The FDA's strict drug approval standards are designed to prevent tragedies like the thalidomide scandal, which caused severe birth defects. However, this cautious approach may inadvertently result in more premature deaths, as many potential life-saving drugs never reach the market due to stringent regulations. The focus tends to be on the dangers of side effects, while the negative impact of restricting access to new treatments is often overlooked.

Niall Ferguson emphasizes the importance of weighing both the costs of side effects and the potential lost opportunities for patients who could benefit from innovative medications. The book argues for a reevaluation of how we balance safety with the urgent need for new therapies, as the current system may leave countless individuals without critical options for care.