The Week in Review: China Withdraws Leukemia Drug

July 8, 2007 -- On Saturday, the Chinese FDA stopped any further sales of methotrexate, a drug used to treat leukemia and arthritis in China, following reports of adverse side-effects. In general, the story was told as one more example of lax Chinese regulation. But the New York Times took a longer perspective and compared modern China to a time 101 years ago, when the FDA was formed during the Progressive Era, when government began regulating private business. Even now, after much experience, the US FDA sometimes withdraws a drug that it previously approved. Recent regulatory activity during the past week shows that China is getting serious about food and drug regulation, even if it has not completely gained control. More details...