Contaminated injectable steroids caused serious problems in America

The fungal meningitis outbreak which started in September last year had substantial influence upon America. Contaminated injectable steroids were produced by the New England Compounding Center (based in Massachusetts) and given to numerous persons. As a result, more than 400 persons sickened with fungal meningitis in more than 20 states. 39 persons contaminated with this disease died. 14 deaths were in Tennessee.
It became evident that it was necessary to do something in order to prevent such cases. Contamination must not occur in future. The FDA had to meet with representatives of all states for discussion of this problem. Thus, recently a meeting took place in order to discuss ways related to prevention of contamination in the future.
It was noticed during the conference that new laws on compounding centers should be implemented.
Representatives of some states affirmed that they did suitable job in their states and no any person suffered from problems linked with contamination. Moreover, they specified critically that they didn’t know what happened in other states.
As for the FDA, its authority over such cases is limited. Federal court cases that were during past years reduced the authority of the FDA evidentially. Furthermore, several laws seem to be unclear.
Margaret Hamburg, the FDA Commissioner, proposed to improve the situation through the following modifications:
- to improve training of state regulators;
- to promote sharing information between the FDA and states;
- to escape from ambiguity in laws.

These items seem to be prudent. Such modifications must help to promote improving public health of Americans. Undoubtedly, if laws contain ambiguity, no any agreement will be reached. That’s why new rules should be introduced and existing laws should be modified.
The FDA hopes that state regulators will work together with it in order to prevent producing and shipping contaminated drugs.