WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Capitol Counsel announced the addition of John Martin as Partner, strengthening its health care practice with the addition of another seasoned expert. This move not only expands their government relations capabilities, but also reinforces their commitment to health policy.
Capitol Counsel’s Partner, Shannon Finley said, “John Martin is a tremendous addition to our already strong health care practice. His experience at FDA and working for two cutting edge biotech companies will be a valuable addition to our clients and our team.”
Commissioner Gottlieb said, “John was a key member of my leadership team while I was at FDA, a trusted adviser, and a relentless advocate for the agency’s public health goals. He led critical legislative efforts to combat opioid addiction, advance medical product innovation, and promote a modern FDA, helping to secure passage of the User Fee Agreements, Over-the-Counter Monograph reform, and the SUPPORT Act, among many other efforts. John’s effective counsel, his leadership inside the agency, and the trusted relationships he forged on Capitol Hill, made the agency stronger.
Martin served under Commissioner Scott Gottlieb as the Principal Associate Commissioner for Legislation at FDA, where he worked closely with the Commissioner and agency leadership to develop and execute legislative initiatives affecting the FDA across a broad range of issues, including the 2017 User Fee Agreement cycle, Over-the-Counter medicine reform, and the VALID Act. He also served as Vice President of Government Affairs at Pardes Biosciences, where he played a crucial role in pursuing non-dilutive funding from the NIH, BARDA, and the Biden Administration to advance a new oral anti-viral treatment for COVID-19. Before that, he held the same role at CRISPR Therapeutics where he led the state and federal government coverage and reimbursement strategy for CTX-001, a potential one-and-done gene therapy treatment for patients with severe Sickle Cell Disease.
“I am excited to join Capitol Counsel and its bipartisan, bicameral team as we help our clients navigate a divided congress,” Martin said. “With the House and Senate poised to tackle a number of complex health care issues, our team is ready to protect our clients and leverage the moment.”
John previously worked in Senator Tom Cotton’s (R-AR) office in both the House and Senate before leaving as his Legislative Director, with a stint in between working for Governor Asa Hutchinson as his Senior Health Policy Advisor. During his time in Arkansas, he developed and secured legislative approval for Arkansas Works, the Governor’s conservative reforms to Medicaid expansion.
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