Child drug testing suspended

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2002

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday said it would suspend a rule that requires drug companies to ensure their products are safe for children.

The rule, implemented during the Clinton administration, will be suspended for a two-year period to determine its usefulness. Democrat lawmakers and some doctors criticized the move, saying it will give industry an excuse not to test their products.

The FDA defends the suspension, saying financial incentives passed by Congress are encouraging the testing.

Get the Story:
FDA to Suspend Tests Of Drugs for Children (The Washington Post 3/19)
FDA suspends child-drug testing rule to see if financial incentives work (AP 3/18)