Former US FDA Commissioners’ Letter On Woodcock: Why This One Is Different Than Sharpless

Margaret Hamburg says selection process may move faster once Xavier Becerra is confirmed as HHS secretary since 'the chemistry of the relationship between the FDA commissioner and the HHS secretary is important.'

Four former FDA commissioners speak during Stat webinar.
Former Commissioner Jane Henney, bottom left, said she was not surprised President Biden has yet to announce his FDA commissioner nominee. • Source: Screenshot

Two former US Food and Drug Administration leaders not only indicated that Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock should become the next permanent agency leader, but argued that she is able make substantive moves at the FDA even while in the temporary role.

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CDRH Staff Cuts Focus On Administrative Workers, Spare Reviewers

 

One CDRH employee said the cuts already are having a major effect on morale.

Updated: US Likely To Lose Its First Approver Advantage After FDA Layoffs

Mass FDA layoffs on 1 April were designed to spare product reviewers, but still touched many who are critical to the application review process or drug development, which could mean fewer treatments are brought to the US market first.

Updated: US FDA Commissioner Makary Was Sworn In, Knew Of Plan to Push Out Marks, Sources Say

 

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary was sworn in Friday and knew of the plan that ultimately lead to CBER director Peter Marks' resignation on 28 March.

Peter Marks Resigns From US FDA, Warns Kennedy Does Not Want Truth On Vaccines

 

In his resignation letter, the CBER director said he was willing to work with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address concerns about vaccine safety, but "it has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary."

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Newest HHS Staff Cuts Could Stymie CMS Health Plan Oversight

 
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A former CMS manager worries casework and other necessary functions could suffer as a result of the 300 staff cuts at the agency that are part of a massive HHS restructuring.

Oncology Center Of Excellence Deputy Directors Kluetz, Theoret Join US FDA Exodus

 

The April departures of Paul Kluetz and Marc Theoret follow resignations by other senior agency scientific staff and come on top of HHS’ plans to lay off 3,500 FDA employees.

Power Play: US FDA Likely Losing More Than Just Staff With Restructured Health Department

 

About 3,500 full-time FDA employees are expected to be laid off as part of a restructuring of the Health and Human Services Department and experts questioned whether the cuts could be implemented without harming FDA’s core mission.