To the Editor:

Far too often we hear about a new safety problem with a widely-used drug. Drug safety reforms need to be signed into law now to prevent future Vioxx-type tragedies.

Drug safety bills passed by Congress would give the FDA new authorities over drug companies, like requiring them to publicly report the results of drug studies – those with good results and bad.

Congress must take this opportunity to show they are committed to improving the quality of our healthcare system.

Both Houses of Congress recently passed drug safety legislation, but our lawmakers broke for the summer without sending a final bill to the president.

We need to urge our senators and representative to act on this legislation as soon as possible after the Congress reconvenes this fall.

Robert Sanford