter whose family had experienced tragic consequences when unsafe drugs were allowed on the market. But drugs and medical devices, when adequately tested and monitored, do have the potential to vastly improve one’s health. For Dan O. of Norwalk, CT, medical advances in the treatment of the coronary system have been lifesaving.
April 10th, 2012
The consequences of unsafe drugs and medical devices are real—and nobody knows that better than Gwen B. of West Sacramento, California. We talked a few days ago after she responded to a UCS action alert with a story about her mother, Maxine, and I was moved enough to want to share her family’s story with you. Read More
April 3rd, 2012
In today’s New York Times, Gardiner Harris describes tensions between the FDA, Congress and the White House regarding the agency’s attempts to inform and protect the public. It’s an incredible article that helps demonstrate the pervasiveness of both political and corporate pressure on the agency, and how those who do not have scientific training in public health attempt to take decision-making authority on what should be scientific issues away from those who do.
April 1st, 2012
In a misguided attempt to raise awareness about the importance of the Clean Water Act, the EPA and the city of Cleveland plan to set the river on fire—again—this coming Tuesday. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the law, which was largely inspired by the famous June 22, 1969 fire on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River. Read More
March 27th, 2012
So far, we’ve provided general background on the FDA’s responsibility to ensure the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs. We have explored how the drug approval process works and examined what happens when the drug safety system breaks down. And we have looked at the importance of truly independent scientific advisory committees to the FDA’s ability to protect the public. Read More
March 16th, 2012
On Pi Day, I shared my own pi creation, and offered a nifty pi clock to the person who posted the best comment on how she or he celebrated Pi Day. Read More
March 14th, 2012
In honor of Pi Day, I made a giant Rice Krispie Treat Pi: Read More
March 13th, 2012
When UCS started looking at the use of science at the FDA several years ago, I sat down and read The Jungle, which has been credited with prompting President Theodore Roosevelt to establish the first iteration of the Food and Drug Administration more than a century ago. The grisly descriptions of the Chicago meat-packing industry still conjure up vivid images in my mind.
We’ve made great strides over the past century in protecting the public from unsafe food products. But it’s an entirely different part of the FDA’s wheelhouse that will be taking center stage over the next two months: the regulation of prescription drugs and medical devices. Read More
© 2012
