Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and a major architect of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, will become president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America as of Jan. 3. He takes over from Alan Holmer, 55, who is retiring.
Tauzin, 61, announced earlier this year that he didn't plan to seek re-election after 13 terms in Congress, citing health concerns. In a statement on PhRMA's Web site, Tauzin said he was diagnosed with intestinal cancer this year but beat the disease with the help of oncology drugs.
"As I worked through my recovery, I realized I wanted to work in an industry whose mission is no less than saving and enhancing lives," he said.
Tauzin withdrew from earlier negotiations with PhRMA in February after criticism by Democrats and consumer groups that it was improper for him to consider a position with the drug industry group given his role in developing the Medicare law.
