Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, has conducted oversight of theFood and Drug Administration over the last 18 months and called for administrative and legislativechanges to make the agency more responsive to new information about safety risks with prescriptiondrugs and medical devices. Today he made the following comment on the opportunity for newleadership at the agency.
“In recent years, the FDA has demonstrated a too-cozy relationship with the pharmaceuticalindustry and an attitude of shielding rather than disclosing information. The opportunity to namea new commissioner is a chance to take the agency in a necessary new direction. Now is the time toreform the FDA’s culture and reassert that the agency’s top priority is what’s good for John Q. Publicwhen it comes to reviewing drugs in the marketplace and making new miracle medicines available.FDA scientists and employees are by and large hard-working and committed to fulfilling theagency’s mission. They deserve a commissioner who will reinvigorate the agency."
Source: Ranking Member’s News
