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...