McClellan To The Rescue? J&J Adds Former FDA Commish On Board

For those keeping track of the relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and former FDA staffers, Johnson & Johnson has just added Mark McClellan, who served as agency commissioner from 2002 to 2004 and then headed the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services from 2004 to 2006, to its board of directors. Such a move is unlikely to be seen as unusual because companies want people with specialized expertise and perspective to advise managerial teams. And McClellan, of course, does have a unique perspective,given that he brings high-level insights into regulatory and reimbursement policies to one of the world’s largest purveyors of health care products. "Dr. McClellan has a distinguished record in the public sector as well as a deep understanding and vision for the future of health care," said J&J ceo Alex Gorsky says in a statement. "Mark shares our aspiration to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives and personally is committed to improving health care across the globe. He will be a valued leader on our board." However, his arrival can also be seen as a needed bid by the health care giant to strengthen its wobbly compliance record. In addition to serving on the science, technology and sustainability committee, McClellan will sit on the regulatory, compliance and government affairs committee. This makes sense not only because of his experience, but because of recent events that have preoccupied J&J. Although its stock has become a favorit...
Source: Pharmalot - Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: Source Type: blogs