Nov 12, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Biden nominates Robert Califf as FDA commissioner

Erin Doherty

Dr. Robert Califf testifies during his nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee November 17, 2015 in Washington, DC. — Robert Califf testifies during his nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee November 2015 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

President Biden said on Friday that he will nominate Obama-era Food and Drug Administration commissioner Robert Califf to again lead the agency.

Why it matters: The nomination comes after a search for the next commissioner spanned many months and as the new commissioner enters at a critical juncture in the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Politico reports.

Driving the news: "Dr. Robert Califf is one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country, and has the experience and expertise to lead the Food and Drug Administration during a critical time in our nation’s fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic," Biden said in a statement on Friday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Califf would manage decisions over COVID-19 vaccines and the agency's tobacco and pharmaceutical policies, per Politico.
Califf previously served as FDA commissioner from 2016-2017, when he was confirmed in 2016 by an 89-4 vote in the Senate.
Politico first reported on Califf's expected nomination.

What he's saying: "As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA," Biden said.

"Dr. Califf had strong bipartisan support in the Senate in 2016, and I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Califf so he can continue the important work being done at this critical moment."

State of play: Janet Woodcock, a longtime leader of the FDA office that reviews drugs, has served as the acting FDA commissioner since January.

Woodcock's candidacy for the full-time commissioner position stalled, predominately over some Democrats' concerns over her relationship with the pharmaceutical industry, Axios' Tina Reed reports.

Go deeper: Biden's CMS head confirmed, but FDA pick remains elusive

Editor's note: This story has been updated with President Biden's statement.

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Biden nominates Robert Califf as FDA commissioner

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