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The Times of London today has an article headed "Drug Licensing Deal Near". This refers to an impending deal to be signed between the European Union and the USA to make it easier for pharmaceutical companies to get their new products licensed. This Mutual Recognition Agreement should mean that if we have a drug licensed over this side of the "pond", you in the New World will also be able to have it. Time spent on clinical tests would be significantly reduced, and the current habit of "re-inventing the wheel" in our respective countries would cease. Hooray for progress - particularly political progress. It should be very much to our benefit, as well as the pharmaceutical companies. Indeed, it seems to me that it will, eventually, have the effect of reducing the cost of some of our essential drugs. A small problem is that the Food & Drug Administration, renowned for its very stringent and rigorous standards, is somewhat protective of its position, and there are FDA mutterings that this MRA might result in a lowering of US consumer standards! Keep your fingers crossed for a satisfactory conclusion, fellow PWPs. It will be good for us all when it happens. -- Jeremy Browne - [log in to unmask] Shaking Hands BBS - +44 (0)1252 626233 - Fidonet 2:252/160 Hampshire, UK