FDA Commissioner

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May 21, 2002

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

We, the undersigned biotechnology company CEOs, are writing to ask that you nominate, as soon as possible, an individual to become the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We commend your appointment of Lester M. Crawford Jr., D.V.M., Ph.D., to the position of deputy commissioner. The time has come to take the next step and name an FDA commissioner. We cannot stress enough the importance of filling this position.

The biotechnology industry-and the nation-needs strong leadership from an FDA commissioner with vision and experience in science, medicine, and administration. A new commissioner must reverse the trend of increased review times, demonstrate to Congress the need for additional appropriations, lead on bioterrorism issues, and insist on quick action to extend the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.

The ideal candidate would possess the qualifications listed above, and perhaps current or past industry experiences as well. We hope that you will fill this leadership vacancy at the FDA very soon. Thank you for your attention, and please feel free to contact Carl B. Feldbaum, President of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), at (202) 962-9200 if you have any questions on this matter.

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