When reporting on the findings of several watchdog groups whose conclusions agree, one doesn't expect to find the agency under investigation granted equal time---not that in this instance one would expect the FDA to provide detailed rebuttals. Certainly "Common Dreams" cites the complaints with great specificity, and readers interested in health care and the drug industry will recognize many of the oversights described. To summarize the three main charges: the agency is beholden to the companies it is supposed to be policing; it does not act in a timely manner to censure harmful drugs or products; and it interferes on a political rather than scientific level when it comes to approving others. This well-crafted articles clarifies ... More »

This story confirms what many of us believe -- the FDA has become a sort of marketing/ad agency for the big pharmeceutical companies and the current administration's policies. Once the money and power changed hands, the neutrality and objectivity of the FDA became suspect, and their actions have become more politicized and less scientific. As the writer points out, the plan B birth control pill is a perfect example. Why are pharmacies allowed to deny women this time-critical medicine, while dangerous "popular" drugs (to increase libido, for instance) are advertised constantly?? The FDA's agenda has shifted, dangerously so, and this story makes the point clear on a day of "celebration" of the agency's inception.

Although an opinion piece, this is yet another article in which opinion is supported by evidence.