FDA Names New Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco

On Jan. 26, 2015, FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, appointed Robert Califf, MD, as FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco. Dr. Califf will lead the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and the Center for Tobacco Products. He will also oversee the Office of Special Medical Programs in the Office of the Commissioner. Dr. Califf will provide policy direction on the agency’s medical product and tobacco priorities and will manage clinical, scientific, and regulatory initiatives in personalized medicine, orphan drugs, pediatric science, and the advisory committee system.

“I am delighted to announce this important addition to FDA’s senior leadership team,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, in a press release. “Dr. Califf’s deep knowledge and experience in the areas of medicine and clinical research will enable the agency to capitalize on, and improve upon, the significant advances we’ve made in medical product development and regulation over the last few years.”

Dr. Califf is a recognized global leader in cardiology, clinical research, and medical economics currently serving as vice chancellor of clinical and translational research at Duke University. He was a member of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committees that recommended Medicare coverage of clinical trials and the removal of ephedra from the market and of the IOM’s Committee on Identifying and Preventing Medication Errors. In addition, he served as a member of the FDA Cardiorenal Advisory Panel and FDA Science Board’s Subcommittee on Science and Technology. Currently, he is a member of the IOM Policy Committee and liaison to the Forum in Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation.

Source: FDA.gov