The AP reports that the Senate yesterday confirmed bioterrorism expert Dr. Margaret Hamburg as the new commissioner of the FDA, noting that she is “only the second woman to hold the post in 100 years of agency history.” The AP suggests that her “first priority will be to help direct development of a vaccine for the new swine flu. She says she also wants to revamp food safety.” The piece continues to explore the recent challenges faced by the agency, including recalls of foods and drugs, adding, “Hamburg, 53, told senators at her confirmation hearing that she wants to restore public confidence in the agency by putting science first and running an open and accountable operation.”
From the American Association for Justice news release.