FDA chief counsel soon on GSK payroll

In a move that is likely to make industry watchdogs wag their tales, Daniel Troy, formerly chief counsel at FDA from 2001 to 2004, has just signed on to be a senior vice president and general counsel at GlaxoSmithKline. 

Famous (and perhaps infamous) for being a good friend to the industry while at the FDA, Troy has been representing pharmaceutical companies and trade associations in their interactions with the agency. For example, the preemption ball [1] began rolling under his tutelage, when FDA began filing amicus briefs in support of pharma companies and medical device makers to protect them from state-based lawsuits, if the products already had met approval and labeling standards. In the fall, the U.S. Supreme Court will determine if it remains possible for patients to sue either once a product receives FDA approval. Troy also is known for telling subordinates to issue fewer warning layers while at FDA.

GSK definitely has a current need for Troy's services, as the U.K. company faces continuing issues regarding its famous antidepressant Paxil and some questionable marketing practices, including federal and congressional investigations.

Between his tenure at FDA and assuming his new role on September 2, Troy's been a partner at the Washington law firm Sidley Austin LLP. In addition, rumor has it that today, Andrew Witty, the new chief executive of GSK, will spill the beans about his strategic review.   

- here's the Wall Street Journal article [2]
- read more [3] at Money am
- see the PharmaLive coverage [4]
- check out the Pharmalot blog post [5]

Related Articles:
FDA recruits a new generation of drug regulators [6]
1,300 new hires planned for FDA expansion [7]
Judge reverses Paxil preemption ruling [1]
Behind the scenes of GSK's overhaul [8]