Drug-suit policy opposed at FDA
Arizona RepublicPosted: October 31st, 2008 by Steve Trinward
“Top scientists and career employees at the Food and Drug Administration opposed agency regulations that weaken consumers’ ability to sue drug makers, congressional investigators said Wednesday. At issue is language in a drug-labeling rule from 2006 that effectively limits when people can sue in state court over injury claims involving medications. The FDA contends federal regulations prevail when there is a conflict with state law. This concept is called pre-emption. Internal agency documents showed that career officials opposed this approach, according to a report released by Rep. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. In the past, the agency had viewed private suits as an additional layer of protection against unsafe drugs, the report said.” (10/30/08)
