New Survey Finds Strong Public Interest in Prescription Drug Saf...( Americans Trust FDA but express c...),Health

Americans Trust FDA, but express conflicting views about how to manage safety risks

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies will announce results tomorrow from a national survey assessing public views on safety of prescription medicines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and overall satisfaction with the U.S. health care system. The survey briefing will take place on Thursday, September 20 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM ET at the National Press Club, First Amendment Lounge, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC.

"At a time when Congress is debating the FDA Revitalization Act (FDARA) to strengthen the safety of prescription medicines and overhaul the FDA, this survey validates that drug safety is a real concern for the American public," said Dr. James Thurber, Director, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University. "The survey shows some support for the concept of FDARA, however, there is a clear desire and expectation among participants for regulators to balance speed of approvals with their responsibility of reducing safety risks."

Key survey findings include:

-- 64 percent of those surveyed say U.S. health care system is "broken"

-- More than three-quarters of those surveyed say prescription drug safety

is at least somewhat important to them in deciding their vote for the

2008 Presidential election

-- 88% of Americans surveyed are confident in the safety of prescription

drugs made in the United States

-- Public confidence level drops off markedly for drugs made in Europe

and Canada (56% confident), and China and India (14% confident)

-- On prescription drug issues, Americans trust the FDA (82%), followed by

patient advocate groups (74%), pharmaceutical companies (67%) and

Congress (53%)

-- 50% of Americans are skeptical of Congress' abili
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