In Brief: Phenylpropanolamine

Phenylpropanolamine: FDA has agreed to investigate assertions by Spray-U-Thin phenylpropanolamine weight-loss spray manufacturer Caprice-Greystoke of a potential conflict of interest involving FDA Office of OTC Drug Evaluation Director Michael Weintraub, MD, who conducted a study for Acutrim maker Ciba Consumer in 1986 on time-release PPA capsules six years before joining FDA. Caprice-Greystoke claims FDA reversed its position on time-release PPA after Weintraub became director of the OTC office. FDA recently told the firm that Weintraub has disqualified himself from the decision-making process on the efficacy of PPA for weight control ("The Tan Sheet" Aug. 7, p. 13)...