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Biomedical subjects

Lars Noah

Publications and source records attributed to Lars Noah.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Pharmacogenetics.

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Drug Industry↗

Assisted reproductive technologies and the pitfalls of unregulated biomedical innovation.

This Article suggests that the time has come to reconsider the safety and effectiveness of fertility drugs in order to combat some of the continuing problems arising from the overly aggressive use of assisted reproductive technologies, especially the health hazards associated with multifetal pregnancies. After critically assessing the arguments made by some commentators about the power of malpractice law to curb any abuses of fertility clinics and specialists, the Article concludes that the Food and Drug Administration should consider restricting or withdrawing pharmaceutical products used to induce ovulation. Although such a drastic move would not prevent the continued use of in vitro fertilization and other advanced fertility treatments, it would dramatically reduce the frequency of multifetal pregnancies, and it should not run afoul of any constitutional protections of procreative liberty.

Embryo Transfer↗

Triage in the nation's medicine cabinet: the puzzling scarcity of vaccines and other drugs.

For a variety of reasons, vaccines and other critical pharmaceutical products have become increasingly scarce in the last few years, and persistent shortages involving dozens of essential drugs may imperil the public health. Pressures emanating from regulatory agencies, the courts, and insurers have conspired to make some lines of the pharmaceutical business less than attractive. Although concerns about unpredictable tort liability received most of the blame in the past, two other factors may help to account for the latest round of drug shortages: stringent federal control of manufacturing facilities and aggressive cost-containment efforts that further erode profit margins. Whatever the cause, scarce supplies necessitate efforts at rationing that pose their own difficulties for health care providers. Policymakers could avoid putting physicians to such tough choices regarding patients by focusing on ways to ensure the production of adequate quantities of these highly cost-effective medical technologies. Some commentators have called for greater public sector involvement, but this Article concludes that, in addition to bolstering its emergency stockpiles, the federal government instead needs to take steps designed to encourage private manufacturers to continue supplying critical pharmaceuticals. To this end, the government should adopt more flexible regulations governing manufacturing facilities, provide companies with greater protection from the vagaries of tort liability, and avoid pursuing excessive cost-control strategies. Otherwise, patients may continue to lose access to important therapeutic products.

Cost Control↗