Coming soon: Comparative effectiveness research for biotech

The stimulus package includes $1.1 billion in funding for so-called comparative-effectiveness research aimed at determining which treatment works best for a given medical condition. Now the NIH has published a list of high-priority projects it wants to fund, providing a clearer picture of just how that money may be spent. The list suggests scrutiny for some of the best-selling drugs for heart conditions and asthma, among others.