The Problem:  In recent years, the public financial committment, in the form of appropriations from Congress, have not kept up with rising costs associated with running the agency.  New challenges and new public health initiatives have not received adequate funding or financial support and other pressing needs are underfunded.

The Alliance: The Alliance for a Stronger FDA unites a broad group of patient groups, consumer advocates, biomedical research advocates, health professionals, and industry to work to increase the FDA’s funding appropriations.  It is supported by leading health advocates, including three former HHS secretaries and seven FDA Commissioners.

The Solution: The FDA’s ability to operate a modern, scientifically-based program must be strengthened.  Similar to the efforts that doubled the NIH budget, we will speak out on the need for significant additional funding for the FDA.  We hope to assure the FDA has the funds to accomplish its mission of getting safe and effective therapies, foods, cosmetics, and medical products into the hands of consumers and patients, and ensuring the safety and public confidence in those products while in the marketplace.

Join the Alliance: To read the complete article and for more information about the alliance, visit the website of  The Alliance for a Stronger FDA. Ladd Wiley is the Executive Director of the Alliance and can be reached at (202) 887-4211.  Steven Grossman is the Deputy Executive Director and can be reached at (301) 879-9800.