News
03/05/1992

<TITLE>Appointmentof Kathryn C. Zoon as Director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research</TITLE>
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P92-6                                         Food and Drug Administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Monica Revelle -- (301)443-4177

    Food and Drugs Commissioner David A. Kessler, M.D., today announced the   
appointment of Kathryn C. Zoon, Ph.D., as director of FDA's Center for        
Biologics Evaluation and Research.
    The center is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of    
biological products, such as vaccines, therapeutics and blood products        
manufactured for interstate sale.  It also coordinates FDA's efforts against  
AIDS, and works to develop an AIDS vaccine and AIDS diagnostic tests.
    "Dr. Zoon's exceptional managerial experience and her outstanding         
scientific accomplishments will serve her well in this new capacity," Dr.     
Kessler said.  "Furthermore, her experience with regulatory and scientific    
programs will enable her to be a prominent force in the area of               
biotechnology regulation."
    Gerald V. Quinnan, Jr., M.D., who had been acting center director since   
1989, will resume the position of deputy director.  "Dr. Quinnan's efforts    
in this position have exemplified his dedication to the job of protecting     
the public health and promoting good science," Dr. Kessler said.
    Dr. Zoon has been with CBER since 1980.  In 1988 she was named director   
of the division of cytokine biology, which conducts research on cell biology  
and cellular and molecular immunology.

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                                                        Page 2, P92-6, Zoon
    Dr. Zoon has been recognized with FDA Awards of Merit for her scientific  
and managerial accomplishments and for her work on the cytokine review        
group, for the expeditious review and licensing of AIDS-related cytokine      
products.  She also received the Commissioner's Special Citation Award for    
exceptional leadership in cytokine biology research and review.
    Dr. Zoon has a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Rensselaer    
Polytechnic Institute and a doctor of philosophy degree from Johns Hopkins    
University.  She also had a post doctoral staff fellowship with the National  
Institutes of Health where she worked with Nobel Laureate Christian B.        
Anfinsen on one of the first biotechnology-derived products, human            
interferon alpha.
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