FDA Panel Says Avandia Can Stay on Market Despite Risk
On Wednesday, an FDA advisory committee voted to keep the diabetes drug Avandia on the market despite acknowledging that the drug increases risk for heart problems. Most panelists concluded that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the drug raises the risk of death. A majority of panel members voted to require the drug's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, to conduct a clinical trial to determine Avandia's safety if FDA allows it to remain on the market.
- "FDA Panel's Vote on Avandia Reveals Mixed Opinions on Diabetes Drug's Safety" (Stein, Washington Post, 7/15).
- "FDA Panel Votes To Restrict Avandia" (Harris, New York Times, 7/14).