FDA nominee faces Senate fight over Plan B

The nomination renews concerns about drug safety, emergency contraception.

By David Glendinning, AMNews staff. April 10, 2006.

Washington -- President Bush has tapped acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, to fill the permanent post at the agency, touching off a potentially contentious Senate confirmation process.

Dr. von Eschenbach has been acting FDA chief since last September, when he gave up his day-to-day duties as National Cancer Institute director to replace former commissioner Lester Crawford, DVM, PhD. Becoming the permanent leader of the agency would require approval from the upper chamber.

"Andy is an inspired choice to provide permanent leadership at this critical agency," said Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt.

"His career has been defined by his vision for progress in research and passion for the care of patients, two qualities which will serve the agency and the American public well."

But Senate approval might prove tricky for the White House, which lobbied for months to confirm Dr. Crawford only to see him resign under questionable circumstances less than three months later. The president's allies on Capitol Hill are not eager to go through a repeat of such a draining fight if the candidate's potential longevity in the position is in any doubt, congressional aides familiar with the approval process said.