Good Job FDA! Keeping the clinical researchers honest

The reporter wants a scoop. The physician wants patients. The pharmaceutical company wants to create interest that will increase eventual sales. The LA Times numerous write-ups about the as yet unapproved drug Avastin may be just that. It is a dangerous combination, leading to possible public promotion of unapproved prescription medications.

In the case of Dr. Leslie Baumann and the injectable anti-wrinkle drug Dysport, the line was crossed. Dr. Baumann publicly promoted the drug in 2007 but, it was not FDA approved until April of this year. According to the NY Times, there was then a conference call involving the researcher and the FDA. Not exactly a terrible punishment, but one hopes it was a salutary warning to others who may be considering doing the same.