Astrue Withdraws from FDA Commissioner Selection Process

Michael Astrue, chair of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, yesterday withdrew his name from consideration to become the next FDA commissioner after learning that Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) would oppose any candidate with ties to the pharmaceutical industry, the Boston Globe reports. Astrue has been one of the Bush administration's top choices for the position since "earlier this year." Astrue worked for both the former Bush and Reagan administrations, most recently as general counsel to HHS. Following his tenure in the government, Astrue served as general counsel to Biogen. The Globe reports that Kennedy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said he would not hold hearings for Astrue if he were nominated, surprising White House officials who expected the Massachusetts lawmaker to "welcome" an FDA nominee from his home state. Kennedy spokesperson Stephanie Cutter said that Kennedy "continues to believe it would be a mistake for the administration to nominate someone with close ties to the industry." She added, "Well-qualified candidates are clearly available who have broad support in Congress and could be quickly confirmed" (Boston Globe, 10/31).