FDA Appoints New Chief Scientist

Rockville, MD (Apr. 9)-The US Food and Drug Administration appointed Frank M. Torti, MD, MPH, as principal deputy commissioner and chief scientist. Torti’s appointment with FDA will begin in May.

The position of chief scientist is a new post created as a part of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 and is designed to “ensure the quality and regulatory focus of the intramural research programs of the agency and place special emphasis on the importance of clinical research trials that are a part of the foundation of the FDA’s regulatory structure,” the agency said in a press release.

Torti has a background in molecular oncology and is chair of the Department of Cancer Biology and director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Torti received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Torti has served on several health and medical committees. FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, stated “Dr. Torti’s impressive clinical and scientific credentials are an excellent match for the work we do on a daily basis to promote and protect the nation’s health as a science-based and science-led agency,” in a press release.