Obama Nominates Dr. Robert Califf for FDA Commissioner

Other names mentioned in connection with the post in recent months include Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), cardiologist Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic and Susan Wood, director of the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health.

Dr. Nancy Andrews, dean of the School of Medicine at Duke University, who worked with Califf, said Califf is data-driven in his decision-making.

Califf is a known quantity at the FDA. “He is one of our nation’s leaders in the growing field of translational research, which is key to ensuring that advances in science translate into medical care”.

Not everyone is pleased by the appointment, however.

While aspirants to the post must receive a confirmation from the U.S. Senate, experts believe that Califf will not face any serious opposition because of his distinguished career in the academe, with most of his achievements coinciding with his tenure in Duke.

Califf did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

“Dr Califf’s expertise and his close ties to the pharmaceutical industry are both well-known”, she reportedly said. He added that it would be “useful to have someone [leading the FDA] who understands how companies operate because you’re interacting with them all the time”. In fact, Califf has twice before been considered for the top role at the FDA, having been interviewed once by the administration of the last President George Bush and by Obama’s team before Hamburg was selected.

Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are working on legislation to accelerate federal approval of new drugs and medical devices, an initiative that is being applauded by medical groups but is viewed warily by many consumer advocates. He was nominated Tuesday by President Barack Obama to be commissioner of the FDA.