FDA commissioner quits

News
Article

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe

Pharmaceutical Technology EuropePharmaceutical Technology Europe-11-01-2005
Volume 17
Issue 11

Lester Crawford, FDA's top man, has resigned explaining that it was time to step down — despite only being promoted to commissioner earlier this year.

Lester Crawford, FDA's top man, has resigned explaining that it was time to step down — despite only being promoted to commissioner earlier this year. Crawford's tenure at FDA finished with increasing criticism following problems with products and argued decisions. He now faces an enquiry into his resignation by the US Senate Health Committee.

Some of the problems during the erstwhile commissioner's term have caused embarrassment for FDA, such as the safety problems that caused Vioxx to be pulled off the market; mounting recalls of malfunctioning heart devices; and the indefinite postponement of nonprescription emergency contraception sales.

Crawford's experience in food safety was the reason he was elevated by President George Bush from acting commissioner as a preventative measure against bioterrorism. His place has been taken by former National Cancer Institute director and friend of President Bush, Andrew von Eschenbach.

www.fda.gov

Recent Videos
Drug Digest: Strategic Partnerships
Michelle Bridenbaker from Unbiased Science discusses her thoughts on the key industry from 2024 and those she anticipates will impact the industry in 2025 and beyond.
Tore Bergsteiner from MAIN5 details his predictions for how the mega trends will shape the bio/pharma industry in 2025 and beyond.
Related Content