FDA Head Confirmed

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Cardiologist Robert Califf was today (February 24) confirmed as the next commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A US Senate vote (89-4) ended a months-long political debate related to Califf’s nomination by the Obama administration in September 2015. Stephen Ostroff has served as interim FDA commissioner since Margaret Hamburg resigned her post as the agency’s chief early last year.

“Dr. Califf is a seasoned, smart and energetic leader who will meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving research ecosystem,” Research!America President and CEO Mary Woolley said in a statement.

“Dr. Califf’s considerable expertise and long experience in clinical and translational medicine makes him well-suited to lead the FDA’s efforts to assure the safety and effectiveness of treatments and medical devices to ensure that the right treatment is delivered to the right person at the right time,” Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer of the American Society...