Drug companies, healthcare providers look to Obama to name new FDA leader

WASHINGTON Healthcare personnel, drug companies and others await President-elect Barack Obama’s decision in appointing new, strong leadership to the Food and Drug Administration, reports out of Washington said today. It is expected that current FDA commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach will leave the position in January following Obama’s inauguration.

The position of FDA commissioner has had a revolving door over the course of the last eight years while the agency has faced controversies over the safety of approved drugs and recalls of tainted food, according to published reports.

The FDA is responsible for the review of more than $1 trillion annually in foods, medicines, devices and other items for consumption. With a responsibility to public health and the U.S. economy that great, strong leadership and a deep understanding of the FDA’s responsibilities to consumers, companies and Congress will require the appointment of someone with a strong background in science or medicine, who is prepared to make informed decisions on products, analysts have said.

“The FDA’s going to have to re-earn the trust of the public,” Sidney Wolfe, director for the consumer group Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, told Reuters.

Reports also stated that drug makers would like to see effective leadership in the position of commissioner. More drug makers have complained recently of delays in getting FDA approvals on new drugs.

Still, it could take several months to a year-and-a-half before President-Elect Obama names a new commissioner, sources said.