A very busy week, lots of news, not all of it good.
- Dichotomy in Two Policies – Gates and Bush – While the Bush Administration vetoed a bill that would have expanded stem cell research on dubious grounds of morality, the Gates Foundation announced a quarter-billion dollar grant to help generate an AIDS vaccine through a network of international cooperative research. One step backward, one step forward. It is a good thing all scientific advancement and innovation does not have to rely on small-minded government officials.
- Less Bovine Screening for Mad Cow Disease – While not FDA, it is unusual that the USDA announced that they will lower the standard for testing for Mad Cow Disease. That runs quite contrary to all of the FDA statements of better screening on the food supply. Interesting. It would be nice if government policy was in sync. Who thinks that there is less need for screening of this type?
- Kennedy Enzi Bill Contents Disclosed – The Washington Post reports that the contents of the much anticipated bill have been disclosed and include provision for the FDA to fine drug companies for failure to meet post-marketing deadlines. Judging by what I’ve seen in the data base, that would bring in some hefty cash. (Note – in the column to your left, under FDA links, is a link to the FDA existing data base on Phase IV commitments.)
Have a good weekend everyone!
