“HHS secretary Alex Azar reportedly has his eye on nominating Brett Giroir — controversially confirmed as assistant secretary of HHS last year — to head the FDA as judgment day on Ned Sharpless’ term as acting commissioner looms.”
“President Donald Trump must make a decision about the commissioner of food and drugs by November 1, as mandated by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 that entitles a Senate-confirmed position to be filled in an acting capacity for a maximum of 210 days, after the position is vacated. The effervescent Scott Gottlieb resigned as FDA commissioner earlier this year, departing officially on April 5.”
“Sharpless, a physician/scientist who previously served as head of the National Cancer Institute, was widely seen as Gottlieb’s chosen successor and was warmly embraced by the biopharma industry when he ascended to the FDA throne. Backing him will be a smoother choice by the White House…”
“His appointment as FDA commissioner will trigger concerns that the agency will end up entangled in the tentacles of politics regarding drug importation, reproductive and women’s health, FDA civil servants told BioCentury.”
“Endpoints News has contacted Azar and Gottlieb for comment on the report…” Read the full article here.
Source: Azar keen on nominating Brett Giroir, divisive assistant HHS secretary, to top job at FDA – By Natalie Grover, September 3, 2019. End Points News.
