The drugs and devices have been on the market for years. But FDA-ordered studies still aren’t done. - Scorecard - MDSpire
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The drugs and devices have been on the market for years. But FDA-ordered studies still aren’t done.

  • By

  • David Hilzenrath

  • September 22, 2026

  • 14 min

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Clinical Scorecard: The Drugs and Devices Have Been on the Market for Years. But FDA-Ordered Studies Still Aren’t Done.

At a Glance

Category

Detail

Condition

Postmarket Drug and Device Studies

Key Mechanisms

FDA mandates postmarket studies to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of approved products.

Target Population

Patients using FDA-approved drugs and devices.

Care Setting

Post-approval clinical settings.

Key Highlights

  • FDA-approved drugs often require postmarket studies that are frequently delayed.

  • Only 21 of 300 patients were enrolled in the Tavneos postmarket study as of last fall.

  • Dozens of liver damage cases have been associated with Tavneos.

  • Almost 600 postmarket studies are running behind schedule according to FDA data.

  • The FDA's new policy may increase reliance on postmarket studies.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess patient history and clinical presentation to identify potential adverse effects associated with drugs and devices.

  • Utilize diagnostic tests to monitor for complications, such as liver function tests for patients on Tavneos.

Management

  • Consider alternative therapies if patients exhibit adverse reactions to postmarket studied drugs.

  • Implement a risk management plan that includes regular follow-ups and patient education about potential side effects.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor patient outcomes and side effects.

  • Encourage patients to report any new symptoms or concerns promptly.

Risks

  • Patients may be exposed to products that do more harm than good due to delayed studies.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients prescribed drugs or devices with pending postmarket studies.

Patients and doctors may lack clarity on the risks and benefits of these products.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Ensure timely enrollment and completion of postmarket studies.

  • Maintain transparency regarding the status of postmarket studies to inform patients and healthcare providers.

Related Resources & Content

  1. KFF Health News, 2023 -- The Drugs and Devices Have Been on the Market for Years

  2. MDSpire News — Breakthrough Device Approvals Outpacing Data

  3. Associated Press Health — FDA drug approvals: Makary and Prasad say one study will be enough

  4. the asco post — Fewer Than Half of Drugs Granted Accelerated Approval Demonstrated Benefit Within 5 Years

  5. MDSpire News — Study Shows Widespread Delays in Medical Device Reporting to FDA

  6. FDA Identifies Cases of Serious Liver Injury in Patients Taking Tavneos

  7. Postmarketing Requirements and Commitments: Introduction | FDA

  8. EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: 2022 update

  9. 2021 American College of Rheumatology/Vasculitis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis - PubMed

  10. CDER proposes to withdraw approval of TAVNEOS | FDA

  11. Letter NOOH Taveneos (avacopan)

  12. RETRACTED: Avacopan for the Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis | New England Journal of Medicine

  13. Trial paper is retracted as FDA keeps scrutiny on controversial vasculitis drug

Original Source(s)

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