FDA is proposing that drug sponsors assume responsibility for testing proprietary trademarks for potential medication errors before they are reviewed by the agency. That -- along with performance goals tied to user fee dollars -- should help speed up the review of proposed brand names.

Since the implementation of the PhRMA direct-to-consumer advertising guidelines in January 2006, FDA hasn't taken a single enforcement action against a consumer-directed prescription drug print or TV ad. That's good news for an industry trying to quiet critics on Capitol Hill in the run-up of the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.

The pharmaceutical industry and FDA are getting ready for a fight-and for once they are on the same side. They want Congress to reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act quickly and cleanly-without tacking on other reforms to FDA's drug regulations. They probably won't get their wish.