Dr Andrew von Eschenbach has been nominated by George W Bush to lead the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).


Von Eschenbach has served as acting FDA commissioner since September 2005, whilst also director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) – a position to which he was named in January 2002.


“Andy is an inspired choice to provide permanent leadership at this critical agency. His career has been defined by his vision for progress in research and passion for the care of patients, two qualities which will serve the agency and the American public well,” US health and human services secretary Mike Leavitt said.