The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Monday that it has suspended a Federal regulation requiring drug makers to test products for their effects on children. FDA officials say the requirement is now unnecessary due to a provision passed by Congress in 1997 that provides financial incentives to drug companies that voluntarily conduct trials on children. The FDA says a number of new pediatric studies have initiated as a result.

The suspension was provoked by a December 2000 lawsuit challenging the FDA's authority to impose the requirements. Many pediatricians and medical experts, though, say the suspension, which may last two years, will lead to doctors prescribing medications to children without information about possible negative side effects.