MTI Profile: US FDA's Second-In-Command Has Her Eye On A Tech-Forward Future

As principal deputy commissioner of the FDA, Amy Abernethy is focused on developing overarching policies that affect all its product centers. But perhaps what will stand as her legacy is her work to develop a data-centered strategy to improve how the agency reviews products and ensures their long-term safety and efficacy.

FDA Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernathy speaking at Reagan-Udall Foundation for FDA.(
As the second-in-command at the US FDA, Amy Abernethy is also tasked with developing the agency's technology needs • Source: Ferdous Al-Faruque

When Scott Gottlieb stepped down as commissioner for the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this summer, one name immediately rocketed to the top of the list as his potential replacement: Amy Abernethy, the agency's principal deputy commissioner.

As second-in-command at the agency, Abernethy is responsible for developing consistent policies across centers. She also serves as the FDA's...

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