Volume 3

Interagency coordination in drug research and regulation : hearings before the Subcommittee on Reorganization and International Organizations of the Committee on Government Operations, United States Senate, Eighty-eighth Congress, first session. Agency coordination study, pursuant to S. Res. 27, 88th Cong. Review of cooperation on drug policies among Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Veterans' Administration, and other agencies. Mar. 20-June 26, 1963.

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Government Operations

Date:: 1963

Credit: Interagency coordination in drug research and regulation : hearings before the Subcommittee on Reorganization and International Organizations of the Committee on Government Operations, United States Senate, Eighty-eighth Congress, first session. Agency coordination study, pursuant to S. Res. 27, 88th Cong. Review of cooperation on drug policies among Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Veterans' Administration, and other agencies. Mar. 20-June 26, 1963. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Our [child] was born shortly after the thalidomide scare and we have been so thankful that she is a normal, healthy 6-month old baby. Due to difficulties in pregnancy I was given different preparations but, thanks to Dr. Frances Kelsey, no thalidomide. I wish you well in your investigation and hope that much good will result. Sincerely, [Name withheld. ] CANADIAN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, . Ottawa, March 15, 1963. Dar SENATOR HUMPHREY: Many thanks for sending us part one of the hear- ings of your subcommittee. Your cordial invitation to submit to your subcommittee our recommendations concerning international drug cooperation is much appreciated. I will bring your kind offer to the attention of our board of directors for consideration. Thanks again and kindest regards. Yours very truly, STANLEY N. CONDER, General Manager. CANOGA PARK, CALir., March 21, 1963. DEAR SENATOR HUMPHREY: On a news broadcast this morning, I heard an item that your subcommittee on “Drugs” had received testimony concerning the use, over-use and abuse of antibiotic and tranquilizing medications. I wish to add my humble opinion to the validity of these testimonies. The frequent use of these medications by the physician without proper diagnosis and without proper regard to indications is to be deplored. ‘The constant de- mand by the patient for these drugs is also to be deplored—and the patient would often be better served if these demands were curtailed. The use of anti- biotic drugs in cough drops, deodorants, washing products, etc., is an abomination. These medications are regarded by the public with the awe and respect of gum-drops—and, unfortunately, also by many physicians. These medications are aS dangerous as T.N.T., and I would be pleased to support legislation which could control these abuses. Very truly yours, DAviD MISHKIN, M.D. CHARLESTON, 8.C., March 22, 1963. DEAR SENATOR HUMPHREY: May I commend you on the stand you have taken pet the Food and Drug Administration’s procedure in testing the safety of rugs. I am so grateful to you for trying to do something about this condition which played a very horrible part in my life 3 summers ago. The drug, Altafur, one of the furadantins, came very close to killing me and I still 3 years later have various symptoms and partial limitation of motion because of it. A Charleston doctor was also one of its victims the same summer. I shall be watching the news media for the results of your crusade and wish you all the success possible. With all good wishes, I am, Gratefully, [Name withheld. | TAMPA, FLA., March 25, 1963. DEAR SENATOR HUMPHREY: An AP release in the Tampa Tribune, Tampa, Fla., states that your subcommittee, investigating unsafe drugs, uncovered the fact that although FDA Deputy Commissioner John L. Harvey upheld a hearing examiner’s recommendation for suspension of a New Drug Application for Altafur, this drug was allowed to be marketed and continued to be marketed after the risks were known. I would like to know the dates of when the manufacturer submitted the ap- plication, when the risks were known by the manufacturer and the FDA and all other pertinent facts about the drug Altafur. The reason why I want these facts is that in September 1959, I was a patient in Tampa General Hospital with an antibiotic resistant staphylococcus infec- EEO LE, EE,

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