BIO STATEMENT ON FDA COMMISSIONER

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2002) - Biotechnology Industry Organization President Carl B. Feldbaum today issued the following statement regarding Senate confirmation of Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., as new commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration:

“We offer our congratulations to Dr. McClellan on his appointment to lead the FDA, which is, without any doubt, the single most important federal agency to our industry. He appears exceptionally well qualified to lead the agency and tackle issues related to the recently enacted Prescription Drug User Fee Act, food labeling, and the judicious reorganization of the biologics approval process. BIO pledges to assist Dr. McClellan and the agency in any way we can be helpful.

“We also thank President Bush for his thoughtful care in nominating such a qualified candidate. Further appreciation is in order for Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Judd Gregg (R- N.H.) for completing this appointment in the Senate prior to Congressional adjournment.”

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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