Divinest Sense

In response to the threat of an avian influenza outbreak or other pandemic, the Senate has stepped up to the plate and come up with a bold solution: a new agency, run by a committee of 10 political appointees, 4 pharmaceutical industry folks, 4 academics, and 5 others to be named later. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA) will be exempt from FACA and FOIA, and will expedite the foisting of new drugs on the public. The Biodefense Act will eliminate liability for any injuries that may result from these new medications. What a relief! I was worried about the fate of those poor beleaguered pharmaceutical companies.

The act is sneaking its way onto the senate floor tomorrow. Call your senators.