[ErrantX]

> As for quantification of future risks, any individual drug has unknown future side effects.

Meh, I already made this point previously :)

Obviously there is no way to make 100% sure a drug is safe without tests lasting at least the average lifespan of a person (etc.). But I think we have a reasonable medium at the moment; some drugs have long term affects that slip through, but for now the benefit is tipped in favour of "consumers"

Clearly drugs will end up having uknown effects. We have to balance releasing drugs quickly with understanding the most immediate risks they present.

The immediate problem with your figures is that they deal with current drugs regulation. I imagine they are limited by the regulations - and so if you remove them the figure may start to creep up (as dangerously undertested drugs hit the market). How far does it have to go before it's too far?

No, I approve of the idea of exploring ways to reduce regulation and open up industry. But total removal; seems a bit of a slippery slope :)