Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, has conducted oversight of the Food and Drug Administration over the last 18 months and called for administrative and legislative changes to make the agency more responsive to new information about safety risks with prescription drugs and medical devices. Today he made the following comment on the opportunity for new leadership at the agency.
"In recent years, the FDA has demonstrated a too-cozy relationship with the pharmaceutical industry and an attitude of shielding rather than disclosing information. The opportunity to name a new commissioner is a chance to take the agency in a necessary new direction. Now is the time to reform the FDA’s culture and reassert that the agency’s top priority is what’s good for John Q. Public when 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 the agency’s mission. They deserve a commissioner who will reinvigorate the agency."