BIO Endorses Nomination of von Eschenbach to head FDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2006) – Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), released a statement today encouraging the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach is an outstanding choice to serve as commissioner of the FDA. He will provide strong, certain leadership to this critical agency that protects our nation’s public health.

“Dr. von Eschenbach’s experience as a cancer surgeon and his leadership as director of the National Cancer Institute afford him unique insights into the critical need to advance new treatments for patients with life-threatening illnesses. As a teacher and academician, he appreciates the importance of education and research in achieving scientific breakthroughs.

“To provide safe and effective therapies for patients, and healthful foods for consumers, the country needs a confirmed FDA commissioner to ensure this agency is credible, predictable, and effective in protecting the public health”.

“I applaud President George W. Bush for his selection of Dr. von Eschenbach, and I urge the Senate to move swiftly in the confirmation process.”

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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