Bush picks von Eschenbach as FDA chief: W.House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President George W. Bush chose
acting Food and Drug Administration chief Andrew von Eschenbach
as his nominee to become the permanent commissioner of the
health agency, the White House said on Wednesday.

The nomination, which needs Senate approval, may reignite
debate over the FDA’s delayed decision regarding easier access
to emergency contraception.

The decision also comes in the wake of recent concerns
faced by the agency over drug safety.

Von Eschenbach has been acting FDA commissioner since
September, when Commissioner Lester Crawford resigned less than
three months after he was confirmed by the Senate for the job.