The overall message of the report remains positive. The evidence that I have seen convinces me that we are poised to make dramatic gains against cancer in the near future.

These fines and the permanent injunction demonstrate that there is a strong system in place for ensuring that pharmaceutical companies fully comply with all aspects of the drug approval process.

I applaud Congress for the passage of FALCPA. Chairman Joe Barton and Ranking Member John D. Dingell in the House, Energy and Commerce Committee were instrumental in moving this bipartisan legislation forward. Representative Nita Lowey was the original sponsor of the legislation. FDA also applauds the dedication and leadership of the legislation's sponsors in the Senate, which include Senators Judd Gregg and Edward Kennedy.

It will be an important step in our understanding of the genetic components of cancer and the genetic susceptibilities of people affected by cancer.

We will continue to do all we can to protect the public health against these dietary supplements that have been found to cause serious illness and injury.

There are initiatives in place to deter counterfeiters and those who sell fraudulent or phony products to prevent or treat avian flu. The use of unproven flu cures and treatments increases the risk of catching and spreading the flu rather than lessening it because people assume they are protected and safe and they aren't. I consider it a public health hazard when people are lured into using bogus treatments based on deceptive or fraudulent medical claims.