HHS NEWS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


P99-17                                                  FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Print Media:         301-827-6242
September 9, 1999	                                
                                                        Consumer Inquiries:  800-INFO-FDA

BERNARD SCHWETZ, D.V.M., Ph.D., NAMED ACTING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Commissioner of Food and Drugs Jane E. Henney, M.D., today named Bernard Schwetz, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs. In making the appointment, Dr. Henney also announced that Dr. Schwetz will chair the search committee for a permanent FDA Deputy Commissioner.

Dr. Schwetz has most recently served FDA as its Senior Advisor for Science, as well as Director of the National Center for Toxicological Research.

"Bern Schwetz personifies science at the FDA," said Dr. Henney. "I am confident that, as Acting Deputy Commissioner, he will continue to strengthen the agency's science base and help recruit top scientists to the FDA."

Dr. Schwetz, an elected member of the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine, is a nationally recognized expert in reproductive and developmental toxicology. An Adjunct Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, he has extensive experience working with industry, academia, and government agencies.

Before joining FDA in 1993, Dr. Schwetz served as Acting Director of the Environmental Toxicological Program at the NIHís National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, N.C.

During his tenure as Acting Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Schwetz will continue to serve as Senior Advisor for Science, a position he has agreed to fill permanently once a new Deputy Commissioner has been selected.

In a related development, Dr. Henney also announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Casciano as Acting Director of NCTR. Dr. Casciano, who was named Deputy Director for Research earlier this year, will serve as Acting Director until the appointment of a permanent Director.

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