Rumor mill singles out Friedman

Washington Notebook

WASHINGTON - Lead Deputy FDA Commissioner Michael Friedman is emerging as the leading candidate to be nominated by President Clinton as the next FDA Commissioner, according to industry and Capitol Hill sources. Friedman, who successfully negotiated terms of the second round of prescription drug user fees with the Biotechnology Industry Organization and PhRMA, is said to be one of about five names HHS Secretary Donna Shalala recently forwarded to the White House and is considered to be the administration's top choice...