Is the FDA losing its public credibility?

Although the majority of those polled say the FDA’s most important function is to ensure the safety and efficacy of new prescription drugs, the American public is becoming increasingly skeptica

By Editor on May 31, 2006

Although the majority of those polled say the FDA's most important function is to ensure the safety and efficacy of new prescription drugs, the American public is becoming increasingly skeptical of the agency's ability to meet that responsibility, with 70% giving the FDA a negative rating. In stark contrast, in a similar poll in 2004, 56% said the FDA did a good or excellent job.

The online survey of more than 2,300 US adults was conducted the week of May 12, 2006.

Most poll participants (80%) say they are concerned about the FDA's ability to make independent decisions that will ensure patients have access to safe and effective medicine. And a similar number (76%) question the agency's ability to effectively communicate safety concerns about prescription drugs to doctors and the public.

Many of those surveyed (63%) also have a negative view of the FDA's decision making process to determine which brand name drugs can be marketed as generics and about which drugs can be marketed over-the-counter without a prescription (62%).

The poll also finds that 82% of those surveyed, despite their political party affiliation, believe the FDA's decisions are influenced by politics rather than medical science. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Republicans, 87% of Democrats and 88% of Independents believe politics have too great an influence on the agency's decisions.

And that concern seems to play out in their feelings about the FDA's use of consultants on its safety and efficacy advisory committees. Two-thirds (66%) of the people surveyed say members of these committees should not be allowed to have consulting agreements with prescription drug companies and nearly three-quarters (74%) say committee members should not be allowed to hold or purchase stock in prescription drug companies.

Most of the people surveyed say it is important for consumers to have access to complete information about the safety issues associated with prescription drugs (94%) and affordable prescription drugs, even if they aren'st the newest ones available (93%).

Many (72%) also say they want access to new, experimental drugs whose efficacy and safety aren'st proven, but that may offer treatment choice for patients who are otherwise out of options. And a similar number (71%) say the want new and better drugs, no matter what they might cost.