Message from Zuckerman

[Guest guest]

I didn’t mean to suggest that the FDA will never approve silicone, just that we don’t think it is about to happen any minute, as the article suggests. We know that plastic surgeons have contacted reporters to spread this story, starting just before July 4. When reporters have called us to ask, we’ve told them that we think it is just the wishful thinking of the plastic surgeons, and those

reporters haven’t written stories. Reporters that didn’t call us to check have written stories. The Acting FDA Commissioner, Dr von Eschenbach, would like to be confirmed as Commissioner. He knows that approving silicone gel breast implants will reduce his chances of confirmation, since many Senators are concerned about this issue. For that reason, we don’t think a decision will happen soon. In addition, the FDA has asked for comments regarding platinum in breast implants. (I assume you have seen that request for comments - if not, I will send it to you). The comment period is open until October, and we think the FDA would look bad to make a decision before the comment period is over - especially if they receive some well-thought out comments. Of course, we don’t really know what is happening, but we think we would have heard if a decision is about to be announced. You can share the above info with

anyone you’d like. Best wishes, Zuckerman, Ph.D. President National Research Center for Women &

Families 1701 K Street, NW, Ste. 700 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 223-4000 http://www.center4research.org/