Bush Makes Acting FDA Commissioner's Job Permanent

FDA Acting FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford has received President Bush's nod to assume the post of Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Crawford will have his work cut out for him as the agency confronts several hot-button drug safety issues -- notably the controversy over Vioxx and other arthritis painkillers in the COX-2 class of drugs -- in addition to the usual challenges built into the position. President Bush on Monday announced his intention to nominate Dr. Crawford to the position.