FDA's Woodcock handed back the reins at CDER

The FDA is handing back the reins [1] to the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to Janet Woodcock (photo [2]), who had formerly headed the division for 10 years. The FDA described it as a "lateral move" for Woodcock, who will hang up her title as Deputy Commissioner for scientific and medical programs. CDER is a key part of the FDA. Its researchers are charged with evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs, a role that has achieved heightened significance following a string of controversies over therapeutics that contained hidden threats.

Woodcock, 59, is a familiar face at the FDA. She has been at the agency for 21 years and she has been acting director at CDER for the past year. The new/old job puts her squarely in the spotlights as the FDA deals with Congressional probes and a new mandate to beef up staff as the agency grapples with new powers.

- see the FDA's release [3]
- here's the AP report [4]
- and read the story [5] in the Wall Street Journal

Related Article:
FDA taps new-yet-old drug chief. Report [1]