Transparency = credibility

Regardless of one's political beliefs, with each change in presidency there is an ensuing change in the way decisions are made and published. During the previous administration, the tone of any decision was often 'that's it, take it or leave it'. With the current administration, there seems to be a bit more of explanation of the why's behind it. Who knows what the next administration will bring.

In the meantime, the importance of clinical trials in FDA decision making is becoming more visible. And the openly published results and allowing for more discussion of the results and their meaning. This transparency allows for explanation of why the decision was reached but even more importantly it gives credibility. Instead of 'those bozos in Washington' type of thought process, we can learn how the decision was reached making us give some grounds to give credence to their thought process.

I have often commented on something needs to be done about clinical trials as well as on the issue of drug approval. I find this interesting as it seems the best way to make decisions is to add more brains, as in more people to look at the results and make their thoughts known. However the downside to this would be too many cooks spoil the broth and that more people might take more time.

But I applaud a change in the system at this point. There are problems in the current system. Is this the solution? Probably not. Is increased credibility a step toward change? Yes.