Last week, Billy Tauzin, a 66-year-old cancer survivor, and former Congressman from Louisiana, announced that he would be stepping down as President of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. According to the Wall Street Journal, Tauzin “had faced criticism from some in the drug industry as well as other business groups and Republican leaders for the alliance he made with the White House last year to support health-overhaul legislation.” The support amounted to $80 billion in health-care cost savings over ten years. His resignation is effective June 30.
In support of Mr. Tauzin, Thomas Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, praised his work “for improving the pharmaceutical industry's image.” He noted that when “Mr. Tauzin took over PhRMA in 2005, Billy stabilized the drug industry after drug companies were reeling from a series of recalls and problems with popular drugs linked to death, diseases and suicide."
In response to his announcement, AstraZeneca CEO and PhRMA board chairman David Brennan thanked Billy Tauzin for his service to PhRMA. Mr. Brennan specifically noted that under his leadership, “PhRMA has been a steadfast advocate of policies that support research and development and expand access to new medicines.” He also mentioned the Partnership for Prescription Assistance program, which Tauzin launched to provide financial support to patients with the greatest need. He also recognized Mr. Tauzin for his work strengthening industry codes on direct-to-consumer advertising, clinical trials and interactions with health care professionals.
The AZ CEO also applauded Mr. Tauzin’s accomplishments bringing a new openness to PhRMA's advocacy, ensuring that drug companies partner with anyone willing to join them in their fight against disease.
According to the Washington Post, Pfizer chief executive Jeffrey Kindler, is set to take over the chairmanship next month.
Tauzin’s political instincts have helped keep pharmaceutical companies as a source of new medicines and respected companies. He was successful doing this in a political environment that attempted to demonize industry for everything wrong in the world of medicine. His experience will be missed.