FDA panel votes to keep Avandia on the market
More than 23 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes. After it was approved by the FDA in 1999, Avandia quickly became the world’s most popular drug to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in 2007 studies began to show that the drug increased the risk of cardiovascular problems, and concerns about the drug’s safety have persisted ever since.
Yesterday an FDA advisory committee voted on the safety of Avandia. Although most agreed that the drug increases the chance of a heart attack and stroke, the majority also voted to keep the drug on the market with revisions to its labels and more restrictions on its sale.
Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group and a member of the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Committee discusses the panel’s vote.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!