Rep. Henry Waxman
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Cal), chair of the House oversight committee, asked FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to explain how priorities were established which seemed to have tipped from protecting consumers to protecting drug companies. He cites employees for whom the agency has become a revolving door to pharma, asserts the agency protects drug makers instead of the consumers, and asks for clarification about distribution of journal articles and preemptions for medical devices.
Waxman's concerns about preemptions coincide with a Vermont case involving challenging Wyeth that will be heard by the United States Supreme Court. Writing about the issue of exempting drug companies that have received FDA approval, New York Times Adam Liptak wrote: "Business groups, often supported by the Bush administration, have vigorously pursued pre-emption arguments, hoping to build a barrier against many kinds of injury suits." The Court hears arguments in November.
