Natural Sound

Probably the best article about musicians' use of beta blockers to prepare for performance. Not particularly in-depth about the ethical issues, but perhaps that is because this phenomenon remains untouched in the bioethics literature.

Better Performances Through Chemistry

The New York Times reports in its Sunday "Arts and Leisure" Section about classical musicians using drugs to calm fears before performances. It has been an open secret for some time that doctors prescribe beta-blockers, as well as other drugs, to quell performance anxiety. This article reports that, in the classical music world at least, its use is ubiquitous. Some doctors have prescribed one-time use for nervous grooms or people scared to fly; but should they be routinely used by performers who find their calming effect improves their performance?

Genentech Subpoena over Rituxan

Genentech has been asked to turn over marketing materials for its cancer drug Rituxan in an event that may signal increasing FDA crackdown of off label marketing. Regardless of the outcome in this particular case, off label drug use raises several interesting ethical issues. This is discussed in this piece in Red Herring. - David Magnus

Limits on Drug Financed Physicians

ACCME is pushing a plan to simply shut out physician instruction of drug company sponsored CME. It is a complex plan with room for loopholes but reflects an extraordinary push to get more accurate information about potential problems associated with inappropriate off label uses of pharmaceuticals. Norm Fost is quoted.