Medical Innovation: How the U.S. Can Retain Its Lead

The FDA should approve drugs based on safety and leave efficacy testing for post-market studies.

February 14, 2012

We stand on the cusp of a revolution in health care. Advances in molecular medicine will allow us to develop powerful new treatments that can cure or even prevent diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. Tomorrow's high-tech cures can also slash health-care costs and eliminate ineffective treatments.

What will it take to realize the potential of the new medicine? The United States has the world's most innovative drug and device companies and research universities, plus the unparalleled National Institutes of Health. What's...

Available to WSJ.com Subscribers