Two weeks ago, FDA Matters explored Dr. Hamburg’s legacy, focusing on advocacy for resources, prioritizing regulatory science and upgrading enforcement. These will be accomplished before she leaves office. But is she making similar progress in creating “a new FDA?” (more…)
Archive for the ‘Planning for FDA's Future’ Category
Is the New FDA Different than the Old FDA?
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
Not Too Soon to Consider the Hamburg Legacy
Thursday, May 27th, 2010May 18 marked one year since Dr. Margaret Hamburg was sworn in as Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration. The challenges are great, the torrent of issues is never-ending and most days you can smile but you can’t win. Nonetheless, I think it has been a very good first year for her and for Principal Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Joshua Sharfstein.
It may seem premature to be discussing “the Hamburg legacy.” But you know that she is thinking about it (all commissioners do), so why can’t FDA Matters talk about it? (more…)
“Safe”: Many Meanings Complicate FDA Policymaking
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010FDA Matters is in favor of safe foods and safe medical products. Who isn’t? If you are a consumer, maybe that’s all that matters.
However, being in favor of safe foods and safe medical products is not enough if you are FDA, the media, Congressional authorizers and appropriators, OMB, and industry. It sounds good, but what does it really mean? In the FDA context, “safe” means many things, some of which are barely related to each other. (more…)
Clinical Trials: Gold Standard In Need of Improvement
Sunday, April 11th, 2010There is an emerging crisis in the development of drugs, biologics and complex new medical devices. Clinical trials take too long, cost too much and often produce imperfect knowledge. Many promising medical products are not developed because of the difficulty and expense of proving safety and efficacy—a loss that is costly to society.
FDA Matters believes that the key lies in developing new approaches to generating rigorous data and analysis. Ultimately, this will require the re-invention of the clinical trial. (more…)
About FDA Matters
Sunday, April 4th, 2010FDA Matters has grown steadily since I started it less than a year ago. My inaugural column was about the goals of the blog, but I have not written on the topic since or about my background and viewpoint.
I started the blog because of my frustration about how FDA was being described and analyzed during the period from Election Day to Dr. Hamburg’s confirmation. In particular, I spent a month telling colleagues: it is not true that there is going to be a power-sharing arrangement where Dr. Hamburg will concentrate on foods, while Dr. Sharfstein will concentrate on drugs and devices. (more…)
Follow-on Biologics: 1-2-3-GO
Sunday, March 21st, 2010The long fight is over for follow-on biologic (FOBs). The Senate-passed version of health reform will become law, even while the larger fight continues over the reconciliation package. Within 10 days, FDA will be busy implementing an approval pathway for FOBs.
The world of biopharmaceuticals will never be the same, but not in the ways that many players expect. Here is FDA Matters’ guide to understanding the next phase. (more…)
Fortuitous Timing and Public Health Leadership at FDA
Sunday, March 14th, 2010At the end of March, Commissioner Hamburg will have been at FDA for 10 months and Dr. Sharfstein for a year. They are very good leaders who have also benefitted from their prior experiences and the timing of their appointments. Here is FDA Matters‘ analysis: (more…)
FDA Needs at Least a $250 Million Increase in FY 2011
Sunday, March 7th, 2010The President’s proposal to freeze domestic discretionary programs in FY 2011 (and beyond) will force painful cuts across government and in programs that millions of American rely upon. Even some traditionally-favored agencies, such as NIH, are looking at only small increases. With a proposed 6% increase (about $150 million), FDA would seem to be doing far better than most.
FDA Matters feels strongly that this is not nearly enough. By my calculations, at least a $250 million increase for FDA would be needed, just to achieve the program levels anticipated in the President’s budget request. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA has asked for a $495 million increase, which could be put to good use by the agency. Why is 6% not enough? (more…)
FDA’s Growing Presence Outside of the Washington Beltway
Thursday, February 11th, 2010The federal government is closed for the fourth straight day. However, it would be more accurate to say: closed in the DC area. A significant part of FDA is open and has been all week….making this a good time for FDA Matters to acknowledge and explore the growth of FDA in places far from the Washington Beltway. (more…)
The President’s Budget Request: Is 6% Enough for FDA?
Thursday, February 4th, 2010The President’s FY 11 budget request for FDA includes a $146 million increase in appropriated (non-user fee) funding. This is about 6% of the $2.36 billion appropriation that FDA received in FY 10. With the President’s tough talk about deficit reduction, anything above a freeze should be considered good. Why was the Alliance for a Stronger FDA disappointed? (more…)