yet more on FDA susceptibility to outside influence: Washington Post 9 26 09

[unknwn]

Here is a new article from the Washington Post dated 9/26/09 that parralels the yesterdays New York Times article.
This article provides specific information as to how the influence occurred.
A few excerpts are provided below:

"An unusual report released this week by the FDA concluded that federal regulators appear to have been swayed by outside political pressures in approving the device despite little evidence that it was effective and concerns that it was harmful."

"In late 2008, ReGen appealed to then-FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach. He ordered an expedited review by a panel of independent advisers, allowed ReGen input about the composition of the panel and refused to allow FDA staff scientists who had been reviewing the Menaflex applications to address the panel. "

" "In some cases, that can't help but influence the decisions made throughout the agency. And in any given instance, it's generally impossible to prove that anything improper took place." "

washingtonpost.com

 

[martha1014]

It just goes to show it all depends on who you are and how much money you have. That the way every aspect of the country works right down to the smallest business.