Bill to propose federal drug comparisons

Should the feds fund studies to compare drugs' effectiveness? The idea appears to be gaining traction. Two congressmen are readying legislation that would create an institute to systematically examine drugs and devices.

It's a controversial idea: Drug and device makers are naturally worried, but so are anti-big government types who fear that a British-style drug review board would interfere with consumer choice, physician autonomy, and market dynamics. But on the pro side of the ledger are some economists and business groups who think that this sort of research could cut healthcare spending by hundreds of billions annually.

- read the item at Pharmalot

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