6th Biennial Conference of the American Society of Health Economists

June 12 - 15, 2016

FDA regulation of drugs and devices and consumer welfare

This session focuses on issues related to FDA regulation of prescription drugs and devices. One paper considers off-label drug use, the welfare effects of which are important for FDA decisions regarding labeling and marketing. Another examines the relationship between the speed of review and adverse events for medical devices. This obviously has implications for how the FDA should trade off bringing innovations to market rapidly and risks. Finally, a third paper focuses on FDA advisory committees and the behavior of experts who staff them. The specific policy question addressed is the relevance of financial ties between the advisors and pharmaceutical firms.