Yesterday, trying to find out What the Frick the deal was with Teresa not being able to get Cylert any more, I called the FDA. Six levels down in the phone tree I got to a voicemail box, and three hours after that I got a call back.

I talked with a very nice lady whose first, best suggestion was that I get in contact with Public Citizen (!) since they have strong influence on FDA policies. She helpfully gave me their web and email addresses.

I said that Public Citizen was unlikely to be helpful.

Her other suggestion was petitioning the FDA directly.

The one useful bit of information I learned was that there are no open dockets on this drug. I believe opening a docket on it would be a good first step.

Isn’t it astounding that the first-level flack catchers at FDA, as part of their scripts, send folks over to Public Citizen?

Those who wish to repeat the experiment can call the FDA direct at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

If any reporters on deadline want it, I have Dr. Peter Lurie’s direct number here. (If you call his listed number he’s out of the office until mid-January.)