BIO Top Job May Go To Rep. Greenwood
This article was originally published in The Pink Sheet Daily
Executive Summary
Oversight Subcommittee chairman confirms he is considering leaving Congress to pursue a new opportunity, but says he will have no further comment until he makes a decision "in the very near future." Greenwood has been among most active legislators on pharmaceutical issues, and has worked with BIO on stem cell and human subject protection proposals.
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Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-Penn.) appears to be considering an offer to become president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. "From time to time during my 24 years of public service, I have been approached and offered other types of challenges and opportunities," a 1 statement from Greenwood, released in response to "rumors about his retirement," notes. "Such has been the case in the last few days, and I am currently reviewing one of these opportunities. I will make my decision public in the very near future and will have no other statement until then." BIO President Carl Feldbaum announced Feb. 2 that he would be stepping down at the end of the year (2 (Also see "BIO Will Have New President By End Of Year; Feldbaum Stepping Down" - Pink Sheet, 2 Feb, 2004.)). Greenwood seems a good fit for BIO. The six-term congressman has the political clout and connections the association desires. Greenwood has been one of the most active House members on pharmaceutical issues (ranging from the Prescription Drug User Fee Act to pediatric exclusivity and the Medicare law). He has also been active on issues, such as stem cell research, that are particularly important to the biotech community. On stem cells, Greenwood has proposed restricting reproductive cloning but allowing use of cloning techniques in development of therapeutics. The position, which is in line with BIO's stance, would allow more cloning research than currently permitted under the Bush Administration's policy. Greenwood has also been working on human subject protection issues; his 2002 bill was called "a good first start" by BIO. As head of the Energy & Commerce/Oversight Subcommittee, Greenwood has been investigating possible conflicts of interest by FDA and NIH employees who have consulting deals with industry (3 (Also see "NIH Disclosure Of Outside Activities Differs From Pfizer Report, House Cmte. Finds" - Pink Sheet, 25 Jun, 2004.)). He is also involved in the investigations into the handling of pediatric antidepressant safety data by FDA (4 (Also see "House Committee Requests Unpublished Pediatric Antidepressant Data" - Pink Sheet, 3 Feb, 2004.)). The top priority for any new head of BIO would likely be the emerging debate on developing a pathway for generic biologics. Were Greenwood to accept the position or continue discussions, he would likely have to recluse himself from BIO-related legislative activities. Greenwood would follow former Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-La.) as a prominent congressman openly considering pharmaceutical industry trade association work. Tauzin's talks with the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America attracted negative media attention because the discussions shortly followed passage of the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Tauzin stepped down as chairman to pursue negotiations, but discussions with PhRMA broke off shortly thereafter (5 (Also see "PhRMA Starts Over In CEO Search After Tauzin Negotiations End" - Pink Sheet, 26 Feb, 2004.)). Tauzin then announced he was taking a leave of absence from Congress after being diagnosed with intestinal cancer (6 (Also see "PhRMA Annual Meeting Speakers To Include McClellan, HHS Secretary Thompson" - Pink Sheet, 12 Mar, 2004.)). Tauzin's decision about leaving Congress is further complicated by the concern that a departure before the elections could give the Democrats a better chance to pick up the seat in the November election. Tauzin says he will have an announcement regarding his plans at the end of his term. - M. Nielsen Hobbs |