BIO Praises Azar Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2005) -- Jim Greenwood, president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), issued the following statement today on President Bush’s nomination of Alex M. Azar II to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

“I’m pleased that President Bush has selected such a high-caliber individual to serve in the critical role of HHS Deputy Secretary. As a Member of Congress, I worked closely with Alex during his four years as General Counsel at HHS , and he served honorably and with great distinction in that position.

“HHS, through its agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Institutes of Health, plays a major role in setting regulations which affect our member companies as they develop the most innovative products in medicine and agriculture. We look forward to working with Alex, in his new position,” Greenwood said.

Azar’s nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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