Trump’s FDA Chief Could Save Your Life

In 2016 the FDA approved fewer drugs than any year in history. That has to change.

by Patrick Cox
December 13, 2016

President-elect Trump’s cabinet appointments are generating a great deal of attention and controversy. After eight years of Democrat rule, it would be foolish to expect otherwise.

One appointment, though, will have a profound impact on your health… and the health of your loved ones.

The “progressive approval” process for drugs

The first potential FDA chief appointee leaked by the Trump transition team is Jim O’Neill. Managing director of Peter Thiel’s Mithril Capital, O’Neill has publicly supported proposals to do away with the FDA’s requirement for phase 2 and 3 trials. Instead, he favors “progressive approval” of drugs and other medical technologies.

O’Neill would not be the first FDA head to favor progressive drug approval. Andrew von Eschenbach developed this system when he served as FDA chief. During his tenure, Eschenbach didn’t have the clout to put such a far-reaching reform into practice in the US.

The Japanese, though, recognized the value of Eschen…