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Strict Rules Threaten Release of New Drugs

Updated Feb. 6, 2007 12:01 a.m. ET

As a physician, I am concerned about the serious impact the Vioxx scandal may have on patient care by changing the drug-regulation landscape for the worse ("Drug Makers Try to Bring Back Cox-2 Inhibitors," Marketplace, Jan. 19). The general opinion held by most pharmaceutical-industry insiders and drug-stock analysts is that the Food and Drug Administration will now exhibit stricter drug-approval standards because of the accusations it has faced concerning drug safety. This may lead to the FDA requesting excessively detailed safety data before licensing a medicine. Should such a cautious approach not be welcomed?...