Arthur H. Hayes Jr.

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Arthur H. Hayes Jr

Arthur H. Hayes Jr. (born 1933) is an American physician and pharmacologist who served as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1981 to 1983. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and played a significant role in the regulatory landscape of pharmaceuticals and medical devices during his tenure.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Hull Hayes Jr. was born in 1933. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Colgate University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended the Weill Cornell Medical College, obtaining his medical degree. Hayes completed his residency in internal medicine at the New York Hospital.

Career

Academic and Medical Career

Before his appointment to the FDA, Hayes had a distinguished career in academia and medicine. He served as a professor of medicine and pharmacology at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and held various positions at the New York Medical College.

Commissioner of the FDA

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Hayes as the Commissioner of the FDA. During his tenure, Hayes was involved in several significant regulatory decisions and initiatives. He oversaw the approval of important drugs and medical devices and worked on policies to streamline the drug approval process.

One of the notable events during his tenure was the Tylenol crisis in 1982, where cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules led to several deaths. Hayes played a crucial role in managing the crisis and implementing new regulations to improve drug safety and packaging.

Post-FDA Career

After resigning from the FDA in 1983, Hayes joined the private sector. He held executive positions in various pharmaceutical companies, including EM Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals.

Legacy

Arthur H. Hayes Jr.'s tenure at the FDA is remembered for his efforts to balance drug safety with the need for timely approval of new therapies. His leadership during the Tylenol crisis is often cited as a pivotal moment in the history of drug regulation in the United States.

See Also

• Food and Drug Administration
• Tylenol crisis
• Ronald Reagan
• Pharmacology
• Weill Cornell Medical College