THE NEW PHARMALITTLE

It's Not Good-bye. It's Onward!

Friends--Now that our beloved Ed Silverman and Pharmalot have returned, Pharmalittle will refine its focus.

Of course, we never imagined we could be more than a small stop-over for a few people. We are glad that we have been that and had some fun along the way. That will continue. But, beginning today, we will devote the lion's share of our reporting and commentary to the issues of accountability in the medical device and drug industries--both nationally and, for drugs, especially in Michigan. That means the issues of FDA preemption and civil liability, of course. But it also includes FDA regulation, Department of Justice actions, incentives for integrity, and examples of self-regulation that we view as terrific.

We expect to discuss these issues in detail--not only the law, but the politics, the spin, the tactics, the money, and more. We will connect the dots. And we will do so as advocates. No surprise there.

We are also what we have always been--a group of people representing both major political parties, healthcare professionals, academics, folks from industry (yes, that's true), patient advocates, and--above all--concerned citizens.

Our discussions will be linked directly to the combined organizations, Americans for Drug and Device Accountability / Justice in Michigan.

http://pharmaccountability.org/index.html

Whatever our own positions, we fervently hope that this space will serve as a forum for discussion and debate. In our view, the greatest travesty of all is that most people know nothing about these issues, or what they think they know is simply false.

For those who represent perspectives we oppose: If we think you knowingly lied, we will call you a liar, and we will say why. If we think you are arguing sincerely, you will maintain our respect, and we will tell you so. Count on both.

Let's hash it out. Let's tell the truth. Let's see what just and rational policy dictates.

Onward!

IS ED GOD?

He's BAAAAKKKKKKK.....

As some of you know, our Inspired Leader Ed Silverman is out there twittering. Some of us have resisted twittering. But this was too good to pass up.

There is a good and interesting piece about Ed at:

http://media.haymarketmedia.com/Documents/2/HEADLINER%20B_1327.pdf

In terms of what we have lost through the continuing dissolution of media, Pharmalot and more, it is sobering but critically important. The lights are going out. And bad things happen in the dark.

In terms of the headline, Ed, like us, wrote about the theological problem posed by Dr. Biederman. While we frankly think we were much funnier, we are ecumenical on issues like this.

Amen.