[Wuli]

The author is instructive on the processes by which the FDA drug approval/rejection system works/fails to work.

[AntiFed]

I’m not in the slightest bit surprised. The least studied diseases and the most undiagnosed diseases in this country are diseases that have no long-term pharmacuetical or surgical treatment.

The most profitable drugs are anti-depressents and pain-killers because they do not actually address the underlying cause of disease, but they do make living with it more bareable. They must be taken perpetually, and eventually dosages must be increased to offset growing tolerance and progressive physical decline.

And while I know socialization isn’t the answer, I don’t think the profit motive makes very much sense in medicine either. In fact, despite my strong pro-business pro-trade pro-international trade stances, I fail to see how research science can really thrive in a profit driven environment. So I have no answer, but I do see a problem..

[AnotherUnixGeek]

It's as if the FDA is our parent and, after a long drive to the beach, is telling us not to swim in the water because he/she isn't convinced the water is warm enough. We nod agreement and then look out to see 63 other kids happily swimming. Hmmm. Maybe we're old enough to decide for ourselves.

In 1996, I went to South America to get LASIK surgery performed on my eyes because the FDA had not approved the most modern equipment for use in the US - clinical trials on LASIK were still underway, though the technique was in widespread use outside of the US. I can foresee having to go overseas to obtain the most current treatment as I get older.