Controversial cow drug nears FDA approval

Working under a recently implemented guidance document that is openly deferential to pharmaceutical companies, the FDA appears to be on the verge of approving a powerful antibiotic for use on cows. The Washington Post says that the FDA has little choice given "Guidance for Industry 152." Epidemiologists say that in order to reject an approval regulators need to show a direct link to human mortality. Critics say that approving cefquinome for animal use, however, will swiftly erode its ability to protect people from infection. Cefquinome is one of the most powerful antibiotics available, part of the last line of defense against a new generation of more powerful microbes. And the AMA along with a number of other medical groups has warned that an approval will lead to lower resistance against the lethal microbes.

- here's the report on the controversy from The Washington Post

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