The Director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research recently told a Senate panel that the global economy means that the Administration cannot be a pharmaceutical watchdog for all drugs. Instead, pharmaceutical companies need to be more responsible. But, will that really happen?

Is the FDA passing the buck?

Janet Woodcock, the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research told a panel convened by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) that much of the pharmaceutical production is now global and that the FDA cannot monitor every drug that comes into the United States. She suggested that pharmaceutical companies need to step up to the plate and be more responsible for the drugs they manufacturer. However, industry analysts say that is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

A global economy

Woodstock told the panel that many of the big pharmaceutical companies import at least some of the ingredients that are used in U.S. drugs from overseas such as China, India and Europe. While labor is generally far less expensive in those areas, quality control is an issue that has already affected many U.S. patients with drug recalls such as Heparin, whose contaminated ingredients from China have been linked to over 80 deaths in the U.S. from adverse reactions.

Former Pfizer marketing VP says money talks in drug industry

In a recent interview with National Public Radio, former Pfizer Marketing Vice President, Paul Rost, now an expert witness in cases against pharmaceutical companies and an author, said that “money talks” in the pharmaceutical industry. He said that many in upper level management positions at large pharmaceutical companies were required to contribute to political campaigns that supported candidates that were sympathetic to drug companies. He also explained that drug manufacturers realize that the FDA cannot monitor every drug and take full advantage of the situation.

If you’ve been injured by a drug, contact an attorney whose practice focuses in this area of the law. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential. To contact a qualified attorney to discuss your situation, please click here.