FDA Hearing on Safety of Avandia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding a hearing on the safety of the diabetes drug Avandia, hearing testimony and scientific evidence on possible links between Avandia use and increased risk of heart attack.

According to the Washington Post, "The panel could recommend not changing the drug's label or putting a "black box" warning on the label; they could even suggest that the drug be pulled from the market. While the FDA isn't required to adopt an advisory panel's recommendation, it typically does." The New York Times reports that FDA scientist Dr. David Graham has recommended that Avandia be pulled from the market due to its safety risks.

• Washington Post: FDA Panel to Explore Heart Risks of Diabetes Drug
• NY Times: FDA Scientist Warns of Risk From Diabetes Drug
• Diabetes Drug Linked to Heart Disease (FindLaw's Common Law)
• Avandia (FindLaw)