X-Message-Number: 9591
Date: Sat, 2 May 1998 03:50:04 -0400
From: Saul Kent <>
Subject: Cryonics And FDA Regulation

        Charles Platt (msg 9572) expresses concern
over the spectre of FDA regulation of cryonics when it
becomes more popular.  Charles states that he fears 
this most "since I cannot imagine the FDA in its current 
form *ever* approving the multifactorial approach that 
seems necessary to inhibit the toxic cascade which 
follows cardiac arrest."

        As someone who has had considerable
experience with the FDA, I think the issue of FDA
regulation of cryonics is likely to be a relatively 
minor problem.

        First, the FDA only has the right to regulate
treatments given to living people.  I believe that, once
we begin to publish scientific advances in cryopreser-
vation, the credibility of cryonics will rise gradually, as
will its popularity.  I believe there is likely to be a lengthy
period of gradual progress in these areas before
suspended animation is achieved.  I don't believe FDA
regulation will be an issue during this period.

        Second, the FDA doesn't have any jurisdiction
over the practice of medicine, only over the approval of
drugs.  As a result, I don't think FDA regulation is likely to
be a major factor in the practice of cryonics, even after
suspended animation is achieved.  The main role the
FDA is likely to play is in the regulation of "devices"
required for suspended animation.

        Third, the FDA is first and foremost a political
animal. If there is widespread medical and public support
for suspended animation as a medical procedure, it will be
relatively easy, I believe, to overcome any roadblocks (legal 
or otherwise) thrown up by the FDA in an attempt to thwart the 
practice of suspended animation.

---Saul Kent, CEO
21st Century Medicine

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=9591