Finally, we have a president that cares about public health. Obama is expected to call for greater regulation on imported food and drugs (think China). Biologic drugs not made from chemicals but from living cells, and represent the cutting edge of medical treatment for many intractable diseases will be given a boost. The FDA is expected to review and approve generic versions of biologic drugs. Brand name biologics are very expensive, easily costing $1,000 a month or more. (Brand name drugmakers are already quaking in their boots). Tobacco products could be made less toxic and addictive under new power given to the FDA under a bill that has already been co-sponsored by President-elect Obama. bush threatened a veto on this bill. The article mentions possible candidates to lead the FDA.
Clips:
The Food and Drug Administration, bedeviled by a salmonella outbreak and tainted medicine from China, is likely to monitor imports and fresh produce more closely under an Obama administration.
With President Bush no longer a roadblock, health officials also can expect new powers to control tobacco, from cigarettes to the recently introduced smokeless products called snus.
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Long seen as the government's premier consumer protection agency, the FDA stumbled under Bush. Recurring drug and food safety lapses came against a backdrop of shrinking budgets and long periods without a permanent leader. In Congress, a senior Republican complained the FDA had gotten too cozy with industry.
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The Associated Press: Obama expected to bolster FDA oversight of imports
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