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Feds Raid Firm Linked to Meningitis Outbreak

Agents probing New England Compounding Center

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 17, 2012 3:05 AM CDT

(AP) – Criminal investigators from the Food and Drug Administration have raided the Massachusetts company whose steroid medication has been linked to a deadly meningitis outbreak. An FDA spokesman says the agents' work at the New England Compounding Center is part of the investigation into the outbreak, which has killed at least 15 people and sickened more than 200 others in 15 states. Nearly all the victims had received steroid injections for back pain. Federal and state investigators say they've found fungus in more than 50 vials from the company but haven't said whether they've pinpointed the contamination source.

A federal Food and Drug Agent officer walks inside the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass.
A federal Food and Drug Agent officer walks inside the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass.   (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
A Food and Drug Administration agent stands at the doorway of New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass.
A Food and Drug Administration agent stands at the doorway of New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass.   (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Linmarvan
Oct 25, 2012 3:19 PM CDT
The FDA did develop a clear set of rules for compounding, but subsequent litigation culminated in a Supreme Court decision in 2002 that struck them down.   THOMPSON V. WESTERN STATES MEDICAL CENTER (01-344) 535 U. S. 357   The problem is NOT deregulation. The FDA has never had authority over the compounders.  They are overseen by state pharmacy boards with different levels of authority. The problem is a total lack of regulation at the federal level.  Since these firms do not manufacture the drugs, they do not fall under the FDA's purview and never have. This is a completely different issue from deregulation.
saucier111
Oct 17, 2012 10:35 AM CDT
This is Rmoney and the replubician plan, deregulate every thing and let the suckers die.
HANKHILL
Oct 17, 2012 9:29 AM CDT
sad to say the fda is a joke! fubo

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

US • Health

 
FDA • steroids • meningitis • outbreak • Food and Drug Administration • New England Compounding Center

 
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