By Jeff Stier, Esq.
Posted: Tuesday, March 22, 2005

LETTER
Publication Date: March 22, 2005

This letter appeared in the March 22, 2005 New York Times:

To the Editor:

Re "Exploring Choices for M.S." (March 15): The withdrawal of Tysabri, a drug that brought relief to thousands of people with multiple sclerosis, highlights the challenges facing drug manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration.

Tysabri may indeed have a small risk of serious side effects. There are risks associated with all drugs. But it is unfortunate that patients are no longer able to consult with their doctors and make informed decisions about whether Tsyabri's risks are outweighed by its enormous benefits.

The same applies to the controversy over Cox-2 inhibitors. There is no evidence that justifies depriving patients who have a low risk of heart disease of the painkilling benefits of Vioxx.

Sadly, in this litigious, anti-Big Pharma age, the area of discretion left to doctors and patients is shrinking. The more precautionary approach called for by some activists isn't always in the best interest of the consumer.

JEFF STIER
New York
The writer is the associate director of the American Council on Science and Health.