FDA faces challenges with oversight of fecal transplants.

The AP (6/27, Perrone) took a broad look at the status of fecal transplants in the country to treat Clostridium difficile, noting that the FDA is grappling with the challenges posed by the procedure. The AP noted the FDA has decided to “regulate” fecal treatment as “an experimental drug,” and has agreed that it “shows promise in treating C. difficile infection that has not been responsive to other therapies.’” Most researchers noted that FDA’s concerns are legitimate because “patients can contract HIV, hepatitis and other viruses and parasites from fecal matter that is not properly screened,” according to the article. However, the piece noted, due to the “unresolved status” of FDA’s oversight, many doctors shy away from offering the treatment.