The imminent departure of US Food & Drug Administration Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy is clearly a loss of leadership for an agency already living through an uncertain transition period, but does leave open the ability for the next commissioner (whether it is Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcook or another nominee) to choose a number two that reflects that individual’s priorities.
Woodcock announced Abernethy’s intention to leave FDA in a 23 March email to staff. In an interview...