Does the FDA Have a High Enough Standard for Drug Approvals?

STAT News, September 28, 2016. Is the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process broken? At a HUBweek panel hosted by STAT, experts explored that question in light of the FDA’s decision last week to approve a controversial drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare disease.

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Congress Shouldn’t Pass the 21st Century Cures Act in a Summer Rush

Health Affairs, July 11, 2016. The full Senate may in the next few days consider companion legislation to the 21st Century Cures Act that passed the House last year. The legislation—currently 19 separate bills—makes substantial changes to the way the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves drugs and devices. The legislation, while containing some useful measures, is flawed. Instead of hastily agreeing to it, Congress should postpone consideration until 2017 and attach the best of the 19 bills (see below) to must-pass legislation on FDA funding through industry user fees.

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Bullying Harms Victims and Perpetrators of All Ages

Health Progress, July/August 2016. Bullying used to be considered an unfortunate, inevitable rite of childhood, but researchers now tell us that bullying often occurs in conjunction with more serious aggressive and antisocial behavior. They conclude that bullying, therefore, should not be considered a normal and accepted part of growing up.

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