Dr. Andrew Von Eschenbach, the acting head of the FDA, is continuing his work at the National Cancer Institute despite assurances from the administration that he would step down to concentrate on his work at the regulatory agency. The political daily The Hill reports that von Eschenbach remained on the job at the National Cancer Institute as of last week and continues to be quoted in official announcements as the agency's director. Following von Eschenbach's appointment in September, some critics raised questions about conflicts of interest inherent in the situation. Some argue that the National Cancer Institute's role of developing new therapies to fight cancer is at odds with the FDA's mission as a regulatory watchdog.
- see this article from The Hill