For many, the 21st Century Cures Act could mean the difference between life and death: It will give patients access to drugs that they previously didn’t have. Personally, I am excited for what’s to come and have been looking forward to the passing of this bipartisan bill.
However, I read another perspective today that made me think that I should be a bit more cautiously optimistic. Let me explain:
For many, the FDA is seen as a stereotypically slow government agency that often prevents people from getting the treatment they need in a timely manner. And objectively, it probably is stereotypically slow. The US Government isn’t exactly known for it’s efficiency.
However, I have forgotten that the primary role of the FDA is to protect public health. You can’t really ensure protection unless drugs and supplies are put through exhaustive safety trials. That kind of thing does actually take a long time, so it is probably a combination of the need for thorough testing and typical government bureaucracy that makes access to drugs take so long.
And while I don’t tend to be motivated by fear, it is a very real possibility that contaminated drugs can be made available due to more lax or rushed processes, causing serious illness or death.
Don’t get me wrong: I am freaking pumped for my friends and family with rare disease. Myself included. I am excited at the potentially amazing things this Act can do, but I at least want to be aware of the other not-so-good potential outcomes.
