'Safe' and 'Drug' Are Now Four-Letter Words

Depending on the results of a case pending before the California Supreme Court, you can kiss new drug development goodbye. The case derives from an FDA-approved, lifesaving, ground-breaking HIV drug that has saved millions of lives. But good, safe, and lifesaving, are apparently not enough. The plaintiffs want “safer” than “safe.” And their lawyers want their contingency fees for the mass settlement they hope to generate.