House Votes to Increase FDA Power and Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more oversight over prescription drug manufacturers -- including increased FDA regulation of drug safety after products hit the market, and harsher fines for drug companies that engage in misleading advertising or fail to comply with FDA protocols. According to the Washington Post, "lawmakers crafted the legislation in response to complaints about the FDA's handling of serious side effects seen after drugs hit the market. The agency was criticized as slow to act on signs of problems with Merck & Co. Inc.'s arthritis pill Vioxx, which the company withdrew in 2004, and other medicines." The U.S. Senate approved a similar bill in May, so the two branches of Congress are expected to negotiate a unified bill to submit to President Bush.

• Washington Post: Bill on Drug Safety, FDA Funding Clears House
• FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
• Pharmaceutical Drug Liability (FindLaw)
• Dangerous and Defective Products (FindLaw)