FDA regulating fecal transplants?

I was reading an article in the NY Times about the recent study of fecal transplants for curing C. Diff (which I know has been discussed here many times), and was happy to see that this is finally getting traction in mainstream medicine after a highly successful clinical trial.

However, I was disturbed by the following statement:

"Dr. Lawrence J. Brandt, a professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, said that the Food and Drug Administration had recently begun to regard stool used for transplant as a drug, and to require doctors administering it to apply for permission, something that he said could hinder treatment."

Has anyone had problems with their doctor helping them because of FDA regulation? I know a lot of folks DIY at home, but it's unfortunate that the attention (good) has gotten the FDA to take this position. I wonder what their long-term strategy will be.

The article may be found here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/health/disgusting-maybe-but-treatment-works-study-finds.html

Ah the good ol' FDA- in that case, soon FT will be declared to be an unapproved drug in the US, like Mutaflor, meaning it will be effectively banned. That is their (FDA's) MO in empire building.

I disagree Carlie. I think it should be the other way around. Natural substances used as drugs, and offered/sold by 3rd parties in "medical like" circumstances should be regulated.

I think history shows that without regulation and inspection somebody will put crap in a bottle and sell it without regard for consequence. And, even well meaning supplement distributors, can get batches with natural variations that can prove problematic - not to mention the possibilities of contamination. Look how many food processors have to do recalls, or consider the compounding pharmacy meningitis scandal.