For Canadian Patients, Therapeutic Psychedelics Beset by Red Tape – Undark, March 8, 2023: Undark article reviews the red tape in Canada vs. U.S. for access to psychedelics for cancer patients and other depressed patients. In this news article, we explain FDA expanded access program, which tends to make access easier if companies agree to help patients.
Many pediatric drug study results were never posted to a U.S. government database – STAT News, January 24, 2023: Results of 43 clinical trials involving thousands of children were never reported to clinicaltrials.gov or published in a medical journal or otherwise made publicly available, as required by law. We explain how this harms children and families.
Lawmakers, advocates press for diversity in clinical trials – National Journal, February 15, 2023: NCHR joins lawmakers and other advocates in urging FDA and NIH to improve diversity in race/ethnicity, age, and sex in clinical trials as a way to improve medical care for everyone. So far, enforcement is lacking.
A Tiny Lab Finds Danger on Drugstore Shelves While the FDA Lags Behind – Bloomberg News, November 9, 2022: Valisure is a small lab that found carcinogens in Zantac, sunscreen, shampoo, sanitizers, and other products. NCHR asks: Why isn’t FDA doing these routine impurity tests? Too cozy with industry?
A Special Report: Can Breast Implants Cause Chronic Disease? – HealthCentral, October 25, 2022: This excellent review from HealthCentral.com quotes breast implant patients, NCHR and other experts responding to new FDA warnings and troubling research. We explain the research evidence of risks of breast implant illness and lymphoma and point out the misleading denials of risk by plastic surgeons.
Opinion: Are Turf Fields a Safe Place for Kids to Play in Westfield? – Dr. Diana Zuckerman, PH.D, Tap into Westfield: September 12, 2022 As a mother, I used to think that artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces were a clever and attractive alternative to grass fields. As a scientist, however, I learned that my children were being exposed to unsafe chemicals without my knowledge or consent. I recently wrote … Continue reading Opinion: Are Turf Fields a Safe Place for Kids to Play in Westfield?
Letter to the Editor: Asphalt playgrounds are bad for kids. So is artificial grass – Los Angeles Times and Yahoo News, September 7, 2022 To the editor: It’s frightening that L.A. schoolchildren are playing on sizzling asphalt, but the commentary and reporting on it miss an important part of the story. Years of research show that the school playground surfaces that are even hotter than pavement are made from artificial turf or colorful rubber. On … Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Asphalt playgrounds are bad for kids. So is artificial grass
Trump Covid Report Stirs Calls for FDA to Rebuild Public Trust – Celine Castronuovo and Jeannie Baumann, Bloomberg Law, August, 26, 2022 A House report detailing coordinated attempts by Trump White House officials to influence the FDA’s pandemic response underscores the need for more transparency at an agency that’s facing historically low public trust, health policy analysts say. The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said this … Continue reading Trump Covid Report Stirs Calls for FDA to Rebuild Public Trust
FDA official bolting to Big Tobacco shines a light on the agency’s revolving-door problem – Grid News, August 3, 2022: An FDA official leaving FDA’s Tobacco Science Office to work for Big Tobacco shines a light on the agency’s revolving-door problem. We explain why this undermines FDA’s authority.
Toxic chemicals lurk at playgrounds – E&E News, July 8, 2022: The sight of rubber surfaces on playgrounds concerns Dr. Diana Zuckerman, “because as president for the National Center for Health Research she has testified in front of multiple municipal and even state governments about the toxic chemicals that can lurk on those playground surfaces.” They look very pretty and feel spongy if a child falls, but the evidence shows the toxic chemicals in these surfaces can be harmful to children.
These machines to help people breathe were recalled a year ago. Many still use them – Los Angeles Times, June 23, 2022: CPAP, BiPAP, and other ventilators made by Philips that help people stay alive were recalled more than a year ago. But patients haven’t been informed and others can’t live without them unless there is a replacement device that they can afford. FDA is now pressuring Philips to replace them.
STAT Report : The need for speed and safety: A primer on the FDA’s drug approval pathways – This STAT report provides an excellent primer on FDA’s drug approval pathways, and the controversies about whether patients can be harmed when FDA standards get too lose. Dr. Diana Zuckerman describes the need for the FDA Commissioner to restore the public’s trust.
Will the FDA change how it vets drugs following the Alzheimer’s debacle? – Nature, May 13, 2022: Nearly a year after the FDA approved a controversial drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Congress is attempting to amend the accelerated process that led to its approval and also the approval of many cancer drugs that have not been proven to work.
Danica Patrick reveals she had breast implants removed after suffering complications – Good Morning America, May 2, 2022: Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick revealed she had her breast implants removed after suffering medical complications she believes were caused by the implants. We explain that her symptoms of breast implant illness were typical of breast implant illness, and she immediately felt better after the implants were removed.
What’s Wrong with the FDA? – Washington Monthly, January 20, 2022: If Robert Califf, the White House nominee for commissioner of the FDA, is confirmed by the Senate, he’ll take the reins of an agency with its reputation in tatters. Once revered as the global leader in drug regulation, the FDA has approved one bad drug and medical device after another over the past 30 years, leaving staff demoralized and overseas regulators scratching their heads. NCHR and other experts provide recommendations for improvements.
Biden’s ‘Cancer Moonshot’ Turns Toward Pollution – E&E News, February 3, 2022: President Biden made an emotional pledge to “end cancer as we know it” by reinvigorating the Cancer Moonshot Initiative he first launched in 2016, just one year after his son Beau succumbed to the disease. But experts, including us, point out that there isn’t enough focus on environmental causes of cancer.
Covid Booster Costs Spur Calls to Shift From Free Jabs for All – Bloomberg Law, April 11, 2022. The U.S. Covid-19 vaccine funding may have to shift from a model of free shots for all to one in which the government only subsidizes boosters for targeted populations, public health analysts say. Annual Covid-19 boosters for all Americans , would cost billions of dollars each year .“Given the much greater expense of Covid boosters compared to flu shots and the time needed to revise and manufacture Covid vaccines, we need to hope we won’t need annual shots,” said Diana Zuckerman, founder and president of the National Center for Health Research.
She’s the reason Arizona has a law requiring surgeons to warn patients about the dangers of breast implants – Arizona News 12 NBC: February 22, 2022. Migraines. Headaches. Insomnia. Difficulty breathing. Trouble swallowing. Robyn Towt survived three bouts with cancer. But it was breast implants that made her the sickest.
FDA’s agenda in limbo as Biden’s nominee stalls in Senate – AP and Fox13: February 8, 2022. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration has stalled in the narrowly divided Senate, an unexpected setback that could delay decisions on electronic cigarettes and other high-profile health issues. Will all the publicity help Califf get confirmed, given the alternatives?
Equal Access to Merck Covid Pill Imperiled by Prescribing Rules – Bloomberg Law, December 2, 2021: Merck’s antiviral drug molnupiravir—if authorized by the agency—would offer for the first time in the U.S. an at-home treatment option for patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at risk of severe disease.
Biden’s Drug Agency Nominee Returns With Deeper Industry Ties – Bloomberg Business, November 23, 2021: President Biden’s choice to lead the FDA made millions of dollars from health and drug companies since his last stint in government, raising new questions about his ties to firms the agency oversees.
The road ahead for Califf’s confirmation – Axios and Yahoo News, November 15, 2021: Former FDA chief Robert Califf has been nominated to head the agency again. We tell Axios that “The public has been asking if they can trust the FDA to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks for Alzheimer’s drugs, cancer treatments, and implanted devices”
Biden Picks Robert Califf to Head the FDA for a Second Time – The Scientist, November 12, 2021: Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has been nominated to be the new FDA Commissioner. He has excellent experience, but like all the FDA candidates the White House considered recently, he has close ties to industry.
Biden to Choose Robert Califf to Lead F.D.A., Despite Drug Industry Ties – The New York Times, November 12, 2021: Is Biden nominee Dr. Califf the best choice to head up the FDA. The New York Times describes his pros and cons, and we point out that the White House doesn’t mind his Pharma ties.
Biden picks ex-FDA chief Robert Califf to again lead agency – AP News, November 12, 2021: Robert Califf will be nominated as FDA Commissioner today. We told AP “He knows how the FDA works, and he avoided making any outrageous decisions as commissioner. Those are essential if the FDA is going to regain the public trust.”
Biden expected to tap Califf as FDA commissioner – Roll Call, November 12, 2021: Robert Califf will be nominated to again serve as FDA commissioner. We tell Roll Call that he’s a political compromise, close to Pharma but avoiding the controversy that happens when FDA ignores scientific evidence.
Biden chooses Robert Califf, former Obama FDA chief, as agency commissioner – Washington Post, November 12, 2021: President Biden is expected to nominate former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf to return as the agency’s head, and we explain why this political compromise makes sense despite his industry ties.
Breast Implants will now come with Black Box Warnings, List Risks – Legal Reader, November 9, 2021: Will FDA’s requirements to warn patients about the cancer risks and other serious risks of breast implants be enough to adequately warn women considering implants? Experts disagree.
Breast Implants will now come with Black Box Warnings, List Risks – Legal Reader, November 9, 2021. Will FDA’s requirements to warn patients about the cancer risks and other serious risks of breast implants be enough to adequately warn women considering implants? Experts disagree.
When it comes to clinical trials, healthcare’s diversity problem is standing in the way of medical advancement – Fortune, November 5, 2021: The lack of diversity in clinical trials is standing in the way of medical advancement. CPTF president Dr. Diana Zuckerman explains how that delayed progress in treating triple negative breast cancer, which is more common among Black women.
Patients Must Be Warned of Breast Implant Risks, F.D.A. Says – The New York Times, October 27, 2021: The FDA has placed black box warnings on breast implant packaging and told manufacturers to sell the implants only to health providers who review the potential risks with patients before surgery. The Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund asks who will enforce that?
FDA continues operating without a Senate-confirmed, permanent leader – Homeland Preparedness News, September 28, 2021: Should you be concerned about the lack of a permanent FDA Commissioner? NCHR explains why the new Commissioner needs to be someone who cares about public safety and public health.
How Fauci and the NIH Got Ahead of the FDA and CDC in Backing Boosters – KHN, September 16, 2021: How did Fauci and the NIH and the White House get ahead of the FDA and CDC in backing boosters? NCHR’s president explains the conflicting perspectives. And when the data are not conclusive, the question is what is the best strategy for you? And to defeat the pandemic? They may not be the same.
Covid-19: FDA set to grant full approval to Pfizer vaccine without public discussion of data – BMJ, August 20, 2021: The FDA is being criticized for not holding an advisory committee meeting to discuss Pfizer’s application for full approval of its covid-19 vaccine. Will it undermine public confidence?
Biden yet to nominate new FDA chief even as delta surges – The Hill, August 8, 2021: FDA needs a new focus on public health that protects patient safety and ensures strong scientific evidence. We explain to The Hill that making the right choice is as important as making a decision soon.
7 things to know about bad COVID-19 tests – CBS 5, July 29, 2021: This CBS 5 investigation about FDA emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for COVID tests will shock you! Thanks to Kris Pickel, you can find out why so many COVID tests and antibody tests were not accurate and how many we still aren’t sure of.
Beleaguered FDA in talks for drug-company funding – Eleanor Laise, Marketwatch, July 13, 2021: Fees paid by drug companies make up half of the FDA’s revenue. Dr. Diana Zuckerman explains how these fees often influence FDA decisions and sacrifice patient safety.
My breast implants are making me sick — and I’m not alone – Pamela Appea, Salon, June 20, 2021. It’s not in our heads: More women are speaking up about how their breast implants are making them sick. And Healing Breast Implant Illness Society of North America and National Center for Health Research are making sure women know they are not alone.
Emergency Use Authorization vs. Full Approval: What are the Implications? – Laurie Saloman, Contagion Live: June 20, 2021 Emergency use authorizations, or EUAs, have gotten a lot of attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) authorizing a product or treatment quickly and without going through a full and complete review process was first introduced in 2005. At that time, … Continue reading Emergency Use Authorization vs. Full Approval: What are the Implications?
The Role of Environmental Regulations in the Fight Against Cancer – NYC NPR, May 10, 2021: President Biden wants a new agency within NIH to “end cancer as we know it.” Dr. Diana Zuckerman explains to NPR that EPA needs to do more to help prevent cancer.
Biden’s ‘end cancer’ pledge begs for environmental oversight – President Biden pledged last week to “end cancer as we know it,” a bold promise focused on boosting funding to the National Institutes of Health for a special Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health. But public health experts who have spent their careers examining environmental causes of cancer say it may not be possible to truly stop cancer without EPA stepping in.
To Stay: Two More Cancer Indications With ‘Dangling Approvals’ – Kerry Dooley Young, Medscape News: April 29, 2021 Two more cancer indications that had been granted accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are going to stay in place, at least for now. This was the verdict after the second day of a historic 3-day meeting (April 27–29) and follows a similar verdict from … Continue reading To Stay: Two More Cancer Indications With ‘Dangling Approvals’
FDA Scrutinizes Pricey Cancer Drugs – Politico Pulse, April 28, 2021: Will FDA maintain approval for cancer drugs that are proven to not work? We were hoping for a reckoning, but that doesn’t seem likely as the doctors on the FDA Advisory panel tell FDA that they are hopeful that the drugs will eventually be proven to work.
Can California’s public universities mandate COVID-19 vaccines? – Monterey Herald, April 26, 2021: Dr. Diana Zuckerman and Robert Kaplan address the possibility of mandatory vaccinations at California public colleges and strategies to ensure policies can withstand legal choices.
Conflicts Galore: Upcoming Accelerated Approval Cancer Panel May Be Tainted By Industry Relationships – Sarah Karlin-Smith, Pink Sheet: April 21, 2021 Six members of the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee received conflict of interest waivers to participate in the agency’s upcoming three-day meeting to review the accelerated approval of six checkpoint inhibitor indications after the three cancer immunotherapies at issue failed to confirm clinical benefit in post-market trials raising … Continue reading Conflicts Galore: Upcoming Accelerated Approval Cancer Panel May Be Tainted By Industry Relationships
4 in 10 Adults Over 50 Consult Online Reviews When Picking a Doctor – HealthDay, April 14, 2021. Finding a new doctor can be a daunting task. For help, many older adults turn to online reviews, a new study finds. In fact, many people rate online reviews as highly as they would a recommendation from friends and family when picking a doctor. Dr. Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Center for Health Research, said that choosing a doctor is a complex undertaking.
What Genentech is doing to fix biotech’s diversity problem – Fortune, April 7, 2021. There’s a big problem with clinical trials: a lack of diversity. This problem led researchers to believe that Black women did not develop breast cancer as frequently as white women and created a gap in understanding how different treatments work. How can companies like Genentech start increasing diversity in clinical trials?
The FDA Cut Off COVID Vaccine Testing. That Was a Really Bad Idea. – Washington Monthly, March 26, 2021: Not since the polio vaccine became available in April 1955 have Americans been so excited about getting a shot. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot we don’t know because of a decision made back in December by the FDA. The agency allowed manufacturers to effectively stop their clinical trials as soon as they were authorized to market their vaccines, making it impossible to learn how long the vaccines work and for whom.
The Differences Between the Vaccines Matter – Hilda Bastian, The Atlantic: March 7, 2021 Public-health officials are enthusiastic about the new, single-shot COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, despite its having a somewhat lower efficacy at preventing symptomatic illness than other available options. Although clinical-trial data peg that rate at 72 percent in the United States, compared with 94 and 95 percent for the … Continue reading The Differences Between the Vaccines Matter
Janet Woodcock revolutionized the way the FDA reviews cancer drugs, inspiring her supporters and raising concerns for detractors – STAT News, March 1, 2021. The FDA is approving more new cancer drugs than ever before, after FDA’s drug chief Janet Woodcock loosened FDA standards. Now cancer doctors are Woodcock’s most vocal backers in her campaign to be FDA Commissioner. But critics say too many approved cancer drugs aren’t proven to help patients live longer.