Inside the FDA: The Business and Politics Behind the Drugs We Take and the Food We Eat

by Fran Hawthorne

The forces that shape America's most powerful consumer agency Because of the importance of what it regulates, the FDA comes under tremendous political, industry, and consumer pressure. But the pressure goes far beyond the ordinary lobbying of Washington trade groups. Its mandate-one quarter of the national economy-brings the FDA into the middle of some of the most important and contentious issues of modern society. From "designer" babies and abortion to the price of prescription drugs and the role of government itself, Inside the FDA takes readers on an intriguing journey into the world of today's most powerful consumer agency. In a time when companies continue to accuse the FDA of nitpicking and needlessly delaying needed new drugs, and consumers are convinced that the agency bends to industry pressure by rushing unsafe drugs to market, Inside the FDA digs deep to reveal the truth. Through scores of interviews and real-world stories, Hawthorne also shows how and why the agency makes some of its most controversial decisions as well as how its recent reaction to certain issues-including the revolutionary cancer drug Erbitux, stem cell research, and bioengineering of food-may jeopardize its ability to keep up with future scientific developments. Inside the FDA takes a closer look at the practices, people, and politics of this crucial watchdog in light of the competing pressures and trends of modern society, revealing what the FDA is supposed to do, what it actually does-and fails to do-who it influences, and how it could better fulfill its mandate. The decisions that the FDA makes are literally life and death. Inside the FDA provides a sophisticated account of how this vitally important agency struggles to balance bureaucracy and politics with its overriding mission to promote the country's health.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Food, Science

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Fran Hawthorne got sidetracked for three decades writing award-winning nonfiction, including eight books, mainly about consumer activism and business social responsibility. But she's been actually been writing novels since she was in elementary school.

Her newest--HER DAUGHTER--has just been published by Black Rose Writing. Kirkus Review said of it: "A deep dive into the pain of separation and hope for reconciliation conveyed with grace, realism, and empathy."

Fran has also published two other novels, including I MEANT TO TELL YOU (Stephen F. Austin State University Press, November 2022), a finalist for the SARTON AWARD, the ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD, the NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS (in both contemporary novel and women's fiction), and other honors.

Reviews

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected. The author obtained great access to personnel who could really speak to the culture and mindset of the FDA.

[Gil Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. I highly recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent! A great review of the last 10 years in the drug industry with the FDA. I loved the author's writing style and the topics the book covered. There was never a dull moment. I definitely look at my career in a different light after digesting all the material covered in the book.

[Cory · Rating 2 out of 5]

In hoping for more an expose, I was a bit disappointed. This book took a bit more slogging through than expected. I would recommend Marcia Angell's book "The Truth About Drug Companies" instead if you are interested in pharma.

[Jamie Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jury is still out folks

[Jennifer Taggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was easy to read. Very interesting information and a good introduction to FDA issues.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rips it all open. Politics, Lies, and Corruption. Made me go vegan and holistic.

[Elisheva Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly hopeful and positive (I like harsh books), but also very informative.