Jill Wechsler

Jill Wechsler is BioPharm International's Washington editor

Stiffer enforcement of quality standards aims to restore public confidence in agency actions.

The FDA is encouraging manufacturers to invest in research and development for new vaccines and therapeutics to combat third-world diseases.

Pressures to reduce healthcare spending generates proposals to spur competition, cut costs.

The FDA seeks new strategies for improving the safe use of opioids and other high-risk medicines, including erythropoiesis stimulating agents.

Agency officials promise swift action against violators of drug safety and quality regulations.

Authorities are pushing for CE; manufacturers prefer to focus on value.

The FDA is poised to gain more authority and resources to ensure product quality.

Broader transparency in product prices and payments to researchers aim to curb conflicts of interest and rationalize drug expenditures.

In addition to providing tax breaks and investing billions to jump start the economy, last month?s economic stimulus package supports healthcare for the unemployed and takes steps to modernize the nation?s troubled healthcare system.