Biotech Values

[Titan V]

“Unprecedented” Pentagon health committee could undermine FDA
https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/06/defense-department-health-committee-fda-drugs-military-244604

The Defense Department — and not FDA — would have the power to approve drugs and medical devices under the defense policy bill that’s being hammered out by a conference committee, alarming congressional staff and Health and Human Services officials who say it would undermine medical safety and potentially put soldiers at risk.

Section 732 of the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act creates a new regulatory structure that would allow the Pentagon to sign off on unapproved devices and drugs for emergency use on military personnel and others in harm’s way. The bill is in conference committee with final language expected as early as this week.