US-centric: FDA & $$ Pharmceutical companies ; US Congress gets involved in dental Mercury ; anti-corruption law in Vermont

[Dave Hartley]

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Pulse of Health Freedom - May 26, 2009

FDA to Receive More Money from Drug Manufacturers, But Denies “Undue Influence”
The FDA is raising its industry user fees again. But many in Congress worry that the $828 million they are asking from manufacturers of medical and food products, including hundreds of millions drug manufacturers pay annually to help speed the review of new medicines, might compromise the agency's independence. Even the current FDA head says, “I think these concerns reflect a broader lack of trust in the FDA.”

Nineteen Members of Congress Ask FDA for Official Warning About Mercury in Dental Filling Amalgams
A bipartisan letter authored by Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) and Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), and co-signed by congresswomen and men from twelve states, has been sent to the FDA urging them to require clear warnings about mercury toxicity to every dental patient, and to establish specific protections for children and young women. Mercury is the third most toxic element, and vapors from mercury can traverse the placenta of pregnant women and threaten the development of the fetus.

Vermont Acts to Make Drug Makers’ Gifts Public
A new Vermont law will make drug and device manufacturers publicly disclose all gifts (in direct payments, speaking and consulting fees, grants, food, lodging and transportation, and books) they make to healthcare providers because of potential conflicts of interest. The law is the most stringent state effort to regulate the marketing of medical products to doctors. It would also ban nearly all industry gifts to doctors, nurses, medical staff, pharmacists, health plan administrators and healthcare facilities.
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