Kennedy's HHS Nomination Sparks Mixed Reactions in Medtech Sector

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services has generated both cautious optimism and concerns in the medtech sector, with concerns including a less science-based regulatory environment and potential user fee cuts.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds a campaign rally in January 2024
(Bryan Regan/Shutterstock)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump on 14 November to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has expressed controversial views on several regulated industries. He’s promised to revisit federal vaccine recommendations, take fluoride out of public water, and remove dyes and other additives from the food supply. But on medical devices, the former environmental lawyer has been uncharacteristically mum.

Medtech industry insiders contacted by Medtech Insight were unaware of any specific views Kennedy has expressed around medtech. His core areas of focus have been vaccines, drugs and food, “probably in that order,” one source said. However, Trump’s suggestion that Kennedy “

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