Robert Califf Likely To Find Many Familiar Problems Upon His Return To US FDA

President Biden’s pick for FDA commissioner should remember many of the hot-button issues that he would face upon confirmation, such as drug pricing and approval standards.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner nominee Doctor Robert Califf testifies at his nomination hearing at the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, November 17, 2015. REUTERS/Gary Cameron
• Source: Reuters/Gary Cameron

Should Robert Califf gain a second term as FDA commissioner, he likely will find that many of the issues demanding attention remain the same as when he left the agency five years ago, even though the names of the products now linked with them are different.

As expected, President Biden announced his intention to nominate Califf for FDA commissioner on 12 November. If confirmed, he will...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from US FDA

Pink Sheet Podcast: Prasad Staying Out Of Application Reviews, US FDA Proposed Budget Cuts

Pink Sheet reporter and editors discuss CBER Director Vinay Prasad’s expectation to stay out of routine application decisions, despite the agency’s top-down leadership approach, and the extent of proposed FDA budget cuts.

To Compete With China, US FDA Must Deregulate Early Gene Therapy Studies, CAR-T Inventor Says

 

FDA regulation was painted as an obstacle to US dominance in the cell and gene therapy space even as panelists at an agency event praised the Office of Therapeutic Products' track record under Nicole Verdun.

Prasad Says Involvement In US FDA Product Approvals Will Mirror Prior CBER Directors

 

The remarks from the new CBER director suggest Prasad will not be involved in most product-specific decisions.

US FDA Cell-Gene Therapy Head Says Agency Has Revived Stalled Programs

 

CBER's Nicole Verdun wants rare disease sponsors with stalled treatments to circle back because the FDA's evolved thinking on clinical trial designs may offer another opportunity for cast away products.

More from Agency Leadership

Prasad Says Involvement In US FDA Product Approvals Will Mirror Prior CBER Directors

 

The remarks from the new CBER director suggest Prasad will not be involved in most product-specific decisions.

US FDA Cell-Gene Therapy Head Says Agency Has Revived Stalled Programs

 

CBER's Nicole Verdun wants rare disease sponsors with stalled treatments to circle back because the FDA's evolved thinking on clinical trial designs may offer another opportunity for cast away products.

FDA’s FY 2026 Budget Request Lacks New Policy Proposals

 
• By 

The White House requested $6.8bn for the FDA, down 3.9% from the current funding level, but does not propose any legislative changes. In previous years, the agency used the budget process to seek statutory fixes specific to generic drugs and shortages.