If You Can't Beat 'Em, Hire 'Em

Submitted by Judith Siers-Poisson on

Daniel Troy served as chief counsel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2001 to 2004. Starting September 2, 2008, he will be head counsel for the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Before his stint at the FDA, Troy "fought the agency on behalf of the right to use medical-journal articles to suggest off-label uses for drugs and medical devices." He was also an active litigator who worked against consumer interests. "Representing the Washington Legal Foundation, an industry-supported business think tank, Mr. Troy argued for the protection of commercial speech. ... He was also part of the winning team representing Brown & Williamson in a suit against the FDA regarding tobacco advertising." At the FDA, he was known as a loyal friend of the very industries the regulatory agency is charged with monitoring. "Under Mr. Troy, the agency began filing amicus briefs opposing lawsuits against drug and medical-device makers, saying that having met the FDA's approval and labeling standards, manufacturers should be protected from state-based suits for damages." His move to GSK is another example of the revolving door between government and industry. GSK said of Troy, "His wealth of experience in the regulatory legislative area will be of enormous benefit to us, and ultimately to patients."

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub req'd) July 23, 2008
Topics: 
Corporations
Ethics
Health
Lobbying
Pharmaceuticals
Think Tanks
Tobacco
U.S. Government

Comments

Roberteve1@aol.com replied on

I am so glad that I found this website!!!
I love America and i don't want our future generations looking down at us 40 years later wondering why we didn't do any thing about what President Bush and his top officials allowed to happen in Iraq.
As most of us do know that what he and his comrads did really hurt America and it's reputation with other countries. Accountability is definitely in the cards for these leaders since we trusted them as leaders to take care of OUR country and to make good choices and to protect the lives of others.
If there is any thing that I can do to make a difference then let me know!

Pani113 replied on

I say every single tax payer should get a doll in his likenes and stick pins in it daily!

Mutternich replied on

The only true long-term solution to the government-industry revolving door is a hereditary caste system in which individuals are born to serve either in industry or government, never both.