SPOTLIGHT: FDA needs database update, more staff, leaders say

The FDA badly needs to hire more inspectors and update its database dedicated to tracking approved prescription drugs, according to a top agency official. Among other things, the agency needs to do a better job of inspecting offshore drug manufacturing facilities, which will require a boost in staff, according to Janet Woodcock, the agency's deputy commissioner for scientific affairs and chief medical officer. The agency also needs to integrate several databases to improve drug tracking, particularly for drugs made overseas, she said. Article