Results of a new national survey revealed that while the vast majority of U.S. physicians have a very high confidence level in the FDA approval process, approximately half of the doctors believe the process is influenced by commercial or political interests.

The national e-survey was conducted by Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) and HCD Research during November 21-22, among a nationally representative sample of 1,039 primary care physicians.

Among the findings:

-- The vast majority of physicians (85%) are confident in the safety of the drugs approved by the FDA.

-- More than half of the physicians (54%) believe that FDA process is influenced by political interests when determining if a drug is safe or efficacious.

-- Nearly half of the physicians (46%) believe that FDA process is influenced by commercial interests when determining if a drug is safe or efficacious.

-- The vast majority of physicians (86%) are confident that the FDA has strict and stringent standards for determining if a drug is safe and efficacious.

-- Nearly three quarters of physicians (71%) indicated that FDA approval is one of the most important factors to consider prior to prescribing a medication.

Founded in 2001, the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) has become a respected source of public opinion data on local, statewide and national issues. Headquartered in Flemington, NJ, HCD Research is a pioneer in Internet health care marketing and advertising research.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Glenn Kessler, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, HCD Research or Chris Borick, Ph.D., Associate Political Science Professor, Muhlenberg College, please contact Vince McGourty, M&M Communications, Inc., at 908-713-1267 or vinmcg@earthlink.net.