The main point of the article is to explain why FDA is not taking action against Spiriva (generic name: tiotropium), a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder sold by Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer, despite a meta-analysis that raised concerns.

FORBES: FDA Asks For "Restraint" On Drug Safety Worries

Over the past two years, for instance, he has published studies maintaining the Chantix anti-smoking pill is unsuitable for first-line use (read here and here) and a meta-analysis indicating the mist form of the Spiriva inhaler that is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had a 52 percent increase in mortality risk compared with a placebo ( see this).

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