HHS forms cancer office at FDA

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson announced on Friday the formation of a new office at FDA -- the Office of Oncology Drug Products. All review functions for drugs and therapeutic biologics to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer will be consolidated into the ODP. The agency will launch a nationwide search for a director of the office. The ODP is intended to make cancer reviews more efficient and consistent, Thompson said.

The new office will be part of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). FDA plans to announce details of the grouping of products and staffing of the ODP's three divisions this summer. ...