Welcome to Andy's Take.
Over the past year I have emphasized in these weekly communications that FDA
was in the midst of a major transition in order to respond to the emerging
challenges and opportunities in food and medical product regulation. But this
week, we are in the midst of different kind of transition, as FDA, and other
agencies in the executive branch of the federal government, welcome a new administration.
How does this affect you and the FDA-regulated products you use every day?
My take is that you and your family can be assured that the
transition to new leadership at the FDA has been and will continue to be smooth
and seamless. Although I relinquish my duties as commissioner at noon on January
20th, the FDA scientists and experts will remain hard at work to assure the
safety of the food and medical products you depend on.
Upon my departure, Dr. Frank Torti, currently FDA's Principal Deputy Commissioner
and Chief Scientist, will take over the helm at FDA as the acting commissioner.
Dr. Torti is a superb clinician, researcher, and medical educator, as well
as an outstanding administrator, and I invite you to review his biography posted
on the FDA's web site.
Speaking to you on a weekly basis, and giving you my take on news and events
about food and medical products, has been one of the highlights of my tenure
at the FDA. The three years I have been at the agency have been a pivotal period
-- for in that time we have seen the increasingly rapid and radical changes
resulting from both globalization of the marketplace and advancements in science
and technology that are ushering in the molecular era of health care.
These changes have made it possible for you to have fresh fruit and vegetables
365 days a year and see new breakthroughs in treating disease. But there have
been great challenges including some involving bacterial contamination of food
and adulteration of drugs. These events caused some to question whether in
the future you could have confidence in the FDA to continue to protect and
promote your health.
I want to assure you that the answer to that question is "yes," because
during these past three years we have initiated changes that have put the FDA
on a new course of modernization and on a positive trajectory of growth in
personnel and resources. These improvements will enable the FDA to meet the
challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Whether it is assuring the safety of food and animal feed, or bringing novel
treatments to patients, the FDA has embarked upon a new strategic direction
with numerous new initiatives. For them to be sustained and successful will
require the ongoing commitment of you and so many others in government and
in industry. A strong, a vital FDA in the 21st century is essential, because
your life and well-being and that of your family depend on it.
As always, FDA will strive every day to be worthy of your trust and confidence.
My hope is that you will continue to support this agency's effort to do the
right thing in the right way as it works to promote and protect your health.
Thank you for listening. I bid you "farewell" with the wish that
God will continue to bless you and this great country with good health. I hope
that you will check back here next week to hear the latest about the FDA from
Acting Commissioner Dr. Frank Torti.
Andy
Andrew C. von Eschenbach,
M.D.
Commissioner of Food and
Drugs
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