One weird trick to keep the FDA open

The government, as we’ve mentioned, is largely shut down, and the only ongoing federal work is that which is deemed essential to protect people and property. Approving drugs isn’t considered as essential as, say, securing airports, and so the FDA is weeks away from running out of review money and halting that function entirely.

But what’s more essential than new treatments for deadly disease?

As STAT’s Ike Swetlitz reports, a pair of former FDA lawyers say the agency could make a convincing case that approving new therapies is as vital as any other federal service. If so, they could go on with the process of reviewing drug applications regardless of when the White House and Congress come to terms on reopening the government.

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