Trump targets "slow and burdensome" FDA approval process

In an address to a joint session of Congress, US President Donald Trump outlined his goal of speeding up FDA approval of new drugs, calling the current process "slow and burdensome." Trump said that present regulations keep "too many advances...from reaching those in need," adding "if we slash restraints, not just at the FDA but across our government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles."

In January, Trump made similar comments, suggesting that the FDA was going to be streamlined. At the time, Trump also said that he had a "fantastic person" lined up to lead the agency, although no formal announcement has yet been made.

In the Congress address, Trump also reiterated his pledge to "work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately."