Consumer attorneys favor new regulatory reforms in the wake of news about heart attack risks with Celebrex, Pfizer's blockbuster drug.

"The pace of drug safety issues raises more concern about the effectiveness of the FDA," one attorney mentioned. "When drugs show health risks after they are approved, consumers are correct to ask: Are we being used as guinea pigs to serve the profit motive of the pharmaceutical industry?"

Attorneys will be lobbying Washington for new drug approval laws. It is thought the system places to much emphasis on perceived benefits and not enough on the risks. "Like Vioxx, maybe the Celebrex review should have found that heart risks outweighed its benefits. The FDA relies on drug company data, and this needs to change," says a spokesman.

The risk of heart attacks has long been a concern related to Cox-2 inhibitors like Celebrex and Vioxx. "The trial bar acted quickly in the Vioxx controversy and should use its influence to help bring about reform. Certain senators favor protection for FDA approved drugs. Such laws should not provide a safe haven for negligent drug companies."

Pfizer announced findings that indicate a 2.5 times increase in the risk of heart attacks with Celebrex users. In 2004, 19.8 million prescriptions were filled for Celebrex. Pfizer's sales have reached over $2 billion per year.