FDA advisers endorse drug for blacks only

Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 6-17-05 | Jeff Nesmith

[Turbopilot]

Couldn't find this posted under searches for "FDA" or "drug". The idea that some people are "offended" by this drug makes me worry that the Sharpton/Jackson crew would actually fight this drug on the basis that it's better to let black people die than allow that they may have health issues different from those of other races.

[Sacajaweau]

Saying there are differences genetically is a ball of fire.
Jefferson would surely be reading and commenting on this.

[cyborg]

Having read what he's said about black people in the past, I can only imagine what he'd say.

[cyborg]

I am very curious as to whether these were tested on black Americans or just black people in general. Not all black people are the same and some people who call themselves black aren't even black.

[The Great RJ]

The PC crowd and Sharpton/Jackson race baiters would rather have Black people die than allow such a "racist" treatment. I'm surprised the researchers even had access to the data on the test subject's race.

[Turbopilot]

Saying there are differences genetically is a ball of fire.

Well, saying there are genetic differences is trivial. Melanin concentrations are determined by genes. Saying that genetic differences go beyond the obvious is what's going to be controversial. I don't know enough about the science to comment on the likelihood, other than that a 43% success rate for blacks vs. a statistically insignificant change for other races seems to indicate the possibility. I just hope that black "leaders" don't sacrifice the health of their own people on the altar of political correctness.

[mhking]

Political correctness be damned. If it is a drug that can help people, make it available to help people. Period.

The conspiracy theorist in me wonders about exploitation on this sort of designation (if I can put my tin foil hat on for a moment).

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[null and void]

The idea that some people are "offended" by this drug makes me worry that the Sharpton/Jackson crew would actually fight this drug on the basis that it's better to let black people die than allow that they may have health issues different from those of other races.

Well duh!

[Turbopilot]

Given that it was an FDA advisory committee and that the study in question was performed at the University of Minnesota, it seems reasonable to assume the test group consisted of Americans, and possibly Canadians.

[cyborg]

I hope it doesn't get overused as a lot of drugs are already. If this drug helps people, great.

[tertiary01]

The drug is a combo of Isorbide dinitrate and Hydralazine. Two long time commonly used Blood Pressure meds.

[tertiary01]

I hit Post to soon, amend that to include vaso dilators too.

[Tacis]

As I understood the test, it is efficacious for blacks because there were mostly only blacks in the test group.

But, if it is signficantly better for blacks than whites, Sharpton.Jesse won't fight IT, but will demand that more money (and jobs) be allocated to finding other drugs for blacks.

The racially unacceptable issue arrises only if money is wasted on a health issue that effects white men and a superior drug is found. The effort, itself, would get Sharpton's, well, blood pressure up.

The black racist thugs here, won't be upset by the medicine, but by some silliness like te study should have been done 10 years ago or "if they hired more black scientists, these black problems would be better addressed."

And, if you want to see Jesse, Sharpton and the step-n-fetchit Congressional Black Caucus watch and see should there be some yet unnoticed but nasty side effect of any drug touted as being for blacks!

[gorush]

In a similar ruling, the FDA has prohibited sales of Viagra to attorneys, apparently it just makes them taller.

[Tennessee_Bob]

Let them protest - the test results came about as a result of a trial called A-HeFT - African-American Heart Failure Trial - where they were specifically testing this medication. They'll also be protesting groups such as the ABC (Association of Black Cardiologists), and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

What's going to be really interesting will be what is done about pricing to begin with. Most new drugs hit the market as a non-preferred medication, with a significantly higher copay than preferred or generic medications. Since it's a combination of two already available generic medications, depending on the dosing, it may be less expensive to go ahead and get two RXs for the generics. Also, since it is targeting a specific group (like Zelnorm originally did), it may even require a prior authorization before you can get it filled. And of course, the benefits managers will be accused of being racist oppressors - but I've been called that before.

[Mike Darancette]

The 43% that are saved by this drug won't be complaining about the difference.

[NonValueAdded]

Minnesota ... you left out Scandinavians

[Clara Lou]

apparently it just makes them taller
LOL!!

[connectthedots]

This is an interesting questions of ethics. If it has been demonstrated to be effective with black heart attack patients and there are no negative side effects, or at least only minimal; I don't think there is a problem. If there were some notable black scientists involved in the research and on the board that approved the drug, that would be rvrn better for appearance sake.

Hesitating to approve the drug might be viewed by some blacks as an attempt withold treatment that would save blacks. On the other hand, if actual results after the drug is approve result in more deaths, there might be a few who claim it is a plot to kill blacks.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

I have to agree with you on this one buddy this PC stuff is getting a bit to ludicrous.

I could understand a drug that would interact with say Sicle Cell Anemia [sp] but heart problems are general at best effecting almost everyone in some form or another !