Senate Committee Considers the Public Health Implications of Fracking
Senators debate whether to regulate a drilling process.
Federal Research Center’s New Venture Into Drug Discovery
New National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences works with pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs.
Preemption of Vaccine Injury Lawsuits Upheld
The Supreme Court decides that federal statutes preempt state lawsuits over vaccinations.
FDA Grants Hearing on Proposed Withdrawal of Marketing Approval for Avastin
The FDA proposes to withdraw approval for a breast cancer treatment, with hearing scheduled for June.
FDA Seeks Public Input and Increased Funding to Implement Food Safety Act
The FDA holds public meetings to discuss its new authority as some members of Congress question the agency’s budget.
FDA and Importers Gain New Responsibility to Police Imported Foods
New legislation increases safety responsibilities of the FDA and food importers.
USDA Fully Deregulates Genetically Modified Alfalfa
Following Supreme Court decision, the USDA stops regulating Roundup Ready Alfalfa.
Ongoing Litigation in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Lawsuits over stem cell research could alter current scientific approaches.
Dannon Settles FTC Action by Dropping Certain Health Benefit Claims
Yogurt producer pays $21 million to states following investigation of product health claims.
Proposed HHS Rule Would Extend Health Care Protections to Student Health Plans
The proposed rule would offer some, but all not, consumer protections of PPACA to student health plans.
Federal Courts Split on Constitutionality of Individual Mandate in Health Care Law
Two district courts uphold insurance mandate, but two other courts find it unconstitutional.
Proposed MSHA Regulation Seeks to Strengthen Pattern of Violation Provisions
Mine safety regulator proposes criteria for improving worker protection.