Barbara Stanwyck (the actress) said of egotism that it's a case of mistaken nonentity. The same can be said the rampant speculation and self-promotion regarding who is going to be the next FDA commissioner. Lots of people weighing in who don't know the full story or the full weight of the job. Lots of second guessing. Only one or two people who are willing to stand and accept the responsbility and stand by decisions regardless of what is said to attract the crowd or generate a headline.
That's why Janet Woodcock's statement regarding Vytorin and Avandia are so courageous and on point: "People have convicted them without a trial." But she has taken similar stands on drugs that others though should have been approved, but have not, because of lack of compelling benefit data, and on demanding that FDA have more hires, that staff actually get paid on time, that the new FDA building have a cafeteria(!).
Drugwonks has made it clear who it thinks should NOT be FDA commissioner. But with regard to who should FDA Commissioner, it should be someone who can emulate and admire Janet Woodcock's dedication to science-based overhaul of the agency.
That's why Janet Woodcock's statement regarding Vytorin and Avandia are so courageous and on point: "People have convicted them without a trial." But she has taken similar stands on drugs that others though should have been approved, but have not, because of lack of compelling benefit data, and on demanding that FDA have more hires, that staff actually get paid on time, that the new FDA building have a cafeteria(!).
Drugwonks has made it clear who it thinks should NOT be FDA commissioner. But with regard to who should FDA Commissioner, it should be someone who can emulate and admire Janet Woodcock's dedication to science-based overhaul of the agency.
