FDA-WebMD expand their partnership

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The WebMD Health Corp. says it will provide increased access to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's consumer health information.

The announcement marks the second phase of the FDA's partnership with WebMD. It includes expanded content and multimedia tools at www.webmd.com/fda.

WebMD said it will provide five new online FDA sections that will initially focus on allergies and asthma, children's health, diabetes, heart health and vitamins and supplements.

"We see partners like WebMD as critical to helping us reach the public with important health information" said FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg.

She said since the initial partnership was announced in December, more than 150,000 consumers have accessed FDA information at the WebMD site.

"WebMD is proud to partner with the FDA to help Americans live healthier lives," said Wayne Gattinella, WebMD president and chief executive officer. "This collaboration provides health-minded consumers with access to the FDA as a source of timely health information focusing on daily issues such as food safety and the safe use of prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and cosmetics."