Originally published September 30 2005
Lawmakers, health experts question acting FDA commissioner's decision to remain chief cancer researcher
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Lawmakers and health experts are concerned that acting FDA commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach's decision to keep his old job as the government's chief cancer researcher may cause a conflict of interest if the FDA is called upon to make a decision about a cancer treatment he helped develop, reports The Washington Post.
The acting FDA commissioner's decision to keep his old job as the government's chief cancer researcher is being questioned by lawmakers and health experts.
Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, who is wearing two hats as the new FDA chief and the head of the National Cancer Institute, could face conflicts if the FDA must make a decision on a cancer treatment he helped to develop.
The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, funds research into new cancer treatments, often in partnership with drug companies.
The Food and Drug Administration, meanwhile, regulates the results of that research, deciding whether the new treatments are safe and effective enough to permit sales to the general public.
"It's a foot in both camps," said Marc Scheineson, a former FDA associate commissioner who is now a partner in the Alston and Bird law firm in Washington.
Arthur Caplan, professor of bioethics and the University of Pennsylvania, said von Eschenbach would have to recuse himself from any decisions related to the National Cancer Institute.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the FDA budget, called for the Bush administration to lay out a timeline for selecting a permanent commissioner.
"Now is clearly not the time for a part-time director at FDA with another prolonged period of temporary leadership," she said in a statement.
"Irrespective of Dr. Von Eschenbach's qualifications, such an arrangement would undoubtedly compromise the distinct missions of both the FDA and the NCI.
Crawford had functioned as acting head for more than year before that, and his surprise resignation Friday gave no specific reason for his departure.
Crawford's tenure was marked by increasing criticism of the agency by those who contended it had become more interested in politics or benefiting drug companies than in its mission to protect consumers.
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