F.D.A. Admits Error in Approving Knee Device

[BootinUp]

Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration admitted Thursday that it mistakenly approved a patch for injured knees last year after being pressured by members of Congress and the manufacturer.

Internal documents demonstrate that agency’s scientific reviewers repeatedly determined that the device, known as Menaflex and manufactured by ReGen Biologics Inc., was unsafe because the device often failed, forcing patients to get another operation.

But after receiving inquiries from four New Jersey legislators — Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg and Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. and Steven R. Rothman — agency managers overruled the scientists and approved the device for sale in December.

All four legislators made their inquiries after receiving campaign contributions from ReGen.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/health/policy/25knee.html

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WTF!!! damn whores!

[derby378]

1. See what happens when legislators aren't scientifically literate?

Penn Jillette may be a hardcore libertarian, but he has more than a passing interest in science and critical thinking, and he'd make a damn good legislator as far as calling these companies on their bullshit.

What I really want to see, however, is more Democrats embracing this same level of fortitude.

[frog92969]

2. Bribing gov officials should be a crime

Accepting those bribes should be treason.

[Aragorn]

3. good idea

but if we have to wait for the people who take bribes to get it done - not so much...

Like your icon.

[appamado amata padam]

4. "Error" and "Mistake" are

nice euphemisms for politically expedient dereliction of duty.