FierceBiotechFierceBioResearcherFierceVaccinesFiercePharma   FierceHealthcare

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 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
- read more at Money am
-
see the PharmaLive coverage
- check out the Pharmalot blog post

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

More stories about FDA   Daniel Troy   GlaxoSmithKline  

Comments

There could be a huge problem with the appointment of Troy as GSK's General Counsel...possibly involving criminal conduct. At the FDA just a few years ago, Troy was probably (no doubt) privy to inside information regarding reported ongoing Federal investigations regarding GSK and their marketing practices among other matters. Since the company nor the Feds have had anything to say substantially about the investigations, it is probably safe to say that they are under Court Seal. They are said to have begun in Colorado and then on to Boston....There is no doubt that during the appointment of Daniel Troy that he most likely gave confidential information to GSK. This would be a criminal act and he should face charges in a Court of law. He needs to be deposed by a congressional committee as to what he knew about GSK's problems while at the FDA and most importantly, if there are any Court Sealed proceedings against the company...has he broken the Seal and the law, by spilling the beans to GSK--who now pays him millions. He may have become GSK's hired prostitute, but if he broke the law--he needs to pay the piper. He is an enemy to patients
rights and safety, and places the profits of drug companies over the patients right to sue for damage caused by their products. Somebody please follow up on this...Contacting Senator Grassley of Iowa or Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York would be a good first step. Both are ethical and involved in issues like this. Some light needs to be shined on these cockroaches (GSK and Troy ).

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

More information about formatting options

What is 6 + 58?
To combat spam, please solve the math question above.