Friedman Leaves FDA Post

Michael Friedman, M.D. will be leaving his position as deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Prior to the appointment of current commissioner, Jane Henney, M.D., Friedman served as acting commissioner and worked extensively with Congress on the FDA Modernization Act of 1997. He also negotiated the reauthorization of the prescription drug user fee program, and pushed ahead with other public health measures.

"After his career as an academic researcher and many years as head of the Cancer Treatment Evaluation Program at the National Cancer Institute, Mike joined the Food and Drug Administration at a crucial time," said commissioner Henney. "On behalf of all of his colleagues at the Food and Drug Administration, I send our thanks and best wishes to Dr. Friedman."