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Bridget M. Kuehn

JAMA. 2006;296:1457.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Technology currently being used to monitor for early signs of bioterrorism and naturally occurring outbreaks may soon help improve the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) postmarketing surveillance system.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge are developing a computer surveillance system that would mine databases from hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and federal agencies to help the FDA identify early signs of safety problems with prescription drugs and medical devices. The collaboration between the FDA and MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation was announced in August.

Technology used to monitor disease outbreaks identified 3 and 4 year olds as key spreaders of influenza who should be vaccinated. The technology is now being modified to monitor for drug safety and device problems. (Photo credit: Alix/www.sciencesource.com)

The system will supplement the FDA's Adverse Events Reporting System, which relies on voluntary reports submitted by physicians or . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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