Summary
Senator Ron Johnson is investigating the FDA for rejecting many drugs intended for rare diseases. The FDA has turned down about 20 treatments in the last eight months, asking drug companies to perform lengthy and costly studies instead. Johnson plans to ask the FDA for detailed explanations of these denials and may hold a Senate hearing on the issue.
Key Facts
- Senator Ron Johnson is looking into the FDA's refusal of drugs for rare diseases.
- The FDA has denied around 20 drugs for rare conditions in eight months.
- The agency advises drug companies to conduct further studies on these drugs.
- Johnson plans to request the FDA's written explanations for these decisions.
- He is considering inviting FDA officials to testify in the Senate.
- Johnson supports giving patients access to experimental treatments.
- He sponsored the Right to Try Act, making experimental drugs more accessible.
- The FDA warns that using unproven treatments can have safety risks.
