President Trump names new FDA chief
Stephen Hahn, managing director of the MD Anderson Cancer Center has been appointed as the next Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner by President Donald Trump.
Hahn is a well-regarded radiation oncologist who currently serves as the chief medical officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Sharpless, who has been acting as FDA commissioner will return to his previous role as director of the National Cancer Institute. Due to a federal vacancies law, acting officers are limited to 210-day tenures and so November 1st was the last day Sharpless could remain in charge without Trump naming who would be the next FDA commissioner.
As news of the appointment broke, key industry leaders shared their thoughts on the appointment:
Scott Whitaker, CEO of AdvaMed
“Dr. Hahn’s distinguished career as a healthcare provider and researcher gives him a unique perspective on the importance of patient access to the latest medical advances."
Ronald Ennis, government relations council chair of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
"With a background in radiation oncology and medical oncology, he is uniquely positioned to advance the crucial work of the FDA.”
FDA commissioner Robert Califf
"I don't know Dr. Hahn, but his reputation is good, and he appears to be a good leader and administrator.
"However, it takes a while to get to know how the FDA works."
While Hahn moves through the confirmation process, Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the United States department of health and human services, will serve as interim commissioner.