Clinton's cancer drug reforms; Jostling for political position

WASHINGTON - President Bill Clinton on Friday announced a series of administrative actions by the FDA to speed development and approval of cancer drugs that in some respects goes beyond steps the agency has taken to accelerate the path of AIDS drugs to market.

The steps represent significant regulatory departures that may have implications beyond cancer. The FDA will take a proactive role in fostering development of drugs and ensuring that they are available to patients, including soliciting applications for U.S. approval for products approved overseas and, for the first time, taking foreign regulatory approvals into consideration...