More Congressmen call for FDA decision probe

Three more congressmen have joined the fray over Denderon's Provenge, a prostate cancer vaccine. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Pat Murphy (D-PA), each wrote letters to John Dingell, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee. "As a member of Congress, I believe we must provide the necessary oversight to ensure that the federal approval process of life-saving therapies such as Provenge is prompt and efficient," Buchanan wrote. Two months ago, three other Congressmen [1] also petitioned Dingell to investigate the FDA's controversial decision.

In May 2007, the FDA outraged cancer patients [2] when it delayed [3] the approval of Provenge. Previously, an FDA panel approved Provenge in a 13-4 vote, and though the FDA isn't required to follow the panel's recommendation, it almost always does. Critics say that two people who voted against the drug's approval may have a conflict of interest that interfered with their ability to make an unbiased decision.

- read this report [4] from Pharmalot

Related Articles:
Congressmen want closer look at Provenge delay. Report
FDA's stand on Provenge riles cancer patients. Report [5]
Congressmen want closer look at Provenge delay. Report [6]
Provenge delay triggers furor among cancer victims. Report [2]
Denderon gets approvable letter for Provenge. Report [3]