Ex-NYC Health Chief Picked to Head FDA

Bioterror expert and former New York City health commissioner Margaret Hamburg has been picked to head the FDA, insiders tell the Washington Post. Hamburg—who still must be confirmed by Congress—will be taking charge of an agency shaken by a series of high-profile failures that many lawmakers say is due for a complete restructuring.

Hamburg created an anti-bioterrorism program under the Clinton administration and has been the senior scientist at a foundation seeking to reduce the global threat from biological and chemical weapons since 2001. Baltimore health commissioner Joshua Sharfstein, who won national attention for taking on drug companies over the marketing of cold remedies to young children, has been picked as Hamburg's chief deputy.
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