Bush Should Nominate Alistair Woods for FDA Commissioner, Editorial Says

Dr. Alistair Wood, the Vanderbilt University professor rumored to be President Bush's leading candidate for FDA commissioner, is "eminently qualified" for the position and the fact that drug makers "seem nervous" over his possible nomination "provide[s] the best reason yet to appoint him to the post," the Nashville Tennessean writes in an editorial. Wood, who has previously served as an adviser to the FDA, has been endorsed by Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and several Senate Democrats. The drug industry's concerns stem from statements Wood has made calling for the agency to "aggressively monitor" approved medications. Rather than detract from his nomination, the Tennessean writes, this stance should bolster Wood's candidacy, as his "candor and his advocacy for better monitoring of drugs" are "exactly what the American public needs." The editorial adds that the commissioner should "not be bullied" by the industry and that "strong FDA leadership is more important than ever" given the "increased pressure to bring drugs to market more quickly." It concludes: "The Bush administration shouldn't hesitate to appoint Wood [to] this crucial post so that he can get to work" (Nashville Tennessean, 2/14).