Robert Califf’s Candidacy for FDA Commissioner Faces Uncertainty

January 31, 2022

The Biden Administration’s nominee for FDA commissioner is on shaky ground as he faces skepticism from some Democrats and a push from GOP lawmakers to nix his nomination. Califf’s nomination was only supported by four Republicans in the committee, and he faces opposition from five Democratic Senators. The nominee’s supporters pin some of the blame on the Biden administration’s lack of support, but some lawmakers point out his private sector work since his last run at the FDA.

According to Politico, “ He most recently led health strategy and policy at Alphabet, Google’s parent company, where financial disclosures show he was paid millions in stock and more than $2.7 million in salary and bonuses. The clinical trial expert also must divest holdings in health care companies including Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Bristol Myers Squibb and Walgreens Boots Alliance. Senators have also expressed concern about Califf’s pharmaceutical industry ties and FDA’s track record regulating opioids.”