|
Science
Desk
| April 29, 2003, Tuesday
Scientist At Work: Mark B. Mcclellan;
F.D.A.
Chief's
Fast Start Earns Praise and Doubt
By GINA KOLATA (NYT) 2314 words
Late Edition - Final , Section F ,
Page 1 , Column 1
LEAD PARAGRAPH
- Mark B. McClellan, the new commissioner of
the Food and Drug Administration, knows he
has critics lying in wait. He also has
special interest groups, from corporations
to consumer advocates, ready to plead. His
decisions, as he is well aware, can save
lives or ruin them, and can make or break a
company's fortunes. But he focuses, he says,
on what is the right thing to do in handling
an agency with a budget of $1.6 billion,
whose responsibilities reach over 20 percent
of the consumer economy. And he is moving
forward rapidly.
Drugs too expensive? He has a plan.
Quality control problems in manufacturing?
Another plan. Concerns about dietary
supplements, ephedra in particular? He has
taken action, with more to come. Errors in
dispensing prescribed drugs? He has an
initiative. Worries about the risks of
hormone therapy for menopause? He has
ordered a black box warning on all
estrogen-containing products. Not enough
vaccines and drugs to protect in case of a
terrorist attack? He's taking action.
Complaints about what health information can
appear on foods? He's changing the rules.
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