Amgen appoints ex US surgeon general

Amgen has named former US surgeon general Steven Galson as senior VP, global regulatory affairs and safety. He was previously VP, global regulatory affairs.

Galson has a distinguished career in public health, serving as acting surgeon general from 2007 to 2009, as well as assistant secretary for health during the transition from the administration of George W Bush to that of President Barack Obama.

From 2001 to 2007 he served as deputy director and then director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

This direct experience in regulatory affairs and public health will benefit Amgen as Galson takes over responsibility for the company's regulatory and patient safety functions.

After leaving his public health duties Galson served as VP for civilian health operations at Science Applications International Corporation until October 2010 when he joined Amgen.