The only known example of toxicity from an expired drug was of renal tubular acidosis from out-dated tetracycline, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1963. This study has been challenged by other scientists, and Francis Flaherty, former director of the military testing program, stated that the Shelf Life program found no toxicity. Tetracyclines were typically shown to be effective for more than two years beyond the expiration date. According to the FDA, drug makers have never objected to the procedures or findings, although they don't like them. Civilians are encouraged to discard out-dated drugs, as through the National Expired and Unused Medication drive, which has collected and destroyed 36 tons of medication since 1991.
New technology offers the potential for rapid detection and identification of pathogens.
Successful results could lead to large-scale manufacture and distribution of instruments to military and civilian agencies. Call with your ideas for distribution, and we'll help to provide the CD-ROMs.