Should Ill Persons be Allowed To Try Unapproved-by-The FDA Drugs?

[From article]
The FDA's mission is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals. In doing so, FDA officials can make two types of errors. They can approve a drug that has unanticipated dangerous side effects, or they can disapprove or delay a drug that is both safe and effective. FDA officials have unequal incentives to avoid these two types of errors. If the FDA official errs on the side of under-caution — approving a dangerous drug — the victims are visible, and he is held directly accountable. If he errs on the side of over-caution — holding up approval of a safe and effective drug — who's to know? The cost and the victims are invisible. Politicians and bureaucrats prefer invisible victims.

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/williamns061114.php3#.U65pxt0--yM

Jewish World Review

June 11, 2014 / 13 Sivan, 5774
Who Owns You?
By Walter Williams