News That Quotes Us & Our Work Archives

Special Report: Many Expensive New Cancer Drugs Are Useless (or Worse)

Bottom Line, July 3 2017: Many new cancer drugs are costly but aren’t proven to help patients live longer or improve their quality of life. We and other experts worry that fast FDA approvals are based on questionable evidence. Some drugs have serious side effects and don’t improve survival, yet they remain on the market for years, harming patients and costing patients and our healthcare system billions of dollars.

Morcellator Cancer Reports Drop, Essure Reports Rise

Drugwatch, June 20, 2017:Reports of cancer that was spread by power morcellators have decreased, while injuries from Essure sterilization (permanent birth control) devices have increased. We join other experts who are concerned about FDA’s reporting system and emphasize our support of the Medical Device Safety Act, which would improve the safety of medical devices

It’s Not Safe in Soap, But You Touch It Everyday

Marketwatch, June 21 2017: Some soaps contain triclosan and other chemicals that can disrupt hormones and be harmful to health. Experts say these ingredients offer little benefit and pose risks. The FDA has banned certain antibacterial agents in soaps, but these chemicals are still found in other products, raising concerns about daily exposure.

If Drug Companies Are ‘Getting Away With Murder,’ Trump May Grant Them a Pardon

STAT, June 19, 2017. Trump’s team is reportedly considering moves that would do little to address the problem — and would instead please the pharmaceutical industry.

Will a New FDA User Fee Discourage Medical Device Innovation?

Bloomberg June 12, 2017: The NCHR is warning that a new FDA user fee could make the de novo pathway more appealing by speeding up device reviews, but at the cost of safety. NCHR says this fast-track process often skips clinical trials and lacks solid scientific proof, putting patients at risk.