# Does the FDA Save Lives?

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts/does-the-fda-save-lives>

**By** Peter Van Doren, Trevor Burrus, Aaron Ross Powell

**Published:** May 7, 2021

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Peter Van Doren, a regular guest on the show, returns to discuss the costs and benefits of the FDA.

## Shownotes:

FDA reviewers have strong incentive to restrict access to new drugs and other therapies until there is extensive evidence that the therapies are safe. These incentives work against patients suffering painful or terminal diseases that have no effective therapy. And throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the FDA was continually in the spotlight for its poorly handling many potential COVID-19 remedies.

Why do we have an FDA?