Lester Crawford resigned today from his position as commissioner of the FDA.
In an internal memo to all staff, obtained by MM&M, Crawford wrote, “After three and a half years as Deputy Commissioner, Acting Commissioner and, finally, as Commissioner, it is time at the age of 67, to step aside. I am doing so with deep gratitude to the President and both Secretaries of Health and Human Services for whom I have been privileged to serve.
“I also must thank the extraordinary people of FDA for the honor of having served with them a fourth time over a 30 year period. They have made public service a joy and a pleasure as we worked together to accomplish great things for public health. Certainly, the Critical Path Initiative, the Drug Safety Program, the three user fee acts passed since 2002, and the various good manufacturing practice reforms will continue to make a difference in the lives of all Americans.”
Crawford was confirmed as commissioner in July.