The Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America's annual meeting could serve as one of Mark McClellan's first speaking engagements as the new head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

McClellan, currently FDA commissioner and the confirmed CMS administrator, is among the scheduled speakers at PhRMA's annual meeting April 1-3 in Palm Beach, Fla. McClellan also spoke at PhRMA's 2003 meeting.

Other repeat appearances at PhRMA are HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and Sen. John Breaux (D-La.).

One speaker from the 2002/2003 annual meetings not returning this year is Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.).

Tauzin was considered a front runner to succeed PhRMA CEO Alan Holmer, but has broken off negotiations. The congressman has been diagnosed with intestinal cancer.

Access to prescription drugs will be one topic of the 2004 gathering; PhRMA has convened a working group headed by Pfizer Exec VP Karen Katen to study the issue ahead of the annual meeting.

A panel discussion on drug access will include Rep. Donna Christensen (D-V.I.); Alzheimer's Association CEO Sheldon Goldberg; and Children's Health Fund President Irwin Redlener, MD. Direct Relief International CEO Thomas Tighe is scheduled to give a separate address.

Other scheduled speakers are Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Director Julie Gerberding, MD; Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Penn.); Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R); and actor and Parkinson's disease activist Michael J. Fox.

- Kate Rawson

PhRMA Annual Meeting Speakers To Include McClellan, HHS Secretary Thompson

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